Power steering-where's the leak?

[t4bz]

My '79 L-82 is running fantastic...with the exception of a gradual power steering leak. Previous owner told me that it needed a pump, but I see that several parts or hoses could be the culprit. Any idea about how I can determine where the leak is coming from? I had thought about replacing it all, but that is fairly costly (pump, slave cylinder, control valve, hoses). I think the pump is working just fine, but obviously I'm losing fluid.

Suggestions for a clueless newbie?

 

[Tweek]

I would start with a good degreasing, making sure the areas around the stearing system are cleaned well. let everything dry good, take it for a ride to get everything warmed up, then park on a clean piece of cardboard to see where the drips are. This should give you a starting point. It is hard to see alot of the connections from the top, so you'll have to get the car up in the air. Leaks are no fun and sometimes it takes alot of looking to find them... Good luck

Ron

 

[Robin7TFour]

t4,,, using my psychic powers i am going to suggest you look closely at the control valve/slave cylinder area. very common leaking point...no i am not really psychic, i just played one on tv.

Bubba, the shade tree master

 

[mike weyman]

get it up on a hoist, clean everything with brake cleaner or the like and have it nice and dry. get someone in the car with the motor running turn the wheel full left to full right until you see the traces of fluid re-appearing. it may take a while with a really slow leak , but it works.mike