The TECH brand or any brand is okay as long as it's not the stuff meant for a Honda.

With the car parked on a slope, is the leak under the steering box or the pump? I expect that it is under the steering box and if so, check the Pitman shaft seal.

ktlimq,

Don't pull the clamp and the hose off the fitting. Use a wrench to remove the fitting with the clamped hose still connected. This is easier and more importantly gives you an L fitting that directs the flushing fluid downward into the drain pan.

Good luck,

Uh, I think it is the pump. Isn't the steering box on these cars located behind teh front tires on these cars? The leak is toward the front, directly under where the PS pump is. Also, I noticed some fluid around the pulley. Very slight however.

Thanks for that info about the fluid.

It is probably the shaft seal on the pump. Not only is this one of the most common leak sources but when it does leak, there will be fluid around the pulley and also some fluid thrown up on the hood.

Good luck,

I just changed the fluid and filter today. Make sure you flush teh system out completly until you start to see new fluid coming out. See, I didnt do that! I only flushed a few quarts of new oil through the system, maybe 2, then completed the job. When I put the hose back, put new filter and put new fluid, the fluid immediately turned somewhat dark again and frothy which means that i didnt get all old fluid out. A couple of hours later, the frothy stuff went away and all I have is just slightly darkned fluid. I used the pyroil brand from pep boys which is clear.

I always used the 12mm drain plug on the power steering servo. Put a drain pan underneath and then turn the steering wheel back and forth. I have not done this on anything newer than a 126 1991 so not sure on the newer cars. The draining takes a while but is very effective at clearing out the system. Once it is drained you can add a pint of the new stuff this will flush out what is left and then put the 12mm back in the servo and replace the filer and refill the fluid. Turning the steer wheel will get the fluid through, I find it easier to have someone turn the steering wheel. Once this is done turn on the engine and top up the resevoir as needed after turning the steering wheel a couple of time lock to lock with the engine running.
m

__________________
Martin Ingram
Colorado Springs
2005 320 CDI
2006.5 VW Jetta TDI
1991 560SEL (179000 Sold)
1972 280SEL 4.5 ('The Lead Sled' 320000 miles when sold.)
1972 220D (225000 when sold)

Removing the drain plug as opposed to removing the return line allows recirculation rather than 100% replacement during the flush operation. It would eventually work, but would take lots and LOTS more fluid for the same cleaning effect.

Have a great day,