Leaking Power Steering- Seals or ?

[dmj]

I have a 1999 Aurora with 147000 miles. I have had it for a couple of years and have had no significant leaks. Recently I noticed what appears to be power steering fluid leaking on the ground when the car is parked. It leaves a small spot under the engine. When I check the power steering level it is always low. I have just been adding power steering fluid but I am afraid that it is a sign of something I need to correct quickly.

I looked under the car to see if I could identify the source for the leaks but it appears to be spreading the fluids over the underside of the car in a uniform manner.

What is a good suggestion. Keep adding power steering fluid and not worry unless it gets far worse? Take it to an auto shop with a lift to have them suggest a solution (possible $$$$)? Buy a reconditioned rack and replace it myself? This may be more than I want to take on since I don't have a lift. Or? I am open to suggestions. Power steering pump is not leaking nor do the hoses appears to be leaking.

Thanks,

Dan

[Toronado3800]

Tough one.

You could have a shop change your oil (not jiffy lube) and ask them if they could take a peek at your power steering.

You could clean the bottom of your car then after it gets done dripping set about WATCHING it idle. Maybe have a friend turn the wheel while you watch for drips.

Maybe do the latter then try the shop if you can't find it? I hate cleaning "electronic" engine bays though lol.

[tigger]

Well, it can be done on jackstands...

Gotta find the leak first though.

[Randy T.]

I recently replaced the rack in my '97, I used a used one that I already had, reman or new are pretty expensive.

[dmj]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I am afraid that the rack will need replacing. Having a shop do it will cost $$$, most will not use your parts even if they are new because they don't want to stand behind their work if they cannot use parts that they purchase and feel are appropriate. You can get a reconditioned rack for $140 + but most appear to be in the $ 350+ cost. On top of that you have to pay for the labor and materials charges.

Trying to keep the cost down but I want to continue to have a safe vehicle.

Looks like I will be getting an estimate of costs and then go from there.

I appreciate all the comments and welcome any other ideas.

[Toronado3800]

Mar 31, 2015 8:58:58 GMT -6 dmj said:

Thanks for the suggestions.

I am afraid that the rack will need replacing. Having a shop do it will cost $$$, most will not use your parts even if they are new because they don't want to stand behind their work if they cannot use parts that they purchase and feel are appropriate. You can get a reconditioned rack for $140 + but most appear to be in the $ 350+ cost. On top of that you have to pay for the labor and materials charges.

Trying to keep the cost down but I want to continue to have a safe vehicle.

Looks like I will be getting an estimate of costs and then go from there.

I appreciate all the comments and welcome any other ideas.

Dmj, I am reading on the cell, so maybe I missed something. Did you actually figure out it was the rack?

A few years back my then 170,000 MarkVIII developed a power steering leak 30 miles from home. Ended up being a line problem. One in a terrible place could not service there. Still it was not a rack.

[dmj]

The pump is not leaking and the hoses don't have any sign of leaks. The only sign of leaks I can find is on the rack. I have had hard steering and noise from the steering so I felt it must be the steering rack. No being able to get it on a lift and observe the steering when I moved the wheel back and forth has been a limit to my efforts to find the leak.

[sall]

Jacks and jackstands. Many do this to bleed air from the PS system so they can freely clock the wheels side to side.

[dmj]

Thanks!