power steering pump leaking

[sche270]

P/S fluid is leaking out around pump housing could it just be the gasket or is the pump going out, the pump works fine before the fluid leaks all out

[Dave G]

Take it to a DIY spray car wash and clean the area real well. Drive it and check to see exactly where the fluid is leaking.

You could try just changing the gasket and see if that fixes it. If not, then try replacing the whole pump. Shouldn't cost too much if you do it yourself.

[sche270]

thanks dave i'll try that

[jhbhatia]

NO - don't try that. in all honesly!

1. Buy high pressure hoses from an autoparts stores ($35 per hose)
2. Replace high pressure p/s hoses with new ones
3. replace all gaskets.
3. then refill fluid
4. then take it to a DIY car wash thingie and clean away!

High pressure hoses do give away on camrys as they age! (more so than the pump).

[Gary_602Z]

^ WTF? Any mechanic that is worth his salt will determine the problem first before replacing parts willy nilly. This type of diagnostics is what will come back to bite you in the ass!

Do like Dave G said and determine the problem first.

Gary

[Kep]

My 90 Camry uses ATF for the power steering system. I had a leak also and used a brand that had a rubber conditioner additive. That seems to have stopped the leak. You may luck out.

On the other hand. If yours uses ATF (automatic transmission fluid) and you have put in regular power steering fluid you may have damaged part of the system. Check your manual.

Kep

[Doctor J]

On 87 to 91 Camry four cylinder there are common places in power steering system that have leaks:
pressure hose, pump-to-firewall;
pump body, rear plate o-ring.