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Power steering fluid leaking down on the engine's manifold

Tiny
ISAISH
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 FORD TAURUS
  • 138,246 MILES
Power steering overflowing and is leaking down on the engine's manifold. I'm thinking new power steering fluid? I really don't know or what happened. How or what do I do from there? I need to be specific, instead of being ripped off by mechanics
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Monday, October 28th, 2013 AT 2:27 PM

12 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,874 POSTS
Is it overflowing from the reservoir or is something just leaking? A common problem on Fords is air in the system causes the power steering fluid to gush out of the reservoir, but only when you stop the engine and only after some other service was performed that resulted in air getting in the system. A number of tools have been developed to get the air out. You may need to visit a mechanic who is experienced with this problem once the cause is determined and solved.
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Monday, October 28th, 2013 AT 3:24 PM
Tiny
ISAISH
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Yes it was was gushing out when the engine was turned off, and yes out of the reservoir, sorry. But I myself changed my fuel filter recently, could that be the problem? Will I be able to fix myself?
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Tuesday, October 29th, 2013 AT 8:42 AM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,874 POSTS
The fuel filter is not related to this problem. Air got into the power steering fluid somehow. There are vacuum devices that get attached to the reservoir. By putting the fluid under vacuum, the air expands and is supposed to be easier to expel. The problem is air in a pocket will compress making the fluid level appear to be low, so you add some. When the engine stops, that air is free to expand again. That's what pushes the fluid out. Some auto parts stores have a special funnel to attach to the reservoir to catch that fluid and direct it right back in without the air. You might want to try one of those. Start and stop the engine a few times, and turn the steering wheel full-left to full-right to work any air bubbles out. Let it sit a few hours with that funnel still attached, then start the engine a few times again. Letting it sit will allow the tiny air bubbles mixed in the fluid to slowly float out.
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Tuesday, October 29th, 2013 AT 12:35 PM
Tiny
NASHRULEZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2001 FORD TAURUS
  • 143,000 MILES
I recently bought a Ford Taurus 2001 Model and I showed it to a mechanic. The mechanic did a checkup and he was not so helpful. He said that there is a leak in the power Steering pump. Can you let me know if this is a major problem and had to be repaired immediately.

Thanks
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Monday, June 7th, 2021 AT 5:50 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
It really matters how bad the leak is. If it is minimal, you could most likely drive it for a short period of time. If it is a bad leak, it will need fixed ASAP. I will tell you that Ford had a lot of issues with power steering pumps going bad. Usually, they whine.
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Monday, June 7th, 2021 AT 5:50 PM (Merged)
Tiny
NASHRULEZ
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank you so much for your prompt response. I need this car only for six months after which I will buy a brand new one. How much normally a mechanic charge for this kind of trouble and also the cost of the replacement. Can you give me a rough idea.

Thanks once again
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Monday, June 7th, 2021 AT 5:50 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
A remanufactured pump is about 150.00 and it should take about an hours labor.
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Monday, June 7th, 2021 AT 5:50 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GREGPRAM2
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 141,000 MILES
I've had to add power steering fluid 2 times in the last 5 days which has never happened before. Today I turned on the car and looked underneath to check for leaks. I noticed a leak toward the front of the car on the passenger side not far from the wheel. I suspect that is where a power steering pump or line is located. It could also be a brake line because my brake light has come in recently and then went off when I added more fluid. What do you think my problem is with my steering? I've had the vehicle since it had 23,000 miles on it and never had any problems until now. Would it be more worth it to buy a new car than to fix this one?
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Monday, June 7th, 2021 AT 5:50 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LEGITIMATE007
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,121 POSTS
No I think you do probably have a power steering hose leak. Matter of fact I just did one yesterday. A pressure hose. Just have it replaced. Better for you if you can do it yourself. But if you have to bring it to shop make sure that if the price sounds outrageous. Get that second opinion. Good luck. Anymore questions? Just reply.
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Monday, June 7th, 2021 AT 5:50 PM (Merged)
Tiny
EMMA IZQUIERDO
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1999 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
The car is leaking the power steering fluid through the top of the cap of the power steering pump as soon as you shut the car off it leaks it out. We've replaced the rack and pinon three times, return hose, pressure hose, pressure valve and replaced three times and it keeps leaking power steering fluid right through the cap of the pump. Please help me figure out this puzzle.
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Monday, June 7th, 2021 AT 5:50 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,874 POSTS
Only Fords have this problem and it is very common. It is due to air trapped in the system. When you stop the engine the compressed air expands and pushes the fluid out. There is some kind of vacuum pump that Ford mechanics use to expand the air bubble to make it easier to bleed. Being a Chrysler mechanic, I never needed that tool so I don't even know what it looks like.

Caradiodoc
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Monday, June 7th, 2021 AT 5:50 PM (Merged)
Tiny
EMMA IZQUIERDO
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Thank You for your reply. My husband will be trying that and I'm hopeful it will resolve the problem. Again thanks!
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Monday, June 7th, 2021 AT 5:50 PM (Merged)

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