While having a good look at my steering rack, linkage, and control arms,
I noticed a leak on the lower large hose leading to my power steering pump.
It appeared to be a slow leak. The PS fluid chamber is filled to spec.
1) Can a leak cause air to seep in and make steering less responsive?
2) Should I worry about it if I don't see evidence of loss enough to
lower the system fluid levels?
And, I replaced my Oil Pressure Sensor a while back, and used teflon
sealing tape, but everything on the OPS and aft side of the oil pan is still
covered in oil. No driveway leaks. Any suggestion on that? Or can it be
ignored?
Dave
Joe - 02 Sep 2004 16:42 GMT
The PS system will automatically bleed out small amounts of air. Large
amounts of air could interfere with the pump getting lubricated, but you'd
have to have a lot of air for that to happen.
If there is no noticeable fluid loss, I wouldn't worry about it.
I have oil leak symptoms similar to yours, and I think I have finally
narrowed it down to the upper oil pan gasket. Mine drips after driving,
though. To that end, a mechanic once thought my PS pump was leaking because
there was oil on the pump from the oil leak. The oil blows all over the
place when the car is in motion, so make sure your PS leak is really PS
fluid.
If the oil leak isn't dripping (mine is) I again wouldn't worry about it.
> While having a good look at my steering rack, linkage, and control
> arms,
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>
> Dave
Filipp Stepanov - 04 Sep 2004 05:41 GMT
FYI,
There was a recall on a '97 power steering hose clamp. I had it done way
back when it was just announced.
> While having a good look at my steering rack, linkage, and control arms,
> I noticed a leak on the lower large hose leading to my power steering pump.
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>
> Dave
David Geesaman - 07 Sep 2004 12:19 GMT
Yes, that clamp is right against the steering pinion housing. My leak is
over at the pump.
Dave
> FYI,
>
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> >
> > Dave