power steering drinking fluid

S3SR · 09-11-2006, 12:38 AM

theres a little patch where it looks like power steering fluid on my garage floor even smells like it. anyways theres a bit on the spill cover/belt cover thingy i got, when hot (i mean hot damn tville) the level is like halfway between the hot and cold level, top it up...fine next few days the pump will start whirring and i check levels and its done to the exact same level...

checked the hoses behind and tighten/adjusted (looked like it was leaking from there) went for a bit of a drive tonight, checked levels again and its done there again but it doesnt seem to be coming from the pump now....where else might it be leaking from?

but it always goes to the same level (still enough to use it)

anyways any help appreciated

GK · 09-11-2006, 12:57 AM

Can't tell without looking at it of course, but I bet the little nut that has the seals inside is gone. It's a dodgy design and often needs replacing, just had one replaced on my SR a few weeks back.

The nut is worth about $30 bucks from Ford, and you cut the old one off and slip the new one on. I didn't do this myself though mind you, so talk a mechanic mate that I hope you have.

If this is the bit leaking, you'll most likely end up with PS Fluid on your alternator.

All the best with it.

GK

jimt3te50 · 09-11-2006, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GK

Can't tell without looking at it of course, but I bet the little nut that has the seals inside is gone. It's a dodgy design and often needs replacing, just had one replaced on my SR a few weeks back.

The nut is worth about $30 bucks from Ford, and you cut the old one off and slip the new one on. I didn't do this myself though mind you, so talk a mechanic mate that I hope you have.

If this is the bit leaking, you'll most likely end up with PS Fluid on your alternator.

All the best with it.

GK

Spot on- the pressure pipe going into the reservoir I would think.

Haven't done one on a six, but mine went and I had to replace the whole thing ($130 from Repco). You can have the fittting welded on but I reckon it would be easier and ultimately cheaper to replace it, but like I say, only done a V8 one, sorry

Also- make sure you top it up with Castrol Syntrans 75W85 oil and not power steering fluid- it will stuff the pump and the rack.

I've said it before but just to recap- post 1996 Falcons use manual transmission oil and not power steering fluid..............

KOUPE76 · 09-11-2006, 01:51 AM

Is it a matter of draining the normal power steering fluid (as this is in the wifes au6), and replacing with the Castrol one? I have a new pressure hose I want to replace to.
Went to an oil place the other day to get some fluid to suit the xr8 but couldn't find any

: Thanks James for the correct brand of oil.

Mick

jimt3te50 · 09-11-2006, 02:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLUPRNT XR8

Is it a matter of draining the normal power steering fluid (as this is in the wifes au6), and replacing with the Castrol one? I have a new pressure hose I want to replace to.
Went to an oil place the other day to get some fluid to suit the xr8 but couldn't find any

: Thanks James for the correct brand of oil.

Mick

The oil is surprisingly hard to get to be honest Mick! All the auto shops just stock 1 or 2 types of power steering fluid..........

It's not a big job to change it Mick........ (the pressure line on a V8 is a PITA though)

KOUPE76 · 09-11-2006, 02:24 AM

Thanks mate, where did you get yours?, probably have to go to a Castrol distributor is guess or would Ford have it?

jimt3te50 · 09-11-2006, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BLUPRNT XR8

Thanks mate, where did you get yours?, probably have to go to a Castrol distributor is guess or would Ford have it?

Just order it from Repco the day before you want it and they'll get it in- it's not rare, just that I've never seen it on the shelf..........

Who would think you would need to run Manual Tranmission Oil in your P/S system?

S3SR · 09-11-2006, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimt3te50

Who would think you would need to run Manual Tranmission Oil in your P/S system?

not me.

i just bought some valvoline power steering fluid (one with the red au xr on the cover)

thanks GK ill check that hose and the nut, power steering fluid on the alternator means disastor soon doesnt it.... should i just replace that as well?

GK · 09-11-2006, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FALCONSR

not me.

i just bought some valvoline power steering fluid (one with the red au xr on the cover)

thanks GK ill check that hose and the nut, power steering fluid on the alternator means disastor soon doesnt it.... should i just replace that as well?

If the battery light on the dash doesn't come on, I wouldn't be replacing the alternator!

I have used that same fluid also, it meets the Ford spec so should be fine!

Cheers,

GK

all4fordau · 10-11-2006, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GK

If the battery light on the dash doesn't come on, I wouldn't be replacing the alternator!

I have used that same fluid also, it meets the Ford spec so should be fine!

Cheers,

GK

Those hoses from the power steering pump are very dodgey. Mine leaked at the nut union piece and dripped into the alternator. I replaced the hose with a unit from Repco $80, and the alternator went fine for a couple more weeks then threw in the towel. Reco alternator was $220 fitted but dont do it straight away unless the battery light does come on.

10-11-2006, 11:38 AM

Power steering pressure switch/sensor. $10 fix.