P/S leak

[BlueOvalFitter]

My son stated his p/s was making noise and hard to steer.After filling up the empty resevoir everything was ok.I noticed the top of the rack and pinion was wet at about the center of the rack topside.I can't tell if its the r/p itself or a hose leaking onto it.Has anyone had this type of problem or similar to it? Explain your ordeal,please.

[TOYOPARTSMAN]

Chances are the power steering hose from the pump to the rack has developed a leak. I wouldn't say commont to go out, but goes out with some fair regularidy. I would check to see if it is tight and have someone turn the wheel while the vehicle is running to see if you see any fluid leaking at this line.

[mvftw]

Buy a $9 bottle of Lucas Power Steering fluid...give it a try first..can't hurt, it does work...

[BlueOvalFitter]

Originally Posted by mvftw

Buy a $9 bottle of Lucas Power Steering fluid...give it a try first..can't hurt, it does work...

I was looking at that on Advance Autos website.I also saw some made by BARS and Prestone.But you think the Lucas is better then all the rest?

[testmonky]

make sure what to fill it with my 96 corolla takes transmission fluid instead of power steering fluid look on the reservoir cap it can be a costly mistake

[BlueOvalFitter]

Originally Posted by testmonky

make sure what to fill it with my 96 corolla takes transmission fluid instead of power steering fluid look on the reservoir cap it can be a costly mistake

It takes Dexron type trans fluid.

[mvftw]

Originally Posted by BlueOvalFitter

I was looking at that on Advance Autos website.I also saw some made by BARS and Prestone.But you think the Lucas is better then all the rest?

Yes is it better. I used a turkey baster to remove all fluid in the reservoir. Then filled the reservoir with Lucas...

[badcompany87]

I had the same sort of problem a while back. My rack and pinion was soaked and the shop told me it needed to be replaced. But I checked it out myself and saw that the pressure hose attached to the power steering was what was actually leaking. Look at any hoses attached to your PS going down into the engine bay and see if they're soaked. The pressure hose is attached to brass or copper fixings, it was leaking from where the hose met the metal in my situation. It cost me $180 for parts and labor at a shop, but you could fix it yourself if you have the time. Hope this helps.

[BlueOvalFitter]

Originally Posted by TOYOPARTSMAN

Chances are the power steering hose from the pump to the rack has developed a leak. I wouldn't say commont to go out, but goes out with some fair regularidy. I would check to see if it is tight and have someone turn the wheel while the vehicle is running to see if you see any fluid leaking at this line.

After looking at it while running and turning the wheels left to right I could see the hose leaking at the rubber to steel line connection near the rack.Now I have to find someone to replace it.

[gomes512]

That's where my hose failed. Changed it myself, biggest hurdle in the process is removing the clamp that holds the hose to the firewall.

I just cut the hose and slid it through the clamp, then zip tied the new hose to clamp.

[BlueOvalFitter]

I decided to take the car to my local Tire Kingdom shop.I have a credit card with them and know the tech that did the work.New hose,synthetic oil change,rotate and balance tires,and an alignment;$311.22.Sure,I could have done the oil change,but it was there,so why not.