Power Steering Gear and Pump Leaks

GENERAL PROCEDURE
1. Wipe the suspected area dry.
2. Inspect the reservoir for overfilling.
3. Inspect for fluid aeration and overflow.
4. Inspect the hose connections. Tighten the hoses if necessary.
5. Verify the exact point of leakage. The point from which the fluid is dripping is not necessarily the point where the system is leaking.
6. When service is required, perform the following steps:
6.1. Disassemble the component.
6.2. Clean the leakage area.
6.3. Replace the leaking seal.
6.4. Inspect the component sealing surfaces for damage.
6.5. Reset the torque to the correct specification, where required.
6.6. Bleed the system.

7. Some comments about the power steering systems may appear in the following ways:
- Fluid leakage on the garage floor
- Fluid leaks visible on the rack and pinion gear or the pump
- A growling noise, especially when parking, or when the engine is cold
- Loss of power steering when parking
- Heavy steering effort

8. When troubleshooting these statements, inspect for an external leak in the power steering system.

EXTERNAL LEAKAGE CHECK
Seepage-type leaks may be difficult to isolate. In order to locate seepage leaks, use the following method:
1. With the engine off, wipe dry the following power steering system components:
- The rack and pinion gear
- The pump
- The hoses
- The connections
2. Inspect the fluid level in the pump reservoir. Add fluid as needed.
3. Start the engine.

IMPORTANT: Do not hold the steering wheel at a stop location for any length of time. This action may damage the power steering pump.

3.1. Turn the steering wheel from stop to stop several times.
3.2. Ask an assistant to operate the steering wheel while you search for the seepage.

4. Locate the exact area of the leak.