Power Steering Leak fixed today - some questions please

[oldandbroke]

So, yesterday when I went to take my son to school (about 1 mile away) I noted halfway there that I had what sounded (and increasingly felt) like a power steering pump problem.

Dropped him off, got home, saw a decent sized puddle in the driveway with a trail from where I backed out.

Due to some other issues going on yesterday, I parked the car in the street and didn't touch it until today, just used my wife's car. In the interim the leak continued and there was another puddle in the street.

Pulled it up to the garage this morning - possibly a critical mistake because the system was clearly empty, it took serious muscle just to get it turned around and up the driveway.

After a bit of head scratching I eventually found that the high pressure fitting on the pump was loose and leaking. I don't know how it went from no symptoms to a puddle so quickly - and interestingly enough it *looked* dry to me this morning. I spent a lot of time tracing hoses and looking for obvious leaks from the steering rack and etc because the fitting on the pump, low pressure hose on the pump, and reservoir connections all looked dry. Started the car up to refill and look for leaks - and then I saw small bubbles around the high pressure fitting on the pump.

So I tightened that down snug (and it was definitely loose - I'm kind of amazed at how loose it was), filled with CHF 11S to between cold and hot, went for a test drive, filled up again to the hot fill level.

90% problem solved except for these questions I have -

Is there a one time use crush washer or similar under that fitting that I should be replacing?

I still get just a little bit of shuddering feedback from the steering system when I first start to turn right - is this indicative that I've damaged something with my well intentioned pull into the driveway this morning, or is it possible there's still some air in the system that will need to work its way out?

Thanks for any advice!

[Rattnalle]

I've had the pressure hose off to remove the pump to get to the thermostat. No issues getting it to seal again. If the fitting isnt leaking now It'll probably be fine. Do you have the metal ring keeping the nut in place?

I'd put my money on air to begin with. Do a couple of full turns each way at low speeds (never turn the wheel standing still on any car, ever) and see if it goes away. Also check that the return hose inside the reservoir is fine so they it doesn't foam in there.

[oragex]

Yes, there should be a locking washer over the pipe metal nut. It looks like a small bracket attached to the right upper pump bolt, many don't put it back not knowing its role is to precisely prevent the pipe nut from loosening under various vibrations. See this video

[oldandbroke]

Thanks very much for the input.

I had already done the intentional low speed turns, and what had me worried was that turning left cleared up and got smooth almost immediately but turning right still had that shuddering feedback. *However*, I think you are right regarding the air. I took that car to pick up my kids this afternoon and intentionally took a crazy route with as many right turns as possible - and it's now just about completely back to normal even when turning right. If it never gets any better than this it's good enough, but I'm now pretty convinced I just need to be patient with it.

Do you have the metal ring keeping the nut in place?

I saw that piece in a couple of vids, and no I don't have it. I didn't check to see if it was a model year thing, or if it used to be there and can now be added. I'd say it's pretty essential based on how loose the high pressure fitting was - I'll look into adding it if possible.

(never turn the wheel standing still on any car, ever)

Well I have to admit that I'm sure I've done this countless times, including on this car. I can understand how that must put a lot more strain on things though.

Also check that the return hose inside the reservoir is fine so they it doesn't foam in there.

Externally all the hose fittings look great - I wasn't aware I needed to check inside, will take a look.

[oldandbroke]

Hah, looks like you posted while I was composing mine oragex. Thanks for the vid - as I said I definitely DON'T have that piece. I'll look into getting it. Thank you!

[Rattnalle]

There's a small guide hose built into the inside of the reservoar since the oil enters with such speed. However if it's improved by just driving and turning that's probably fine.