Leaking Power Steering Fluid - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

stephenson · #16 01-05-2007, 12:43 PM

Just looked after driving to work - nothing on NEW hood pad, yet, but I had cleaned it all last night.

There was fluid on the back edge of the PS pulley ... will check bottom tonight after another 30 miles or so to see what it is doing ...

Is there any real danger in using a product like this? If it doesn't appear to help, I will pull pump and replace shaft seal, but if it won't hurt, and might help without damaging anything ...

Options look like: Preston, Gunk, Gold, Lucas, STP ... any others?

Thanks!

stephenson · #17 01-05-2007, 09:41 PM

Well, drove about 100 miles today - checked and .... yep ... fluid in a nice crisp line across my nice new hood pad!

So, guess I'll try some "sealant" tomorrow and go from there .... just ordered the ps kit from Phil.

Would be nice to have a period where my car wasn't blowing up!

shertex · #18 01-28-2007, 07:53 PM

If the leak is coming from the supply side hose, will a sealant fix that? I know in general that hoses should simply be replaced. But that hose costs $80.

tangofox007 · #19 01-28-2007, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shertex

If the leak is coming from the supply side hose, will a sealant fix that?

No.

dmorrison · #20 01-28-2007, 09:47 PM

Power steering fluid leaks come from the following in order of their frequency. At least my order, some may disagree

pump front seal
high pressure hose
low pressure return hose
steering gear box pinion seal
steering box top seal.

So clean the engine power steering components.
and run the engine looking for the following tail signs.

For the font seal. Look around the front of the pump especially the rear of the pulley. It will sling the fluid up to the hood pad and down to the side of the engine compartment.

For the high pressure hose either a crack/cut in the hose or the fittings at each end will start to leak. The hoses can also start to weep. If it's where the fitting is screwed into the pump or steering box it may just need tightening.

For the low pressure hose. Usually just at the ends, try tightening the clamps. Or the hose can weep and is just getting old.

Steering box. Usually on the bottom where the drive shaft ( pinion shaft) comes out of the box. At times they can leak on the top plate where the steering wheel linkage goes into the box.

For the pump you can rebuild it. It is not a VERY difficult job, a job but doable. Just make sure you take the pump apart keeping the pieces in order and orientation. Take digital photos. If it falls apart, reassemble the unit based upon wear marks. If it falls apart you will know what I mean when looking at the pieces. The internal vanes that pump the fluid will all fall out if not careful. You can look at the wear on the various pieces and determine the assembly order.
The front seal can be done without pulling it apart and is a easy job.

Dave

PS when I say easy, I assume you have some experience working on cars. Not an ASE mechanic but just a normal tinkerer.

dmorrison · #21 01-28-2007, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shertex

If the leak is coming from the supply side hose, will a sealant fix that? I know in general that hoses should simply be replaced. But that hose costs $80.

You can have a hydraulic shop rebuild the hose for $15-25.

Dave