Power Steering Fluid Loss

[claral]

I've just noticed that there was a lot of oil under the front of my car - on closer inspection i can see that its power steering fluid, opening the reservoir and can see that its almost empty.

I wont be able to take the car outside in to the daylight until saturday, is there anything in particular i should be looking for. It does seem odd that this is quite a rapid loss when the car is stationary. I noticed a few drops a few weeks ago last time i checked the car, but never got round to investigating!

Are there any weak areas, pipes, joins or connectors? or would it be the rack itself?

Thanks

Alastair

[brian0443]

imported post

Alastair

I thought I had a similar problem just after I got my Stag. I hadn't realised that there are two scales on the dipstick thing which is attached to the screw filler cap, a hot one and a cold one, one on each side. If you fill to the wrong one the car will dump the excess through the breather in the cap when it heats up. Hopefully you will be as lucky as I was,and discover that you don't really have a problem.

Brian

[claral]

imported post

not sure i will be that lucky, my reservoir is close to empty so its not surplus oil, fingers crossed its just a perished pipealthoughi would expect they are high pressure metal pipes??

Fingers crossed its cheap, father christmas gave me an early present - a baby! Wow, they are expensive time consuming hobbies!!

[stustag]

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Best place to look is the gaiters as these will show if the seals have gone! Easy to spot just turn the wheels from lock to lock to see each gaiter.

If no signs of oil check the pipes, if still no oil top up to correct level and assume it's the breather

Stuart

[GDPR]

imported post

Congratulations on the little one! The Stag is a fine car for kids as you will find out. When I'm driving with the top down I can't hear my 2 argue.... fantastic!



claral wrote:

Fingers crossed its cheap, father christmas gave me an early present - a baby! Wow, they are expensive time consuming hobbies!!

[DJT]

imported post

Alastair,

If you can't see any obvious leaks from hoses or connections,and the boots are full of fluid, then this is indication that the rack seals have had it and the rack needs a rebuild. However, if you go to your local accessories shop, or Halfrauds, look for power steering fluid with added leak sealer. I can't remember what I used in the past (possibly Wynns, STP, or similar) but it worked until a more convenient time to rebuild the rack.

Dave