Power Steering Fluid Leak?

[Mogli]

I recently (few days ago) replaced the alternator in my 1993 Toyota Camry. Now there's no power steering fluid in the reservoir, the steering is tougher at slow speeds, and pouring more fluid in results in a soon empty reservoir.

What's my problem, and how do I fix this?

[Muffin_Man]

Is it dripping etc? Do you know where the fluid is going (on driveway for example) or is it just magically disappearing?

MM

[Mogli]

I can't see it leaking underneath my car. I have no idea where it's going but it yeah it just disappears

[mrparks]

It is a well known fact that gremlins live off of automotive fluids.

Check the hose. If it looks oily, check the fittings between the pump and the steering box. Tighten the fittings before you replace the hose.

[reggie_love]

I drive a Toyota product from about the same time period. Is your PS pump by any chance located directly above the alternator? Because some are notorious for failing and leaking fluid onto the alternator, causing it to fail as well. It could be the reason you had to replace your alternator.

When it happened to me all there was was sort of a fine mist on the very bottom of the engine bay, not much to look at really, you had to shine a light way down to the skid plate to see it.

[Seku Husky]

Originally Posted by Mogli

I recently (few days ago) replaced the alternator in my 1993 Toyota Camry. Now there's no power steering fluid in the reservoir, the steering is tougher at slow speeds, and pouring more fluid in results in a soon empty reservoir.

What's my problem, and how do I fix this?

Well, I have the same problem, just on a 240SX...same principles apply. Here's What you should look for.

You can just as easily find an engine diagram online for your vehicle, but if not then try to find these from my description. On the serpentine belt (the array of belt(s) that run the engine) try to locate the power steering pump, it will be connected to your power steering reservoir with a rubber hose and will be another pulley on the belt (besides A/C compressor, crank, etc.). First check for any leaks along that line by feel, with special focus being paid to the connectible points on the hose).

If you don't detect a leak, here, then check the hard-line (the only other hose attached to the pump. Visually inspect this line for any leakage, again focusing on the connectible segments. On my 240 for instance, the crack was found in the hard-line at the very base where it connected to the pump. From then on in the cheapest way to fix it yourself would be an ebay find or salvage yard pull.

Also, power steering fluid has a tendency to not drip in some situations (cohesive properties) and will run down the line and might eventually be dripping somewhere else just out of sight (alternator theory was intriguing). Find where and that can also trace you back to the source. The main thing here will be to keep that reservoir filled until you find and fix the leak, otherwise your pump will seize if it keeps running dry, and that will eventually need replacing as well.

Good Luck

[MunkeyQ]

Originally Posted by Seku Husky

The main thing here will be to keep that reservoir filled until you find and fix the leak, otherwise your pump will seize if it keeps running dry, and that will eventually need replacing as well.

Good Luck

This. The pump relies on the fluid for lubrication so if it runs dry, the bearings go.

Since it happened after you changed the alternator, you might have knocked a hose on the pump since the two are normally quite close. Check for any oily leaks...might be difficult on an older car, so give it a bit of a clean first.

[Mogli]

I found the problem. For some reason a bottom corner of my PS pump is broken open, leaving a crack about the size of a pencil. Thanks for your help guys

[MunkeyQ]

Heh, I don't think I'd have guessed that in a million years.

Not pointing fingers, but might you have hit it with a wrench by accident when changing the alternator? The casting isn't terribly thick.

[Mogli]

The pump is on the other side of the car. It probably has more to do with my car's shitty suspension

[Rice_banger]

a bit off topic

but ive got a similar issues but its either leaking from the power steering high pressure line or the connection in the actual pump the thread is worn causing it to leak it is leaking from the high pressure line but ya could be the pump also

now ive tried sikaflex around the high pressure line due to its got a 2nd O ring in the hose so its got a 90C bendy

if that dont work , would a junk yard part be usable had enough of spending money?

[typedthiswithmytits]

Originally Posted by Rice_banger

a bit off topic

but ive got a similar issues but its either leaking from the power steering high pressure line or the connection in the actual pump the thread is worn causing it to leak it is leaking from the high pressure line but ya could be the pump also

now ive tried sikaflex around the high pressure line due to its got a 2nd O ring in the hose so its got a 90C bendy

if that dont work , would a junk yard part be usable had enough of spending money?

might be

don't count on it to last aslong as a properly installed new one though, duh!

[Rice_banger]

cant afford a new one

would a wreckers part be any good if i dack one lol?

[typedthiswithmytits]

yes!
thats what i said, get two while your there incase you fuck up the first one

[Rice_banger]

Originally Posted by typedthiswithmytits

yes!
thats what i said, get two while your there incase you fuck up the first one

ok thanks appreciate the help just changed it yay no leaks