Power Steering Fluid Leak?

[samuryan]

About a week ago, there was a whining noise when turning the wheel on my 1995 Toyota Avalon. Checked the power steering fluid reservoir and found that it was quite empty.

Checked the manual and it said to use Dexron II Automatic Transmission Fluid to fill the power steering fluid reservoir (as did the cap on the reservoir).

Went to my local Walmart and couldn't find Dexron II, but found SuperTech Dexron VI automatic transmission fluid, which it said on the label was a suitable replacement for Dexron II.

Filled up the reservoir, and the noise was gone. A few days later however, the noise was back, and the reservoir was empty again. Filled it back up, and everything was fine again.

A few days later (today) it was back to making the noise again, and the reservoir was empty again.

Any idea if this is a leak? Or am I just using the wrong fluids in it? Or am I missing something else here?

If it is a leak, is there anything I can do to fix it? (I've seen some "stop-leak" power steering fluids at Walmart too) Also, why does it use Automatic Transmission Fluid instead of Power Steering Fluid?

Any ideas are welcome!

[Tom in Tacoma]

First off, power steering fluid, like transmission fluid, is 'Hydraulic Fluid'. Dexron II was the standard when your car was built. Since then the manufacturers of Dexron have improved their product to meet new car standards - hence 'Dexron VI' that you're seeing in the stores today. Dexron VI is backwards-compatible with earlier specs.

Now, about the reservoir always emptying... If you keep filling it and then finding it empty again - I think you already know the answer to the question about a leak. Right?

Look under the car and see if you have a wet streak around the power steering pump, lines or rack. You might be able to eyeball the cause of the leak and either fix it or get it fixed.

In the meantime, and this is a trick my granddad taught me, pour about a tablespoon of brake fluid into the power steering reservoir (yes, brake fluid). Brake fluid can cause seals to swell enough to sometimes stop (or slow down) leaks. I used this trick in an old Mustang and it worked like a charm - never leaked a drop again.

Go on now - go take a peek under the car...

[fourwheeler]

The first gen Avalons are notorious for leaking rack & pinions, and power steering pumps. Rebuilt units have addressed the poor seal issues.

[samuryan]

Originally Posted by Tom in Tacoma

Look under the car and see if you have a wet streak around the power steering pump, lines or rack. You might be able to eyeball the cause of the leak and either fix it or get it fixed.

Had someone turn the wheel while I looked under the hood. Found it instantly, as it was squirting quite forcefully out of a hose. No wonder it was going so quick. I got some automotive transparent duct tape, then cleaned and wrapped tape around the hose about 15 times. Seems to be holding the fluid in.

Of course, I plan on this being a temporary solution.
Now the question is, is hose replacement going to be something I need to take to a shop to have done, or would I be able to do it myself with the proper instruction?

If I posted a picture of the location of the hose tomorrow, would anyone be able to point me in the right direction?

[fourwheeler]

I would take off the bad hose. Use a flare wrench (wrench with 4 contact sides and slot at end to slip over tubing and fit onto hose fitting) to take off the bad hose. Should connect at the power steering pump and at the rack and pinion. It would be easiest to work from under the vehicle and to take the right wheel and splash guard off.

Take the bad hose to the auto parts store (there should be two hoses connecting the rack and pinion to the power steering pump. By taking the bad hose to the parts store it ensures you get the correct one.

Replace in the reverse manor. Refill the power steering pump. Start the car and check for leaks. Drive the car and re-check the power steering fluid level. By driving the car it will get all of the air out of the system. Don't rotate your steering wheel back and forth with the engine running while it is up on jack stands as I did and destroy your clock spring so your air bags won't work.

Overall the job is pretty simple, just plan on a Saturday afternoon and take your time. You shouldn't need any specialty tools other than the flare wrench set. You may be able to use a regular set of wrenches, but they often round over the fittings which then require a set of vise grips to remove it.

[samuryan]

So, since I'm a poor college student, and don't currently have enough money to fix it properly, I was able to temporarily fix the leaking hose. I went and got some bicycle tubing + three clamps and cut a piece of the tubing to the right size to fit around the hose, and stuck the three clamps around the hose/tubing.

So far, so good. It may not be a permanent fix, but at least it'll hold until I can properly fix the thing. Thanks to the above poster's description though, for when it comes time to replace it.

[Jigg007]

My steering rack was leaking, so rapidly to where one day I had next to no fluid. Added more fluid, same situation a week later. Being a poor college student at the time (and still am ) I drained the PS system, and refilled 75% of the way with lucas power steering stop leak, the remainde with off the shelf PS fluid.


Car didn't leak anymore, still doesn't. That "repair" was over two years ago. It might not be a bad idea if you have a leaky hose to add a little stop leak in so the fluid is a little more viscus and less likely to punch though your repair. All speculation of course, of course the real repair is a new hose !

[samuryan]

I did try the lucas's stop leak fluid, did no good.

Just got it fixed a couple days ago at a repair shop. Cost $250. No more leak!