Power Steering Cap Fix for Free

Post by **coflynn** » 13 Apr 2012, 18:40

Based on advice from here I was able to fix a leaking PS cap by just flipping around the sealing washer so the other side is used as a sealing surface.

Just used some pliers to take the old one out, takes a lot of stretching & fiddling to get it back in, I used small flat screwdrivers to help get it in each side.

: Power Steering Fluid Cap; ps_cap_before.jpg (50.7 KiB) Viewed 6035 times

: Washer out; ps_remove_flipover.jpg (31.6 KiB) Viewed 6035 times

: Done!; ps_cap_after.jpg (40.15 KiB) Viewed 6035 times

Post by **coflynn** » 17 Apr 2012, 10:03

That didn't completely fix my problem, so my 2nd attempt (before replacing it) was to test/adjust pressure relief, as perhaps too high a pressure was forcing liquid past the top.

I built a "test jig" from a milk carton which fit the cap OK & pump. Fill the milk jug mostly with water so you have a smaller area to pressurize. Only hold the cap by the sides, don't press on the top because you'll interact with the relief valve:

: Test Jig; ps_cap_testing.jpg (136.8 KiB) Viewed 6003 times

I didn't see what pressure it opened at, as I thought my simple milk jug might burst

I went up to about 8 psi before giving up. I have no idea what the correct pressure is, but the only references I could find to similar valves was about 5 psi.

I pried the cap apart, there is just a little rubber (the brown part) gasket thingy that forms a one-way / pressure relief valve. It is held down by the top part of the cap which is glued on (you'll break the cap when you pry the top off, so need glue to put it back together):

: Cap taken apart; ps_cap_apart.JPG (124.93 KiB) Viewed 6003 times

I washed that part, and sanded down slightly the top part that presses into the brown gasket to reduce how tightly it is held in. After this the valve opened around ~4 PSI. Installed and so far no sign of leaking! Hope this helps someone.

Would be interesting if someone with a new cap could test to see the "proper" setting for the relief valve.

Post by **coflynn** » 06 Sep 2013, 16:44

Update 16 months later: still works, no sign of leaking from PS container after 'fixing' the cap.

Post by **MoVolvos** » 06 Sep 2013, 16:57

coflynn wrote:Update 16 months later: still works, no sign of leaking from PS container after 'fixing' the cap.

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That was helpful and good to know! What kind of glue did you use? I used Epoxy on the dipstick for the engine about 1.5 year ago and it has held up. The plastic broke where the rod inserted into the handle. Sprayed some Petroleum cleaner first and then used 91% rubbing alcohol and let it dried thoroughly. Didn't want to buy a tube also with a new dipstick. Not sure if they are making the old ones again.

Blessings,

BKM

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Post by **coflynn** » 06 Sep 2013, 17:00

Combination of super glue & hot glue... just super glue didn't do it (top part fell off after a while), epoxy would have probably been the best! At the time didn't have any I think.

darylrobert · Post by **darylrobert** » 14 Sep 2021, 02:37

I tried this today and knicked the seal trying to re-install it. I ended up using a socket to help slide it back on. I tried to remove the spring but was unable to, from this post it appears its glued together. I assume this is why i cannot find just the seal for sale.

It shouldnt leak but is just the seal available? i dont need the whole cap.