Power steering pump leak

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.

3 Replies

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

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

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 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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