Novice on replacing a power steering pump, any advice?

Duder · Post by **Duder** » 14 Jun 2007, 22:09

I'm planning on taking out my power steering pump, theirs been fluid leaking and when I refill the resevoir it comes out very quickly. I couldn't find any hoses that were compremised and haven't dealt with such a problem before, so I thought I would start by taking out the pump and finding if there's any holes or damage. Any suggestions? I have a 86 760 Turbo 4cyl with an automatic tranny w/ 186000 miles, which has been running well up untill this point, and obviously it won't steer very well.

Kmaniac in California USA · Post by **Kmaniac in California USA** » 15 Jun 2007, 14:48

The first thing you need to do is determine where the fluid is leaking from. There is a shaft seal on the pump itself and maybe other gaskets that could be leaking. But there numerous rubber hoses in the power steering systems, some of which are under pump pressure, where fluid can leak, as well. Find the leak first, before you remove the pump. If the pump is truly leaking, then replace it.

Let us know what you find and what you do.

CarVolvo · Post by **CarVolvo** » 15 Jun 2007, 23:15

What makes you think its the steering pump and not the steering rack?

Have a look at the rack too and see if its leaking...sometimes you have to move the rubber boots to inspect the inner seals.

The other way to do this is run the car and move the steering a bit and after doing so.. or get someone to do it for you... have a look inside the tire area under the engine on the pavement and see if you have any leaks from the rack.

Duder · Post by **Duder** » 27 Jun 2007, 14:22

Thanks, it was actually the P/S pressure hose, it was deceiving were the fluid was cioming from at first, because it looked like multiple spots becuase it spilled out over the control arm. Now I just need to get a 20 yr old bolt loose that so far I've had no luck on.