Leaking power steering fluid

[enzia35]

I found the source of the leak of fluid. It's where the hose connects to the metal line that attaches to the pump on the best system. Is this user replaceable or do I need to go to a mechanic?

I'll put up a picture later.

[landj]

Re: Leaking power steering fluid

I would say it depends on you're technical prowess and determination. I have not done that specific repair myself, but it looks like a removal of some flare nut fittings and replacement of a $40 part (perhaps less if you're looking to do the repair a couple times). Would need to then refill fluid and perhaps bleed the systems (which isn't hard from what I understand). I'd say if your comfortable working on your car it should be okay.

But as far as specifically what needs to be done I'll wait for someone else to chime in.

If by user-replaceable you mean like replacing the air-filter, then no.
If by user-replaceable you mean something simpler than doing internal engine work, then yes, but you may want to pick up a haynes or chilton's manual.

[vanbibber]

Re: Leaking power steering fluid

never done it on a fbody, but ive done a few on other GM cars and it wasnt too hateful from what i remember.

[enzia35]

Re: Leaking power steering fluid

From what I remember after looking at earlier today, it seems like the connection was just loose. I'll have to take a closer look tomorrow.

[darkflare999]

Re: Leaking power steering fluid

i had replaced my power steering feed hose which was rubber hose to a metal line and it was pretty darn easy to me...just had a little clearance issues with moving around my wrench but got it eventually..but once you have a manual it should be simple..also this was on a 3.4 motor..

[enzia35]

Re: Leaking power steering fluid

i had replaced my power steering feed hose which was rubber hose to a metal line and it was pretty darn easy to me...just had a little clearance issues with moving around my wrench but got it eventually..but once you have a manual it should be simple..also this was on a 3.4 motor..

From what I can tell, that's where it's leaking from on mine, except on the 3.8. I just don't know what hose to get or how to undo the connection.

[darkflare999]

Re: Leaking power steering fluid

well the connections on mine were 2 flare nuts..thats what the ends of the hoses have....one side went to the rack and the other went to the lower rear of the pump..

[ssms5411]

Re: Leaking power steering fluid

Yes, its pretty easy to change out, I would watch you pump though, when it leaks it will most likely leak out the back onto the lines , but the pump is easy to change also so I would keep a eye on it.

[landj]

Re: Leaking power steering fluid

From what I can tell, that's where it's leaking from on mine, except on the 3.8. I just don't know what hose to get or how to undo the connection.

As far as what hose to get, get a good one, like Gates or Goodyear or whatever brand it was that came from the factory with. Don't buy some cheap chineese part thinking your saving money. The part's stores usually have the highest markup on the cheap parts, even slapping lifetime warranties even though they are more likely to fail than the more expensive parts with only limited warranties.

If you mean how do you select which part from the ten-million that are in your local parts store? ask the parts store sales person to look up the part for you. If you really needed that answer I would more than highly recommend you purchase a haynes or chilton manual and read the first few chapters a couple times.

[Slowside]

Re: Leaking power steering fluid

Go to a shop that can make a fitting for you, attach is to a hose and call it a day. Its cake I promise. Then just check the fluid.

I knew nothing before I got this car, and they are easy to work on.

[darkflare999]

Re: Leaking power steering fluid

you cant just attach a fitting to any hose...this is power steering we are talking about here which means obviously its pressurized.. enzia35 just make sure you have a hose leak for sure..wipe everything and just turn the steering to a hard left and right and see if u can tell where the leak is coming from...if you still cant find which hose just replace both?...there fairly cheap and since your changing one might as well change the other ya know...and seriously buy a manual to help you out...we cant see what your talking about so we cant really help...

[cam98aro]

Re: Leaking power steering fluid

i didnt read this thread, so please ignore me if this isnt relevant, but I only read darkflare's post.

it IS possible to connect a rubber line to the metal ones, but you have to flair the end of the metal line and put a hose clamp on it. but DONT try it without the flair or it will pop right off and spray steering fluid all over the place

[enzia35]

Re: Leaking power steering fluid

Yeah, I keep procrastinating on the pictures. Sorry guys.

[Camaro_09]

Re: Leaking power steering fluid

lets see some pics. If you need help with it im from college staton too so pm me if you need help

[Rob Bell]

Re: Leaking power steering fluid

i didnt read this thread, so please ignore me if this isnt relevant, but I only read darkflare's post.

it IS possible to connect a rubber line to the metal ones, but you have to flair the end of the metal line and put a hose clamp on it. but DONT try it without the flair or it will pop right off and spray steering fluid all over the place

I agree with this idea. I had to create my own transmission line and easily did it using some fuel line, a couple of pieces of pre-flared brake line, and some good clamps. NOT the worm drive clamps. My clamps are like a small version of the T-clamps used for turbo setups. I don't know what the pressure is in transmission cooling lines, but it has been leak-free for well over a year.