power steering leak?

[mrfeb14]

I have developed a leak on my 85 300sd (cali version) and i think have been able to trace the small but steady stream to a small hose connection that leads into the bottom of the radiator. the fluid is red but i don't know if this is a transmisson cooler line that i've read about on the forum or if it is something for the power steering. I am looking for input if this is a easy fix or at least what it could be so when i take it to my mechanic i have a clue of if he's trying to upsale more work on me.

Thanks in advance.
(attempting to add pictures)

[Crazy_Nate]

The hose in the background (third picture) resembles this one.

I can't imagine why the power steering would need a radiator. The automatic transmission has one. Check your transmission fluid level if you're curious. How is the car shifting?

[mrfeb14]

tansmission fluid level is spot on and it is shifting as it always has.. it only seems to leak while the engine is running... I have parked it for now until i can figure this out.

[zeke]

it's transmission fluid. When I replaced my water pump I unhooked that hose. I lost some fluid in the process, but it had no effect on level or operation of transmission.

[mrfeb14]

thanks Zeke,

so should i replace this section of the line with the part that was noted above? is this an easy DIY project. I would really like to do it myself if possible, but concerned about messing something (i.e. air in the system). Any and all help is appreciated. I miss driving my old girl, i love it much more than my altima hybrid (the seats in that thing hurt on long drives).

[280EZRider]

You clearly have a bad hose that is leaking at the junction of the rubber part to the metal connector. You can do this repair yourself. Caution: Grip the radiator nut connector while unscrewing the hose; The radiator tank is plastic. Also grip the connector on the AT line while unscrewing the other end of the hose. The amount of fluid loss will be minimal. And don't be surprised when you see the spring on the new hose - just as your right side. This leaking hose is probably a cheap knock-off.

and don't worry about air in the system; it won't happen.

[mrfeb14]

280EZrider!
thank you for your tips I really appreciate it.. I sent the same pics to my mechanic and he gave me a initial quote of $175 to repair this so I am way happy to know i can do this myself for about a 1/10 of that price.

If anyone has anymore pointers they are welcome.

One other question, totally unrealated, can someone direct me to any thread about how to troubleshoot intermittent blower fan operation. I have read things about replacing brushes? i can't seem to find what i'm looking for when i search.

[tangofox007]

Originally Posted by 280EZRider

This leaking hose is probably a cheap knock-off.

Must be. There is no way that an OE hose could possibly leak after only 24 years in service!!!

Originally Posted by 280EZRider

and don't worry about air in the system; it won't happen.

There is no need to worry about it, but not because it won't happen. How is it not going to happen?

[280EZRider]

Originally Posted by tangofox007

Must be. There is no way that an OE hose could possibly leak after only 24 years in service!!!



There is no need to worry about it, but not because it won't happen. How is it not going to happen?

Because any air in the system will go to the top of the reservoir, above the fluid level. If you look closely at the inside of the cap, you'll see it vents to the ambient air.

[tangofox007]

Originally Posted by 280EZRider

Because any air in the system will go to the top of the reservoir, above the fluid level. If you look closely at the inside of the cap, you'll see it vents to the ambient air.

And which reservoir cap would that be?

[280EZRider]

Originally Posted by tangofox007

And which reservoir cap would that be?

Oops! The thread's name "power steering leak" must have given me a temporary mind fart. Good catch!

So in answer to the original question, any air introduced in the A/T fluid lines will exit through the vent on the top front of the transmission housing.

You guys are good task-masters

[mrfeb14]

Thanks to all for the help. i got the part and changed it tonight.. very easy and quick job, and now me and the 300SD are back on the road.. Boy did I miss it!