Power steering pump leak - o-ring?

Post by **abscate** » 02 Feb 2026, 03:43

Could be leaking ps fluid or a seeping thermostat. Any coolant loss? Oil smoke smell is acrid and sharp. Coolant sweet. Ps fluid just a bit oily

5rivers · Post by **5rivers** » 02 Feb 2026, 12:27

I've narrowed down the sound - it appears to be coming from the front camshaft - I suspect a seal, maybe, that could be emitting the black oil like substance that is beginning to cover the back side of the alternator. Thoughts?
Still not sure where the smoke is coming from, but definitely coming up from behind and underneath the thermostat housing. Did not notice fluid of any kind, even stuck a q-tip down there, but it was dry. Doesn't smell like burnt oil. Coolant level has not decreased. Power steering fluid level has remained the same. I'm at a loss here!
Appreciate your thoughts!

Post by **abscate** » 02 Feb 2026, 13:18

Fresh oil leaking from cam seal, and is getting heated on block and 'smoking off'

Watch your engine oil level and deal with it in the Spring.

Post by **pfmet** » 03 Feb 2026, 18:53

If you suspect a cam seal keep,a VERY close eye on it/engine oil. I had a cam seal come completely out of the head last winter and push over two quarts out before I noticed it. And the motor was sucking the glove out of my hand at that time. No crankcase pressure involved.

5rivers · Post by **5rivers** » 06 Feb 2026, 18:25

I appreciate the heads-up, pfmet! Hope your seal breakdown did not cause too much damage!
Stay warm!!

5rivers · Post by **5rivers** » 12 Feb 2026, 08:36

Getting ready to replace the cam seal, but...I have to remove the sprocket and belt in order to reach the seal!! OMG! I'm not looking forward to this repair job with any enthusiasm!
On the sprocket bolts are there torque values I need to be aware of? Or just tighten the bolts so they line up with my scratch marks on the bolt heads with those I've marked on the sprocket?
Appreciate your thoughts!

Post by **abscate** » 13 Feb 2026, 04:08

They are m6 socket bolts so not crazy tight, like firm wrist torque only on a 6 inch ratchet

From alldata 20 Nm

Camshaft Pulley .................... 20 Nm (15 ft lb)
Timing Gear Pulley, Camshaft without VVT .................... 20 Nm (15 ft lb)
Timing Gear Pulley, Camshaft with VVT .................... 10 Nm (7.5 ft lb)
Camshaft Pulley with VVT, center screw .................... 120 Nm (89 ft lb)
Camshaft Pulley with VVT, center plug .................... 35 Nm (26 ft lb)

5rivers · Post by **5rivers** » 13 Feb 2026, 10:19

Thanks, Steve!
Always a life-saver

5rivers · Post by **5rivers** » 13 Feb 2026, 14:53

So, I've removed the belt from the sprockets, and removed the intake sprocket, and alas...there is no oil leaking from the camshaft seal!
Am wondering again, if there is a seal (or seam?) on the bottom of the power steering pump that may be cracked, could that be where the black oil is coming from? The oil has now covered most the alternator. Should I remove the pump to locate the exact leakage location?
Any thoughts?

Am thinking I will need to try to clean the alternator, but what's the likelihood it will need to be replaced?

5rivers · Post by **5rivers** » 13 Feb 2026, 15:08

So, I've removed the belt from the sprockets, and removed the intake sprocket, and alas...there is no oil leaking from the camshaft seal!
Am wondering again, if there is a seal (or seam?) on the bottom of the power steering pump that may be cracked, could that be where the black oil is coming from? The oil has now covered most the alternator. Should I remove the pump to locate the exact leakage location?
Any thoughts?

Am thinking I will need to try to clean the alternator, but what's the likelihood it will need to be replaced?

Power steering pump leak - o-ring?

Re: Power steering pump leak - o-ring?