Driving home today and as I pulled my driveway my power steering pump started moaning as I turned the wheel. I opened the hood and the whole area is covered in fluid. When the steering wheel is turned fluid goes everywhere from the pump. It hits the pulley and literally goes everywhere. Does the pump leak on these or should I start with hose and clamps? With steering wheel in center I don't see a leak. I would think that the system is always under pressure and the leak would be there as long as engine is on.

 

Nope, not necessarily. Pressure increases with RPM increase. The leak may only be showing up when the pressure hits a certain level.

The first step is figuring out exactly where the leak is happening. Fill the system, clean everything up, and force it to leak. If it isn't leaking just sitting there (parked at idle), then have someone begin to turn the wheel and someone else watch for the leak. If it won't do it at idle, then have that someone behind the wheel increase the RPMs and watch for the leak. If RPMs alone don't do it, then increase RPMs and turn the wheel. At some point the leak will show itself.

 

Thanks Jimmy. I cleaned it up , topped it off and turn left to right and did not see leak. This was with idle rpms at idle. Will give it a go tomorrow with rpms and turning. It is obviously coming from the pump area. The pulley is what is throwing the fluid in the engine bay. Just not sure if it is from hose or pulley.

 

How olds the pump?

 

original. 180k.

 

My pump leaked on my disco but was a slow leak and all the time. I realised it was just leaking from the hoses and replaced the factory clamps with some new hose clamps to tighten down more. All but one stopped leaking, so I plan on pulling that hose and using some silicone inside to seal it before putting the clamp back on. Hose clamps would be an easy way to find out if its the pump or the pipes if you dont have a friend that can rev the truck and turn the wheel to see for yourself. good luck!