Power Steering (i think)

cougermoon · 08-02-2010, 06:27 PM

Hey all,

today i got home and noticed some oil on my driveway, took a look under the car and saw that it was leaking a bit of oil. It looks to me like its power steering fluid, but im not sure, im not an expert. I rang midway ford, the people i bought it off and booked it in for them to take a look at, but i would like to be able to tell them exactly what the problem is to save time. I was wondering if u guys could have a look at the pic and tell me what it looks like the issue is.

(sorry for the angle, the bricks i was sitting on were bloody hot)
There is no leak i can see looking in from the engine bay ( to eliminate the idea it leaking from further above).
only one or 2 droplets come out after i turn the car off after a drive but thats it, still id like to know what it is.

any help would be great
thanks

Will

svo supporter · 08-02-2010, 06:40 PM

I'd guess it'd be the o'ring/s from the power steering hose/s where it goes into the rack. They tend to get brittle and start to leak after a while.

Let us know whether that's right or not

**aussiblue** · 08-02-2010, 07:18 PM

Check the power steering switch - blue switch just above where the circle you drew joins. These often fail and leak.

mik · 08-02-2010, 09:10 PM

have a look at your alternator , see if theres any oil on it.

cougermoon · 08-02-2010, 11:56 PM

Yeah ill have a look at the switch and the alt in the morning, it could possible be them(didnt consider them at the time). but the idea its a hose or an O ring thats just old seems logical for the area of the leak.

Ill know 2morrow morn and ill post back with what it was for interest sake

thanks heaps

Will

all4fordau · 09-02-2010, 12:15 AM

Another vote for the power steering switch. I have had mine done twice in about 5 years. If I remember it is in a difficult spot to remove and replace, and I had to make up a special spanner to get at it.

cougermoon · 09-02-2010, 12:57 PM

yeah you were right, turned out the hole pump and high pressure switch are going. I havent ever had an issue with them, and i guess cos it hit 130, 000ks now it was bound to happen.

gonna cost 600 to put a new pump in and switch.
but the mechanic rekons everything else is sweet on it.

so ill see how it turns out.

(i was praying it was just a buggered hose :( )

thanks for the advice people

Will

AMB · 09-02-2010, 05:05 PM

Just change the switch, the pump will probably keep "going" for another 5 years before it goes. It'll just get noisier.