cold weather is what made it start to leak in the first place haha temps here dropped near zero for like a week stright thats when everything on the rover took a dump

 

X2 on the ATF. I had the same problem as you - started out as a small leak in 2011, worked into a bigger issue in 2012, got tired of having an ongoing Superfund environmental clean-up site on my driveway so gave up altogether and wrenched my arm driving it like a tractor for a good 7 months or so. Well at least an entire winter and summer so maybe close to a year. Was reluctant to take it into the shop as I am female and they had already seen me coming at one local garage and quoted me an ungodly amount and basically laughed at me saying 'what are your intentions for this vehicle?' I knew then and there that I wouldn't be dealt with fairly.

Fast forward to 2013 - had a close buddy do the heads and rebuild the power steering pump at the same time. I'm not going to lie to you - don't let your pump run out of tears. If you do you'll regret it as it will start making noise like you wouldn't believe and it'll scare every child in 40 counties. Even after the rebuild my pump makes noise because the interior was neglected for so long since I ran it dry. I think it got too hot and 'ate' (for lack of better word) away the inside.. It's bearable but it can be heard everyday. In hindsight I should have purchased a new pump but live and learn. You won't have this issue though if you keep it topped up and then rebuild it. Mine was due to self-inflicted neglect. I won't tell you what I did to try and keep it from leaking - lol.