Sub Zero Temps Gave My Power Steering A Leak!

[Brian McVickers]

Hi,
Anyone know the Power Steering System of a 2001 DII very well?
The truck has 130K miles and never any steering system issues previously.

From what I can tell the leak is from or around the PAS pump and not the Steering Box. I say this because their are drips on the bottom of the PAS pump and the lines leading to the pump are wet with PS fluid.

It started with a raspy noise from the pump in -8F temps. After a day of driving the frame rail below the pump was wet and the fluid was down from full to min. I added som PA fluid / Leak stop. The next day of driving there was a similar drop in fluid. Note that these were 400+ mile days of driving. Now back in 40-50 degree F temps there are drips on the ground under the pump.

Given the cold conditions does anyone have any idea of the most likely issue?

I would think it is either the pump itself or the high or low pressure lines going into and out of it.

Are there seals at any point that would have likely failed in the negative cold temps?

Thanks for any ideas, trying to get a better idea of what id could be before I get into it.

Thanks,
Brian

 

[David Harris]

Cold temps can cause problems with PS. The only times I've had a problem with steering on any car have been when the temps dropped. Increased operating pressures. As far as your specific problem, on Discos, it's often the high pressure lines that leak at the reservoir end. They just need to be tightened sometimes. You just need to clean everything up and see where the leak is coming from.

David

 

[Brian McVickers]

Thanks David,
Let's hope that's all it is!

Brian

 

[Paladin]

I'd say it's mostly likely to be the hose connections. Either at a clamp or a crimp. VERY common occurance. If it's a crimp, there's not much you can do other than replace the hose assembly.

 

[EricG]

I had a problem with mine last week got real cold started it up and it squealed for about 2 seconds and I let it idle and about 5 min later went to pull out and it howled as I turned the wheel. I looked at the fluid and it was frothy and backed out of the cap. I let it sit and thought that maybe if it warmed up it would be ok it wasn't still puked fluid. I was an hour from home and I drove it 60 miles and took about 2 hours but I made it home
And it puked out all but about half of a 16 oz bottle. I ordered one from will tillery and should be here tomorrow. Had no leaks and was fine the night before.

I think it's the cold showed no signs of failing whatsoever.