Power Steering Fluid Leak - whats the worst that can happen?

[Timja]

Power steering was really noisy when i took my can out at lunchtime, really growning when turning the wheel. Had a check and fluid very low. Bought some fluid and topped up before leaving work, but carried on being noisy. Drove the 2 miles home - still noisy. Into garage, and puddle of fluid soon formed under the steering rack.

It had the steering rack overhauled in April by main dealer, so imagine it is under warranty.

I will have to see how much it has leaked overnight and when driving to get a good idea of how fast it is coming out.

My question is - apart from the steering becoming very heavy, are there any risks of driving it for the next few days until I can get to the garage? (about 100 miles from where I am now!)

[mdotrutherford]

Sorry to hear that, worst scenario - big biceps
Get a large bottle of ATF for the journey, before you set off, top it up, bleed it with two lock to lock operations, check level again.
It may get you there like that. ie you may have a static leak when theres no pump pressure when parked.
All the best.

[That Daddy]

Worst case scenario is you damage the pump,its an oil pump not an air pump they also wear rapidly with no fluidthe rack will go a short period with no oil pressure.

[Timja]

Ok, had it up on ramps at my local ATS (thanks guys) - Seems that fluid leak is by passenger side steering rack by where the track rod goes in.

The rubber boot is FULL of fluid - it is bulging so much it looks like it might burst! - a real contrast in size to the drivers side one, which looks like normal.

When i work out how to post pictures up i will do - Really is quite a difference!

Waiting for call back from TVR garage....

[That Daddy]

That rubber boot should not be full of oil, sounds like the rack shaft seal is damaged that will mean a full strip of the steering rack to reseal,this cannot be done in situ,sorry to be the bearer of bad news best dig out that invoice and use your guarantee.

[RumbleBee]

Just under the pump there is a U shaped metal pipe with rubber pipes going onto it. Check the joints on this, its a common place for leaks.

[Timja]

That Daddy said:

That rubber boot should not be full of oil, sounds like the rack shaft seal is damaged that will mean a full strip of the steering rack to reseal,this cannot be done in situ,sorry to be the bearer of bad news best dig out that invoice and use your guarantee.

It really is quite an odd sight - really bulging full of oil. Mechanic was quite shocked! It is 100 miles from work to dealer and not sure i fancy driving it that far as probably pop and cover wheels, brakes etc in oil - which is not great! Might be taking a trip on a low loader later!

I've only had the car 5 weeks and the work was done by the previous owner. Hopefully the guarantee will still be valid! - car done only 3000 miles since overhaul.

[Chassis 33]

The worst case scenario is that the fluid gets onto the exhaust and ignites, drips aren't so much of a problem but large amounts of PAS fluid on the exhaust can cause havoc, I ended up with an under bonnet fire (due to a punctured PAS hose) at Mallory Park last August, not pleasant.

Regards
Iain

[Timja]

Spoken to garage.

Company that overhauled steering rack will redo for free under warranty (usual cost £150) BUT garage will have to charge me 5 hours labour - £375 + VAT!

This is now the 2nd time it has had to be redone after being changed in september and having done about 7000 miles.

What worries me is whether it will do it again. They have already overhauled once, so whats to say it wont do it again in another 3 months?! - Am i better off finding a replacement steering rack?

Also, does anyone know of anywhere with more reasonable hourly rates for service that £75 + VAT - he said he could give me 10% discount, but not much help!

[That Daddy]

5 hours my arse2.5 hours tops inc steering alignment check,bloody hell what is it with garages and these cars

Edited by That Daddy on Wednesday 13th June 13:36

[Timja]

Spoken to another main dealer who charge £60 an hour and say it will be 4 hrs max. Getting better.

Right, off to phone company that did overhaul and have a go. I think that breaking 7 months after initial fitting, then again 2 months later is pretty unacceptable!

Doubt i will get anywhere, but will make me feel better.

[Timja]

That Daddy said:

5 hours my arse2.5 hours tops inc steering alignment check,bloody hell what is it with garages and these cars

Edited by That Daddy on Wednesday 13th June 13:36

Can you suggest anywhere that can do it in that time? I live in Harpenden, Herts at weekends, Banbury during week.

Thanks.

[That Daddy]

Timja said:

That Daddy said:

5 hours my arse2.5 hours tops inc steering alignment check,bloody hell what is it with garages and these cars

Edited by That Daddy on Wednesday 13th June 13:36

Can you suggest anywhere that can do it in that time? I live in Harpenden, Herts at weekends, Banbury during week.

Thanks.

Sorry Tim no,i can only give you my views on this matter but i have had my car on the ramp more times than i can remember lately(no problems just fussy i guess)and there is no way that job takes that long(i hate people being ripped off),i am also on the tools so i give you that opinion 1st hand,someone on here may be able to help with a good indie though,good luck

[midas dude]

Here you are Timja,your worries are over.
Keith Wilson,tel[phone],hes in Potters Bar,can rebuild any TVR,engines to chassis and bodywork.
Best kept secret TVR indie specialist ,a diamond.
AL
AS THat Daddy said,"£375 my arse"