Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Power Steering Fluid and Oil Leak

[MMcCallie]

My power steering pump has been growling for over a year. I've known it leaks for a long time, because when it makes a lot of noise, I check the level and it is low. After being filled up, the noise is usually gone for maybe the rest of the day. I have lots of oil spots in the driveway and undercarriage covered in oil.



I've noticed that the spots on the driveway and all over the undercarriage are not just steering fluid. There is also a healthy amount of engine oil leaking from somewhere. I've not found any evidence of leakage above the engine fan. Mostly low, and around the steering pump.



I have a new PSC steering pump that came with some new o-rings. What I'm wondering, is if both steering fluid and engine oil could be leaking from the same place? I've had no problems with my air vents so I don't suspect any damage to my vacuum pump. But I'm thinking a seal in front or back is probably the cause of my oil leak.



Could steering fluid be leaking from the same back seal? Does anyone recommend a reliable shop near Salt Lake City, Utah, Ogden, or South Western Wyoming? I've looked into fixinrams.com parts and am wondering which products I need to fix this and keep the leaks from reoccurring.

 

[JGK]

Some have said power steering fluid can leak from the PS pump at the shaft, but I've never seen it (not that I've seen a lot of leaking pumps). It could be coming from somewhere else on the pump. But the oil is almost always the seal between the vacuum pump and PS pump failing.



My PSC pump came with seal and all the o-rings needed to replace it. The only things I used from fixinrams.com was the little PVC "tools" he sends with his kits (yes, I did get one of his kits some years ago when the seal in mine failed). But you can get by without them. All you really need is a right-sized socket or 2 to drive out the old seal and drive in the new one. I think the instructions that came with the PSC pump covers that.



It sounds like you're unsure whether you want to attempt the replacement yourself or find a shop to do it. You have to evaluate your skill level, but its not a technically challenging project. It is a bit of a pain due to having to drain the PS fluid and get the hose fittings off the back of the pump. They are usually pretty tight and tough to get to. When I did mine a few months ago, I had the injection pump out already so access was easy.



If you do it yourself, use a syringe or turkey baster to suck all the fluid out of the pump you can first. Then break the hose fittings loose from underneath. Then unbolt the vac pump/PS pump assembly loose from the gear case and tipping it forward-end down to get to the hoses on the back and finish removing them.



-Jay

 

[okayred]

I had to rebuild the power steering unit and replace the seal on the pump. Its not a hard job, but I had to go to a bearing company in order to get the pump seal. I wish I had the measurements still, but if you pull the pump off the vacuum pump and get the seal out, you can take that seal if its not too boogered up to the bearing co. and they can get you one for about $3. 50. The dealer wanted $1200 for a new pump because they don't sell the seal separately.



You can by parts from Auto Parts Fast at RockAuto for the ps unit.



Good luck.



JP

 

[MMcCallie]

I won't be able to do it myself because I just moved into a place I'm renting that has a small angled driveway and I can't make a mess here. Plus, I really don't have the time.

I remember reading something on fixinrams about a replacement piece that has two grooves instead of one to be more leak proof and am wondering if I need to get that part and if it will keep the leak from reoccurring. And is it possible for power steering fluid to leak from the vacuum seal? Must it be burping out of the cap?

 

[MMcCallie]

I just ordered a kit from fixinrams. He said that a shaft has become wobbly, chewing up a gasket. I'm not familiar enough with all of the internals to relay better detail. He said my power steering fluid is getting into my engine oil so I need to change my oil at the same time. That explains why it often looks a little watery.

He said the vacuum pump will need to be taken apart to have the new gaskets installed. Kit includes everything needed including some extra gaskets and an installation DVD. Being a 3 piece 1994 he said it will be an easier model to fix and that a leak in the future would be the fault of the power steering pump. He said I don't need that double grooved part because I will be replacing it with the new PSC pump.

 

[paulsmith]

I know it is not recommened, but I just changed my pump in the parking lot. It did make a mess. Took about one hour.



Mine was leaking from the tank, over the years a rubber hose had rubbed a tiny hole in the reservoir that leaked. It was the retrun hoose for the pump. It had been slid down too far on the nipple and rubber the back.



Paul

 

[MHalloran]

My power steering pump reservoir developed a leak due to rust/corrosion which created pin holes. Wasn't a hard job, just a tight spot to get to. Replaced the supply/return lines as well. Turkey baster method works well. Just wondering how the guy you spoke to at fixinrams can determine the vac pump shaft is wobbly & leaking without seeing it. An oil leak, as I'm sure you know, can have other sources. Best way to further pinpoint a leak is to clean & degrease everything in that area, let it dry, then run & inspect. (Doesn't sound like your living conditions will permit this though. ) PS pump & vac pump come out as one unit & you break 'em apart on a bench, THEN you can see if the shaft is wobbly/leaking. My vac pump was fine after 200K miles, no leaks. Good luck with any way you do this. Mike