1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Power steering issues...what to do

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Old Jun 14, 2009 | 10:57 AM
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From: Ennis/Arlington Texas
Power steering issues...what to do

I have searched for a while and I'm getting conflicting information about my problem.

My power steering system is leaking, not sure from where, but its slowly draining out and now its starting to make straining sounds at low speed turns. I would like to keep the car somewhat original, so I don't want to toss it out or get a rack and pinion setup.

What are some common areas that they leak from? Maybe its just one of the hoses? If it is the pump itself, is it a relatively easy to rebuild it? I've looked down in there, but there is so much of the crap I can't really see anything.
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Old Jun 14, 2009 | 11:00 AM
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they leak from the pump and hoses, both are really easy.
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Old Jun 14, 2009 | 05:18 PM
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Clean the whole area off at the gear box and verify that the seal at the bottom where the pitman arm attaches is not leaking.

This is an additional area where the fluid is lost.
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Old Jun 15, 2009 | 01:05 AM
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Originally Posted by Rx-7Doctor
Clean the whole area off at the gear box and verify that the seal at the bottom where the pitman arm attaches is not leaking.

This is an additional area where the fluid is lost.
Alright thanks for the tip.
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Old Jun 15, 2009 | 09:58 PM
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You can buy some Dye for the A/C but use it in about anything. Clean your engine bay and lines really good. Then add the dye, later use a black light and you will see where it is if it is small, but if it is large you should see it with out dye. Mine was at the rubber line a while back.
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Old Jun 15, 2009 | 11:12 PM
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Originally Posted by rxbahamut
You can buy some Dye for the A/C but use it in about anything. Clean your engine bay and lines really good. Then add the dye, later use a black light and you will see where it is if it is small, but if it is large you should see it with out dye. Mine was at the rubber line a while back.
Its a slow leak I'm fairly certain. Cleaning tomorrow.
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Old Jun 20, 2009 | 03:41 PM
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After cleaning it all up, it appears to be coming from the front half of the steering box? Like the part where the steering shaft goes into it, there seems to be a removable cover or something...I'm guessing there is a gasket there that might be need to be replaced.

The pitman arm area looks a little greasy, but I think its from dripping down from the top of the box. Should I take the whole thing out and rebuild it?
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