PAS fluid leak?
Discussion
Afternoon chaps,
This weekend I discovered I have a rather substantial PAS leak - substantial in the way that its got through nearly the whole resovoir in a week!
I've checked all the pipework (high and low pressure) as best as possible and there doesn't appear to be any major leakage from anywhere. Up until now it used to get through about a half-inch of fluid every 3/4 months or so (which I could live with!).
Its not depositing any on the drive, as far as I can see.
Have I not looked somewhere obvious? And is there an easy way to tell where it might be coming from - with the engine running for example?
As always, thanks in advance.
Mark
This weekend I discovered I have a rather substantial PAS leak - substantial in the way that its got through nearly the whole resovoir in a week!
I've checked all the pipework (high and low pressure) as best as possible and there doesn't appear to be any major leakage from anywhere. Up until now it used to get through about a half-inch of fluid every 3/4 months or so (which I could live with!).
Its not depositing any on the drive, as far as I can see.
Have I not looked somewhere obvious? And is there an easy way to tell where it might be coming from - with the engine running for example?
As always, thanks in advance.
Mark
...Mine does the same. I have traced the leak back to
were the steering joint goes into the power steering rack.
There is a seal in there which is leaking. thats a bit of
a pain really as i had the rack off and had it re-sealed last
year (at a companty in Wolverhampton) . As i took the rack
off i have to go through that all
again!
were the steering joint goes into the power steering rack.
There is a seal in there which is leaking. thats a bit of
a pain really as i had the rack off and had it re-sealed last
year (at a companty in Wolverhampton) . As i took the rack
off i have to go through that all
again!
There's a steel 'U' tube beneath the pump that joins two rubber hoses together that often leaks. The likelihood is this isn't the problem as it's quite easy to spot leaks here (and you can't see any leaks). But if it is leaking here, a second jubilee clip alongside the original usually cures it.
This was the only fly in the ointment with my last Chimaera, Leaking from rack when I bought the car, and still leaking even after having the rack supposidly rebuilt twice at a highly regarded Main Dealer within the space of 2 years and 12k miles.
On each occasion they had the car on their ramps for over a month waiting for the rack back from the reconditioners.
I have since sold the car and bought a "non pas" 4.5 last year with no further issues, and to be honest now prefer the non assistance as the difference when driving is very small, onlyreally noticable on slow manuvers, eg reversing and parking or when the tyre pressures drop.
On each occasion they had the car on their ramps for over a month waiting for the rack back from the reconditioners.
I have since sold the car and bought a "non pas" 4.5 last year with no further issues, and to be honest now prefer the non assistance as the difference when driving is very small, onlyreally noticable on slow manuvers, eg reversing and parking or when the tyre pressures drop.
Mine marks it's spot but TADTS. I suspect the leak is worst at high engine revs.
I've had a stupid quote to replace the rack from one specialist, or £500 + labour + VAT for a recon. A stearing rack company quoted a much more resonable £160 and 24hour turn round.
I estimate that the defective 'O' ring probably costs 10p.
Matt at Sebring said he could change the seals but it would probably start leaking again in a few months. He also says a bit of lube on the chassis rails is a good thing anyway.
So I've tightened up the hose clips and added some magic potion. It's called Power Steering Stop Leaks or something similar. The leak is now livable with but I'll probably replace the two short rubber hoses on the PAS pump soon.
I've had a stupid quote to replace the rack from one specialist, or £500 + labour + VAT for a recon. A stearing rack company quoted a much more resonable £160 and 24hour turn round.
I estimate that the defective 'O' ring probably costs 10p.
Matt at Sebring said he could change the seals but it would probably start leaking again in a few months. He also says a bit of lube on the chassis rails is a good thing anyway.
So I've tightened up the hose clips and added some magic potion. It's called Power Steering Stop Leaks or something similar. The leak is now livable with but I'll probably replace the two short rubber hoses on the PAS pump soon.
Sorry for the delay in posting details Rocker,rack does not have to come out,steering column (telescopic,sort of )has to be detached by undoing 4 bolts.Fiddly job but doable.
Do not have part no,invoice from Fernhursts describes as cerbera pinion rack seal.
Tel 01428 653343,all the best,AL
..Got one!
Being supplied to me and plan to fit next weekend.
If it all goes to plan, unbolt the rack (but non of the pas pipes)
and remove the steering joint from the rack and then slip it in.
...Now watch the best laid plans fail!
Midas, cheers for your help with this, I have been putting the job off
because of the thought of rack removal and car beeing off the road for
weeks!
Being supplied to me and plan to fit next weekend.
If it all goes to plan, unbolt the rack (but non of the pas pipes)
and remove the steering joint from the rack and then slip it in.
...Now watch the best laid plans fail!
Midas, cheers for your help with this, I have been putting the job off
because of the thought of rack removal and car beeing off the road for
weeks!
..Power steering leak all done!
Took about hour and half. Not as easy as first thought
as the rack sits in a box section,but made extra room
by removing the oil filter. Did about 20 miles yesterday
(all roof down of course!) re-checked for leaks, all o.k!!
That leak has been bugging me so much, all fixed for £20 and
a little time!
Thanks Midas.
Took about hour and half. Not as easy as first thought
as the rack sits in a box section,but made extra room
by removing the oil filter. Did about 20 miles yesterday
(all roof down of course!) re-checked for leaks, all o.k!!
That leak has been bugging me so much, all fixed for £20 and
a little time!
Thanks Midas.
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