Troubleshooting Help - PS Fluid Leak

[ant.xlt.96]

Hey guys,

Hoping for a tip for where to look first with my power steering problem. I have a 1996 2wd 4.0 that sat for a few months. I noticed the power steering fluid was low and topped it off for a test run around the block. After parking in the garage, I found a huge amount of fluid on the cardboard I left under the engine. Pump reservoir was bone dry. I'm going to refill and try again to see where it's coming from. Any hints for where I should look? I'm hoping it's a seal and not the gear box....but Thanks in advance.

 

[ericbphoto]

Make sure the hoses between pump and steering box are ok and the fittings are tight. Clean all that stuff real good with brake cleaner so you can inspect it frequently and see where the leak is coming from.

 

[sgtsandman]

Ditto on the making sure you clean everything off. It's hard to impossible to see where the actual leak(s) is/are if there is a bunch of dirt and gummed up oil covering everything.

 

[SenorNoob]

Good luck. I have a leak that only happens once every six months or so. It'll suddenly be empty. Clean everything up, refill, and good for another six months. Drives me nuts.

 

[ericbphoto]

My hoses leak at their connections. Bought new hoses almost 2 years ago and forgot I had them. Still in the toolbox for emergencies.

I really ought to install those soon.