W108 - 1972 280SE 4.5 - Need help with PS leak

[Baxterdown]

Hi guys,

I've had a persistent PS fluid leak for a while now. I don't think it's a bad hose because the fluid leaks up to a certain point and then it stops. IMHO it sounds more like a gasket problem on the reservoir cap where the fluid is seeping out after it gets hot when I top it off.

I looked under my cap and the gasket looks pretty flat. But I don't know if it's supposed to be like that. See pic below.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Jose

[JMela]

Those lid gaskets are available, p/n is 0002360080; about $8.

Frothing ps fluid would indicate a leak somewhere in the system, no? I've had a seemingly decent return hose 'sweat' ps fluid through the hose.

[Tomguy]

My PS fluid didn't usually froth, but I had leaks from the steering box. I think pretty much every 108 leaks from the box. My leak seemingly was the same - it only got to a certain low point - unless I let it go for 2-3 weeks, then I'd see it was actually a fair amount lower still.

[Baxterdown]

Thanks for the replies guys! I haven't actually seen the fluid frothing, that was just a theory. -- I'm still replacing the gasket. Like JMela said, it's only $8.

I'll keep an eye on the steering box.

[Climbernyc]

Fixed mine but it took several steps

1. Rebuilt box
2. New gasket on top of reservoir
3. Replace 2 o-rings under reservoir and o-ring in check valve under reservoir

[vandor]

How difficult was it to remove the box from the car?