power steering pump: replace or just leaking hose??

[rememberjeff]

I had to bring my 85 380 Sl to a mechanic, as this morning the entire contents from steering fluid resevoir was on my driveway. After 3 minutes on the lift, the mechanic said I had to replace the power steering pump, as thats where he thought the leak was coming from.Curiously, it leaks when the car is turned off. While turned on and in park or neutral there are no leaks.
With 155,000 miles is this normal or could it really be just leaking hoses that have to be replaced?

[ctaylor738]

That's a big number for "thinks." Seems to me you would need a positive diagnosis or a different mechanic.

[Tomit1]

If the pump leaks, buy a sealing kit, the front seal(which is not in the kit) and the filter inside. Change these parts and thats it. I did mine a few days ago, took 3 hours and 25 $ for the parts. Relatively easy. I dont think you need any new pumps.

But it might be something else, I have read this somewhere else too, maybe in the vintage forum, make a search.