Possible sources of oil leak from power steering pump
Good morning, I have a slow dripping type leak of P/S fluid. I find small, 3-4" dia. oil spots on the garage floor after sitting for a few days. By observing the pump from below, with engine running, I can see oil dripping off the bottom of the reservoir but no source is obvious. No obvious leak where the low pressure return hose is clamped to the reservoir. No leaks at seal in back of the pulley. No leaks at the high and low pressure hose connections to the hydraulic cylinder etc.My thought is that I have bent the reservoir canister while adjusting the tension on the drive belt. That would put it out of round and unseal a portion of the mating surfaces between the casting, seal, and reservoir. Any thoughts on pinpointing the cause and suggested fix before I tackle it again?
-
Good morning, I have a slow dripping type leak of P/S fluid. I find small, 3-4" dia. oil spots on the garage floor after sitting for a few days. By observing the pump from below, with engine running, I can see oil dripping off the bottom of the reservoir but no source is obvious. No obvious leak where the low pressure return hose is clamped to the reservoir. No leaks at seal in back of the pulley. No leaks at the high and low pressure hose connections to the hydraulic cylinder etc.My thought is that I have bent the reservoir canister while adjusting the tension on the drive belt. That would put it out of round and unseal a portion of the mating surfaces between the casting, seal, and reservoir. Any thoughts on pinpointing the cause and suggested fix before I tackle it again?
-
Re: Possible sources of oil leak from power steering pump
David,
The reservoir is sealed to the pump by a large O ring and the outlet and return fitting holes are sealed by smaller rubber gaskets. Going from memory it's not a hard job to repair, I remember it's outlined in my 63 service manual.
-
Re: Possible sources of oil leak from power steering pump
I agree. This is an easy job. You can get a p/s pump rebuild kit from any of the parts houses or your local auto parts store for around $11. The basic pump is common to most GM cars and light trucks of the period. It will have all of the seals and o-rings to do the job. There will be 2 bolts or studs with nuts, depending on the application, and the pressure hose fitting to remove. Then the reservoir slides off of the pump. It sounds like the big o-ring is leaking. This is common.
TomComment
-
Re: Possible sources of oil leak from power steering pump
The following sketch shows the various areas that can leak on a Saginaw P-pump.
These are the two seals that fit in the housing and seal against the sheet metal reservoir as you tighten the studs.
JimComment
-
Re: Possible sources of oil leak from power steering pump
Good evening,
I just wanted to thank Tom Bryant, Timothy Barberi, and Jim Shea for their posts on the power steering pump leak question that I posted this morning. Upon close inspection I found that the leak was at the seal between the reservoir can and the pump casting. Tonight it is sealed back up and working just fine.
Thanks again guys, it is amazing how much technical knowledge is available on this website.
David
Comment
Comment