Power Steering Leakage

[johnflaherty]

My 96 Camry is leaking power steering fluid. I do not know what to look for as a fix to the problem. Any advice and or photos would be appreciated.

[projektvertx]

Originally Posted by johnflaherty

My 96 Camry is leaking power steering fluid. I do not know what to look for as a fix to the problem. Any advice and or photos would be appreciated.

A bit more info would be appreciated... How dramatic is the leak? Do you see any fluid on the ground when the car is left overnight? How much mileage does the car have?

[JohnGD]

Right, you can tell us more about where it's leaking. for example, at the steering pump? At the inner tie rod boot? At the gear box boot (steering column).

Because sometimes the leak is actually engine oil from the valve cover above the pump. Make sure it's not engine oil.

Originally Posted by johnflaherty

My 96 Camry is leaking power steering fluid. I do not know what to look for as a fix to the problem. Any advice and or photos would be appreciated.

[johnflaherty]

I am sure that it is power steering fluid, because that liquid level is low all the time. It leaks about a half cup every night after it is parked. The car has 165,000 miles on it. I am not sure if the leak is coming from the inner tie rod boot or the gear box boot because I am not sure where they are located. Any photos of them would help me out. Thanks in advance.

[projektvertx]

I would try cleaning things up there as well as you can, and see where it is leaking from... Do you hear a loud, constant noise when you turn the steering wheel?

[deadrx7conv]

Definitely clean the engine compartment and undercarriage, and FIND the leak.
Start using a high mileage ATF to help control the leakage. PSF shouldn't be used in power steering systems that require a Dex ATF.

You probably have a bad hose or leaky pump seal.
You should inspect the rack boots. If they are damaged/missing and the leak is there, you'll need a new rack.