Power Steering Gear and Pump Leaks

Symptoms
The following symptoms indicate that the power steering system may be leaking:
- Fluid leakage is on the floor.
- Fluid leaks are visible on the steering gear or the pump.
- A growling noise is audible either during parking or while the engine is cold.
- Power steering is lost during parking.
- Steering effort is heavy.

Inspection Procedure
Inspect the power steering system for an external leak:
1. Wipe the suspected area dry.
2. Inspect the reservoir for overfill.
3. Inspect the power steering system for the following conditions:
- Power steering fluid aeration
- An overflow
4. Inspect the following components:
- The hose connections
- The O-rings
5. Verify the exact point of the leakage. The point from which the fluid is dripping is not necessarily the point where the system is leaking.

Inspect the power steering system for leaks:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Wipe the entire power steering system dry.
3. Inspect the power steering fluid level.
Add fluid as necessary.
4. Start the engine.

Notice: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops while flushing the power steering system. Holding the steering wheel against the wheel stops will cause high system pressure, overheating, and damage to the power steering pump and/or gear.

5. Turn the steering wheel from stop to stop several times.
6. Locate and repair the exact area of the leak.

Prepare the system for service as needed:
1. Clean the leakage area prior to the disassembly procedure.
2. Replace the leaking seal.
3. Inspect the component sealing surfaces for damage.
4. Tighten the bolts to specification.
5. Bleed the system. Refer to Bleeding the Power Steering System.

Diagnostic Procedure

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.





1. Install the fitting (1).
- Tighten the fitting (1) to 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.).
2. If the leakage persists, complete the following steps:
2.1. Replace the O-ring seal.
2.2. Repair the fitting nut or replace the line if the leakage is due to damaged threads.
2.3. Replace the housing if the housing threads are badly damaged.
3. Replace the following components:
- The dust seals (2)
- The stub shaft seals (2)
4. Perform a partial gear replacement if any of the following conditions exist:
- A leak is present between the torsion bar and the stub shaft (3).
- A leak is present in the driver side (4). The leak is not affected by the direction of the turn.
- A leak is present at the housing end (5). The leak spurts when the gear is bottomed in a left turn.
- A leak is present at the passenger side. Refer to Power Steering Gear Replacement