Hi all. My d2 192k miles I’ve had for 6 months.

the other morning I started for work, 2 degrees outside. I heard a whining and then all the power steering fluid came out of the bottom hose, on top near the pump.

I took to a garage 2 blocks away that has been locally owned, good ratings. He diagnosed and said $4k. Needs a new ps pump, new steering gear box and the 2 hoses.

to me that’s kind of wild. Really wild. I’m not a great wrencher but the problem I have is no garage and winter.

that price seems pretty wild right? I researched parts at maybe $600 or so. (Yes mid to cheapo parts)

I can get in there at a friends garage and change out ps pump and hoses. But the gear box is a wild one and I haven’t researched yet.

the leak when i diagnosed is streaming from the pump. Not gear box. Hoping to maybe get away with not changing that for a month or two?

thoughts. Advice? Just in a pickle right now.

ty.

 

unlikely box died. hoses and pump can be done in an afternoon. Quality on pumps is hit or miss. You can also replace the gasket on the pump if you deem it's leaking from the pump itself. can be a cheaper fix combined with new hoses.

 

thanks. Again just got this call minutes ago. Haven’t researched it fully yet.

but can the steering gear box leak fluid as well? Or he is just saying it’s a bad steering box now ? I had no issues with steering etc before this happens. Smooth.

thnx.

 

Also I’ve searched diagram for hoses. But 2 dozen different types.

I am going to replace just the pump first and hoses and see what happens.

i already ordered the power steering suction hose.

but the high pressure hose, would this work ?

https://www.partsgeek.com/xcgn9c5-la...ring-hose.html

I know it’s a cheapie but in a bind right now.

thnx

 

Very rare that steering box leaks, also very rare for hoses to leak. 99% of time it is the pump, and of that percentage most are the factory gasket blowing out. It is a thin mylar gasket. Sometimes the rear cover cracks, but usually that is from overtightening after replacing the gasket.

 

Thanks. So disco is at shop a mile away. No steering for fluid. Would it hurt if I put fluid in it and drive it a mile down the road? Thanks for insight.

 

I'd grab some cheap ATF fluid for it then when you change the pump flush the system. Good write up in here on flushing.

 

Yes, should be fine. You can dump ATF in it no problem, really no issue leaving it in there long term either. I actually like that it is dyed red, makes it easier to confirm it is PS fluid when it leaks out LOL.

 

D1 and RRC (at least 95 classics) call for ATF and it's the same pump and box haha so shouldn't be an issue.

 

Thanks. lol yeah great color to know 100%.

sorry maybe I am overthinking but if the fluid all leaked out of the truck , and I can barely turn it, still ok to do that mile making maybe 3 turns?

Just didn’t know if that could potentially ruin the steering wheel gear box? Thnx again. Just trying to get it home so I can tow it to a place I’ve been to before with it.