In the matter of the last day, the power steering system developed a significant leak. I jinked myself by checking the fluid level last week, as I had replaced the steering box and the reservoir and wanted to make sure I was still in good shape. Today, it is hemorrhaging fluid, that will teach me. I cleaned it all up and i can see new, clear fluid rapidly dripping off the bottom of the pump. The fan is blowing it backwards, but the photo blow shows where the leak is first visible, maybe behind the pulley? The hose clamp for the supply line is tight and dry. The large metal fitting for the high pressure outbound line is tight and dry. Below is where the leak manifests. I have a video and it is practically pouring out.

I read about pulling it apart and replacing a gasket, would that be a fix?

The pump is only a couple years old, maybe 8k miles, and I correct in that the leak is from failed pump?

For reference this is the part I installed. Definitely limited life span. The last 6 months or so, I had sluggish steering at low RPMs.

A-Premium Power Steering Pump Compatible with Land Rover Discovery 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004, 4.0L 4.6L, Replace # 21-5255, 96-5255

Thanks for the help.

 

I pulled mine apart a couple of years ago and replaced the gasket. Not that difficult really. There are a couple of tiny parts inside that I didn’t know about and was lucky to not loose. There were a couple of threads on this forum detailing the process.

 

Yep, 98% chance it is the gasket. You can test by removing the pump from the bracket, clean the exterior super good with oven cleaner, then let it sit and look for where the leaks come from. 98% of the time there is a blown gasket somewhere on the periphery. Gasket kits sold on ebay.

 

I ended up buying a reman pump from a local warehouse, $230, but its done now. Took the opportunity to clean the engine extensively. Steering is better, there was occasionally weakness in the power assist. the $100 amazon pump was only good for a few years. I "may" be leak free now, makes me nervous to say that. It can be done in a hour or so, but I was messing around with all the cleaning. Plus, having taken it all apart previously, there were no frozen bolts.

 

I am still a getting a leak, although not from the pump. It leaves a drop or so a day. Seems to collect on the steering guard, that is removed in these photos. It appeared to collect on the left hand, lower corner of rhe guard. Likely just gravity pulling it from somewhere higher.
I cleaned everything, and wrapped the junctions in paper towel and Zipp tied in place to see if i could find the leak. Everything is dry, except for the steering box, which is vaguely generally wet, it could be leaking but how would the fluid go up to get on the steering guard? Must be from above the steering guard, most likely the high pressure hose. The high pressure hose is bone dry, except for the section behind the radiator at the left hand corner, 2nd photo. the photos show a few paper towels. which are dry.

the low pressure return hoses are bone dry, the tank is dry.

Short of a new high pressure hose, any other ideas? That is the only piece not replaced. If the hose is leaking the paper towels should be wet.

Thanks

 

Mine leaked pretty bad, high pressure hose failed and fluid got in and around the frame. Seeped for a week or so. Not sure if that’s the issue.

 

Based on your pics I am thinking maybe your cooler line has a pinhole in it, looks pretty rusted.

 

Thanks, I ordered a new one. Must be the case. I have cleaned that area up several times this week and I just cant seem to nail it down. One major plus of a steel bumper is that you have access to all the under carriage with much more room to maneuver. Same with a the "cold" air intake. I think the truck sounds better, might be getting better fuel economy, which makes no sense, but seems to be the case. Plus there is so much more room in the engine compartment and its only one clamp to remove it altogether. Highly underrated.