Power steering pump leak

Tiny
NOAH956
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 CHEVROLET IMPALA
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 167,000 MILES
I notice yesterday that there was a leak coming from under my car so I checked under the hood and saw fluid dripping down the serpentine belt area. Also my power steering was low on fluid when I topped it off in the morning. The following day I turn my car off and on to check the power steering level, I opened the reservoir cap to find my fluid leaking out from the top, bubbling and the fluid was a light brown color. The pump is also making a whining noise. Before hand I have already replaced my torn rack and pinion one month ago.
Tuesday, March 5th, 2019 AT 9:55 AM

3 Replies

Tiny
D6SPAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 58 POSTS
Hi Noah,
Sounds like you are on the right track. The whining noise indicates a bad pump. If the sound gets really loud when you crank the steering wheel as far as it can turn (in either direction), that is a big indicator that the pump is bad.
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Tuesday, March 5th, 2019 AT 11:34 AM
Tiny
NOAH956
  • MEMBER
  • 24 POSTS
Power steering fluid was also coming through the top of the reservoir where the cap was sealed closed. Does that mean I have to replace the pump along with the reservoir?
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Tuesday, March 5th, 2019 AT 11:38 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,239 POSTS
Yes, this is because the pump is sucking in air causing the fluid to overflow. here is a guide to help walk you through the repair with instructions and diagrams below to show you how on your car:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-power-steering-pump

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Saturday, March 9th, 2019 AT 1:34 PM

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