1996 Plymouth Voyager Power Steering Leak

IDEALADY

MEMBER
1996 PLYMOUTH VOYAGER
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
151,000 MILES

I've recently started having a problem where I'm frequently refilling the power steering fluid. I've checked the hose from the reservoir to whatever it connects to (presumably the power steering pump) and it seems to be intact with no visible cracks or leaks.

I just don't know where the fluid is going. I refilled it monday morning and it was so low this morning (thursday) that it was whining with even the slightest turn to the steering wheel. I don't think I've even driven more than ten miles since monday.

What are my best and worse case scenarios? I'd like to have a better idea of what to expect before I call the mechanic.

Thanks!

1 Reply

CH112063

MECHANIC
1,320 POSTS

With over 150,000 miles on it, it may need both the steering rack and pump. You should put new hoses on it if it has alot of miles just so you won't have future problems, worst case scenario pump, rack, hoses, fluid, and labor would be a little under 500.00 for parts alone, add the price of fluid and hoses would be another 100 so 600.00 for parts alone, worst case. Labor would be around 425.00. Thats 3.2 hours and another 2 for the pump, 5 hours all together. At the very least a hose may be leaking at 40 dollars for the part and an hour and a half to change it, figure 175.00 total, for the least expensive problem.
1000 worst case vs. 175 if it's only the pressure hose. Good luck, I was using 85.00 for labor time for each hour. OK