I have what appears to be a not insignificant leak of fluid coming from under the front of the car on the driver's side. Almost certain it's power steering fluid.

Nothing is leaking out of the pump on top. Seems to be coming from around the steering gear housing, shown as 5 in the photo below, though I can't really tell without a look from the bottom.



My questions are:

- Is there a common area for leaks to form in this system, broken hoses, failed seal in the housing, or something else.

- Do the hoses really snake out in front under the radiator as shows?

- Any other bits of advice from someone who has had a similar problem would be appreciated.

Thanks,
John

 

Ya,that hose that snakes..it is a cooling hose for the PS fluid.
It is made of steel and can rot with age.

Did you check your pump fluid level yet?.

 

Yes, fluid level is at the bottom of the dip stick. I hadn't checked it before. I believe it may have been leaking for a while, and recently got worse. I remember looking back through the paperwork I got with the car from PO, the last time she had it in for service they noted the power steering fluid was low and topped it off.

Just hoping I can fix it wthout taking out the whole rack. Is there a common point of failure down there?

 

again..it could be the Cooling tube..
You should really get under the car though and post back with what you see as it's anyone's guess as to where it is and how to proceed.

 

Thats where mine started leaking. I bandaided it with fuel line and screw clamps. Been working for a year so far

 

I have an appointment next week to get the car up on a lift for a look see.

Will report back on the problem with some pictures.

 

Got the car up on a lift today. The leak is coming from the seal on the end of the rack.

Was considering buying a rebuilt rack from these guys:

1988-1992 Mazda RX7 power steering with Velocity Sensor

Anyone have any experience with them?

 

I have one more question.

Does my rack have a velocity sensor or not? The car is a 1988 FC3C vert, NA.

I'm thinking it probably doesn't, just want to make sure.

 

Guess I answered my own question:




From the FSM. Sounds like RPM responsive would be based on pump speed rather than a separate velocity sensor.

 

you need a 3 port rack.(S4)
the S5 rack is a 2 port rack.

 

Online options for The Rack Doctor don't include 2-port vs 3-port.

Only with or without a velocity sensor. I believe the velocity sensor was a later improvement that wasn't even available on the S4.

 

the pics are generic and frankly don't look like the rack(the lines are wrong)
Take a look at the 3rd rack on this link..it is the 3 port rack that is used on a S4
1988 MAZDA RX-7 1.3L R2 Rack and Pinion Complete Unit | RockAuto

 

man i just got rid of power steering all together. it doesnt bother me too much

 

Some s5's came with a 3 port rack. Mine did, 1989 GTUs. Mine also started to leak out of the ends of the rack. Got my replacement from advance auto, been fine for the last 3 years.