Power Steering :(

[Vettelt193]

Got back from lunch, tried pulling into my parking spot, but no power steering! Popped the hood, the belt is covered, along with the nice streak on the hood from belt spatter, with power steering fluid. Where do I start? My Vette only has 38k on it, could it be a loose/bad hose? or am I SOL and need a new unit? I haven't worked with the power steering before, so I am somewhat clueless

 

[evolution]

There is a chance that the cap may not be on all of the way, but it seems that you would not loose so much.

I would put my money on a power steering line. Both the sending line and return line are under high pressure and if it is faulty, or you picked up some road debris that nicked the line, it will gush out pints of fluid very quickly.

Feel around the lines and make sure you dont feel any tears or open ends. Lines run around $35 and up, clean up your compartment and replace your belts for insurance.

You might want to invest in a tube wrench as well, those lines tend to be torqued on pretty tight.

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[JonM]

If you can not see the leak or where it is coming from...you can get a leak finder...I have one works great ...It is only about 50 dollars at PepBoys...

http://tracerline.com/leakfinder.html

 

[evolution]

You can also fill it up with fluid and start the car, have someone crank the wheel from left to right and if you see it spewing out when the wheel is turned, it is probably the lines. The rack and pinion itself seems like a sturdy unit and I dont belive that it could be shot.

 

[Vettelt193]

Thanks for the info... here is a curve ball I have to throw at everyone though....

I decided I didn't want to drive home during rush hour with no power steering, so i left work early. Started the car, backed out, power steering working! I drove home (about 5 miles in town) no problems! popped the hood, i still saw the fluid on the hood, but it could have been from before. This is really strange!!! i am going to clean up the compartment when it cools down, check the hoses, and then go from there.

I would like to know how to flush the fluid... anyone have an easy way? (i figure now is a good time)

 

[evolution]

Fluid Flush

You might disconnect the return line and squirt it into a fluid receptical and pour in some fresh fluid and let that drain out too, all the while having somebody crank the wheel over a few times. Refill, lather, rinse, repeat.

Seems like an expensive route tho

Perhaps you could use a cheaper type of fluid as a detergent like, say, ATF. (dont quote me on that and find out first!)


In any case, I would replace the belts just to be safe

 

[bobc]

What is a tube wrench?I'm in the process of replacing my steering rack and the lines are the last I have to remove.:confused

 

[Ken]

What is a tube wrench?

 

[bobc]

Thanks Ken.Formally known as a flare nut wrench.

 

[Ken]

Welcome To The Corvette Action Center bobc!

I didn't even realize that was your first post! Welcome to our family.

 

[vigman]

With 38 K

Was the car sitting for a LONG time with no use? The power steering reserve has an O ring in the bottom of the cap to seal it... some times it falls out as your tighting the cap ( and WHO designed the threads BACKWARDS) so check that out as well.

The rez is not a thread on.. but a clamp on ( no real fitting ) so wipe everything down with a rag.. and start twisting the hose ends ( easily) and see if they move...

Vig!

 

[evolution]

Flare nut wrench.... Ill keep that in mind. I guess I generally call it like I use it.:eyerole

 

[No Go]

Are you sure it is power steering fluid?

The waterpump weep hole is right close to the belt and if it is dumping (failing), it will soak the belt and will slip. This ocurred to me after having power steering problems (real)...then I realized the water pump failed.

If it is the waterpump...I would rather have that than go thru steering system...what a pain that was.

 

[Vettelt193]

definitely power steering fluid, sprayed all on the hood.... the really, really strange thing is the car is fine now... steers fine, no leaks... tried testing it, nothing! the other day when I first posted this I had no power at all, and it was leaking bad... I am stumped on this one, and am a bit afraid to drive the car