power steering leaks BAD

[sideSHO]

Hey gang.I have had a power steering leak for the past few weeks.It has got to the point that I have to do something now(was going to wasit for warmer weather)I tried to see where it was leaking with no luck.Does not leak sitting still turning wheel,but will leak when turning and rolling(slowly).I noticed to it will sometimes leak a stream when under hard gas from a stop.I will leak a quart about every 2 weeks or so.Where should I check?Is there a presure side?It seems the leak is under some presure.Thanks for any help.

 

[MotoArts]

Gotta suck it up and crawl under it. You can't see, or get to, much at all from up top. Yes, there is a pressure side. I'd think it would leak like mad if a pressure fitting were loose or line were perforated. Dangers here are running the pump dry (pumps die FAST when empty or low) or spewing fluid on the head pipe (fire starter *wooof*).

If the leak's not readily obvious, wipe everything off that's wet, then drive it and check for the leak source again.

 

[rangerj]

Side SHO,

As stated above, "you gotta get under it".
The Power steering system has a lot of "plumbing", and it is 13 years old in your car.

Check all of the hoses and connections. There is a power steering fluid cooler in the driver side below the radiator. Check it and the hose connections.

I have seen these coolers get hit by a stone or other road crap and get punctures. They can also get pin hole leaks due to corrosion.

The hoses can also get punctured by road crap, or they crack due to age. The clamps will rust and break so that clamping pressure is lost.

Look all around the pump where the pulley shaft exits the pump. The shaft seal may be leaking. I have even seen a pump body rust through and develope pin hole leaks.

This should give you something to look for. As recommended above it helps to clean away all the grime and grit so you can see the source of the leak. rangerj