Power steering leak

TINA MARIE NETHERLAND

MEMBER
2005 CHEVROLET BLAZER
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
133,421 MILES

Over the year and nine months of having this vehicle, there has been a significant power steering fluid leak. Both the pump (pump was actually replaced twice) and the pulley were replaced, lines were bled through, and I do believe the rack pinion was also replaced. The leak is so consistent now that the fluid needs to be refilled every week before it starts to whine when the wheel is turned.
Any specific fluid brands for a stop leak that work the best? Or does any other part need replaced (like the power steering lines)?

3 Replies

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,871 POSTS

First you have to get underneath and look for what is wet. If you cannot tell where the leak is because the fluid has sprayed all over, wash the entire area with engine degreaser then rinse it off with water from a garden hose. Once everything is dry, add a small bottle of dark purple dye to the power steering fluid. Check a day later with a black light. The dye will show up as a bright yellow stain that you can follow back to the source of the leak. Auto parts stores will have the dye for the fluid being tested, and those that rent or borrow tools should have a black light.

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Saturday, September 2nd, 2017 AT 1:57 AM

TINA MARIE NETHERLAND

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I know what the leak is. It is definitely power steering fluid, other wise I would not have to refill that fluid every week when it starts to whine when I turn the wheel.
I need to know what else could be wrong with the power steering that could cause this constant leaking.

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Saturday, September 2nd, 2017 AT 11:33 AM

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,871 POSTS

I am not saying it is not power steering fluid. I am saying you need to see what part is leaking.

You have a pump, a steering gear, and two hoses. I also suggested dye can be added to the power steering fluid to provide an indicator to help find the leak. That is a common method we use when the leak occurs too slowly to be seen while we are underneath, watching the parts while the engine is running.

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Saturday, September 2nd, 2017 AT 11:47 AM