Motor Oil Leaking From Around Power Steering Pump?

[105]

It looks like there is motor oil leaking from somewhere around the steering pump. Is there possibly an oil line or seal that could be leaking in that area? I've replaced the timing chain tensioner and I'm pretty sure its not leaking power steering fluid. The only thing I can think to do is to pull the pump to get a better look.

[landphil]

I'd pressure wash the area well, or clean it well with brake clean, then run it and use a mirror to locate the leak - it's likely the timing chain cover sealant leaking around the oil passage to the chain tensioner. It may look like the headgasket is leaking oil as well, as it is a multiple layer metal gasket it will hold some oil at the edges and that oil may "reappear" even after a couple of cleanings. Keep cleaning and running it until you are confident in your diagnosis, as you don't want to change a head gasket for no reason.

[dorman68]

I agree with landphil. Your timing chain tensioner o-ring is leaking, fairly common issue on 1ZZFE engines. I hope the link below helps.

http://www.paulstravelpictures.com/T...-Repair-Guide/

[105]

Again, its definately not the tensioner O-ring, I've replaced that and went the extra mile and use some RTV to seal it. I was looking back there with a mirror last night and it looks like its coming somewhere from that corner above the power steering pump. So yeah either head gasket or chain cover gasket. Both look like a PITA to change, but I'll have to clean it like you said first.

I was actually looking through my haynes manual also last night and didn't see any instructions for replacing chain cover gasket. I guess I could've just overlooked it.

[landphil]

Originally Posted by dorman68

I agree with landphil. Your timing chain tensioner o-ring is leaking, fairly common issue on 1ZZFE engines. I hope the link below helps.

I actually didn't say that as the OP said it was already new.

The "gasket" for the timing cover is only grey RTV sealant, there is no need to remove the oil pan to remove the timing cover. It's not too hard of a project if your the mechanical type, if you do attempt it be sure to not apply too much sealant around the oil passage to the chain tensioner, which will sqeeze into the passage and plug it. The hardest part is removing the damper bolt with the limited access, but removing the bottom plastic cover panel from the wheel well area and turning the steering to full right lock helps. You'll probably need a damper puller, but for some reason I'm thinking the damper is on a straight shaft and can be pulled off by hand. Your parts list would be:

Valve cover gasket (unless you insist on re-using)
Water pump o-ring
Front crankseal
Chain tensioner o-ring (you'll have to pull it out before you pull the cover)
Crank Sensor o-ring
Sealant

I hope I'm not forgetting anything here.

It took me a few hours, but I'm a HD Mechanic with lots of cool tools at my disposal. Taking your time to make sure everything is done right is more important.

[105]

Thanks for the tips. If I do decide to fix it, it won't be till spring. I gotta have my other car driveable again first, because knowing me it'll take a month at least to do the job in my spare time.