power steering leaks 99au

[ben131185]

power steering has developed a leak. little drops of fluid all over the driveway.

had the car serviced the other day (180K), and they reckon there's leaks in the pump, rack and high pressure hose, replacement of the lot plus the other couple hoses (precautionary) was quoted at a grand.

first sign of leaks came a couple of months ago, as little spots on driveway, only had to top up fluid once and it was a small amount. so i wouldn't say its a bad leak, but a leak nonetheless.

is it likely they are jumping the gun saying that the whole lot needs replacing?
as it doesn't appear to be leaking profusely.

[robbyj]

$1000 seems a lot... Mine was leaking from the hose/connection. Got that replaced and it was fine. Maybe try figure out exactly where its leaking from and try replacing the small bits first.

[EL.50]

One of my AUs had the rack replaced 2 weeks before I got it, the receipt was $800.

So $1000 for all of it doesn't seem too bad. But I'd probably take it for a second opinion

[fordman302]

i would look around, i had my rack done and heaps of front end stuff for $1300, sounds like they just want to 100% sure they wont have issues by doing the whole shooting match. i think my rack was around the 400 mark by itself without labour

[ben131185]

Originally Posted by fordman302

sounds like they just want to 100% sure they wont have issues by doing the whole shooting match.

that was my thought.
bit strange for the whole lot to all start leaking at exactly the same time.

these mechanics haven't been too bad in the past, but i always have my eye out on whoever works on my cars.

[svo supporter]

To check if it's the rack itself leaking, undo the plastic clamp/zippy tie holding the rack boot tight and see if any fluid is inside the boot....If there is, the rack seals are stuffed....if not, look elsewhere...

BTW, make sure if the rack isn't leaking, you do the plastic clamp back up, or replace the zippy tie on the boot....otherwise, road grime will get inside the rack and stuff the seals up.

[AUFanboy]

If it's the rack leaking some power steering stop leak is worth a try. Use a syringe to empty the reservior and refill with some clean fluid, drive for a bit, then do it again untill the fluid stays clean, then add half a bottle of stop leak. This has worked twice for me for 3+ years.

The other common leak spot is the swivel fitting on the back of the pump. You can replace the fitting for $12 but it has to be cut off the hose which is a pain. Or just replace the hose for $100... the pumps themselves rarely leak.

That being said $1000 isn't a bad price to replace everything if you don't want to mess around with it.