Need help with power steering leak

[kauz]

First of all, this is my first post here. I've been reading previous posts about the power steering leak, but most threads unfortunately do not end with any conclusions. So, I am hoping that I hear from those of you who may have solved this problem in the past.

I am working on an 89 Camry 3SFE engine, USA built. I'm doing a bunch of repairs on the car but I won't get into that. The specific problem I am trying to solve is the power steering leak. Here are the specifics:

1. The fluid level keeps going down after only a few short trips.

2. I see what looks like power steering gunk on the passenger side firewall and on the power steering tubes, specially the high pressure tube with the banjo fitting.

3. Oddly enough, no sign of fluid on the power steering pump belt.

I've already got the pump out with the banjo and rubber tubes attached . I disconnected them from the top and pulled the whole pump and the tubes out from under the car. I have the passenger side axle out so made taking out the pump a bit easier, but still a big pain in the neck.

The problem is that there is so much fluid every where, on the tubes, on the pump, on the side and firewall, and I can't figure out where the leak is coming from. Being the nucklehead that I am, I didn't try turning the steeiring wheel with the engine running and looking for leaks. Now that I have everything taken apart it's too late for that.

So again, based on previous experience what fixed the leak on your car? Was it the banjo fitting, the high pressure tube, the pump?

How expensive is the tube with the banjo fitting? Do you replace the whole tube as an assembly?

Since there is so much fluid on the firewall and the fluid level goes down so quickly, I personally think it's got to be the high pressure side squirting all over the place. But, why not any signs of fluid at all on the belt?

Sorry about this long post , but I wanted to provide you with good information about the problem.

Your quick replies would be greatly appreciated as I need to get this car running again and out of my garage.

[Kingdom934]

On my '85 Camry, the leak was coming from one of the main power steering hose, the high pressure one I believe. Sprayed PS fuild all over the engine since the multi slits on the high pressure hose was more or less facing up to the under side of the hood.


My uncle got the genuine part of it, would have costed him around $180 but he got it for $130 because he has a friend at the parts department.

[Doctor J]

The high pressure hose is most likely the suspect,unless the rack end seals are leaking.
The replacement hose is avalable from Powercraft, Beck-Arnley and imported brand (forgot the name) sold on the Internet which is closest to OEM in appearance. I got my from the junkyard (Beck-Arnley).

[kauz]

Thank you Doctor J and Kingdom934 for your reply. I'm checking into aftermarket hose replacement.

Was it the metal hose itself or the Banjo that was leaking?

Have you thought of a way to test the high pressure hose?

What if it's just the Banjo fitting that's leaking? Has anyone tried changing the metal washer in the Banjo fitting?

Thanks!

[kauz]

OK, I checked and it seems that I can get an after market high pressure hose for about $35 from my local auto part sotres., But, I still don't like the idea of replacing the hose if it's just the banjo fitting that's leaking. I wish I had checked for leaks before I took every thing apart.

Can anyone answer any of the questions in my previous reply?

Thanks!

[HomeGrown]

I just did my high pressure hose last weekend, got it from AutoZone for around $30.
I also ran into the same thing you did, that there was so much fluid & crud all over everything, I just had to make a best-guess that it was this hose, and it was. Like yours, I also had no fluid on the belt. But tons of it all over the pump. Once it's been leaking awhile, it's nearly impossible to pinpoint the actual source. I don't have any evidence that it was simply leaking @ the banjo fitting. I don't really suspect it was, because it was pretty tight. What I wouldn't do, after all that hard work, is put it back together without relpacing that hose. I replaced mine with the pump in place. Had to take the hood off to gain reasonable working room.

BTW: just to clarify:

.... Has anyone tried changing the metal washer in the Banjo fitting?

There are 2 washers on the banjo fitting, one top & one bottom.

[kauz]

HomeGrown, I will take your advice and replace the hose and will let you know the result. Thanks!

[havrecamry]

I recently replaced the power steering pressure hose i figured it was just from my high speed drifting. Some thing about 90 miles sideways in 3 i thought it didnt like but it seems to be common problem.

[kauz]

Happy to report that it's been a week now with no power steering fluid leak since I replaced the high pressure hose. Thanks every one for your advice. You were right.

Kauz

[HomeGrown]

Exellent, glad to hear that! That hose is such a pain to replace, but at least the hard work paid off.