hey group
Well, I decided to tackle the power steering leak myself. Thanks guys, this BB is pretty special.
I made room in the garage, had to get "Tire Skates", on the Giulietta and wrangle it into the corner. Then dry off the LS and jack her up, using a 4x6 under the front frame and jacks under the lift points [scary thoughts of bending rusty metal]. Thanks for all the previous threads, the "lift", was a success.
Took the front drivers side fender guard off and the rear one is loose but not off, does this really come off?? Love that manual, it's like a outline to "War and Peace"
Anyway, here is what I found: the lower A arm is soaked with a soggy mess of gravel, dirt and P/S fluid. Passenger side is dry and the boot intact.
The drivers side steering rack boot is completely open at the tie rod end and there P/S fluid inside.
No obvious leaks from the hoses and coil, but a soaked boggy black clothed hose from the rack to the coil. I think its soaked due to being below the leak.
So I filled the reservoir with fluid and started the engine.
http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif Pink foamy fluid came out of the end of the high pressure hose were the outer jacket ends [ just like a previous post ]. Wow, the fluid looked like a strawberry shake!!
While that was happening I looked inside the boot, nothing shaking inside, but I realize the rack is not fully pressurized.
Question: Could I have two leaks one high flow, from the high pressure hose which would explain the sudden loss of fluid and a slow leak from the drivers side steering rack seal?
Or, could the fluid just get into the boot from a high pressure leak which is just above the boot?
Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/imag...s/confused.gif
Frank
here's a follow up on my power steering leak.
I went to a "reputable" mechanic but, I did not trust him. He wanted to replace the rack and all hoses, did not want to give me a estimate on the # hrs or cost
Trailered the 164 LS home and today got it open up.[had to move make room in the garage].
Well, the drivers side lower A arm is soggy with gravel dirt and P/S fluid. The end of the P/S rack boot is completely seperated at the first rib and their is P/S fluid inside. The hose from rack to coil is wet and spongy. The coil itself is OK. it is the return hose from the pump to the rack. I put some fluid in the reservoir and fluid [pink and foaming] coming out of the end of the high pressure hose, viewed from the drivers side wheel well.
Question. My drivers side rack boot is fully seperated at the [wheel] end and there is power steering fluid inside the boot. when I started the engine I did not see any fluid from inside the boot. BUT, the rack was prob not fully pressurized due to the leak and I did not turn the steering wheel.
So, my question is if there is P/S fluid in the boot could it get there from spray from the high pressure hose, since it is just above this area. Or, do I have two leaks? One fast and one slow?
Question 2> does the rear inner fender guard come compleatly off?