power steering leak possible spots?

[jasoncitrano]

Ok, so i'm leaking power steering fluid on my 90 tsi 5spd fwd, it's actually my friends, where should i start looking for power steering leaks? we just replaced the belt and the pump is working fine, there is just a leak somewhere in the system, where do the lines run and how should we go about finding the leak?

 

[phatTSi]

Just trace the lines they are easy to follow.

 

[BOOSTIN21]

i have had 2 talons where the PS has gone out. my current talon had the hard line break, if the pump makes a whining sound that means that the seals in the pump are burning so if you hear that cut the belt that runs it or take it off. check the lines by the halfshaft thats where the lines tend to break. if those are bad, go to MACHV.COM they have replacement hardlines. Stay away from dealers, they told me it would be around $450 for everything the lines are 225-250 and do it yourself if you need help let me know good luck with everything

 

[BOOSTIN21]

oooh oooh oooh and you can try lifting the car and crank the wheel left to right without hitting the stops and have someone watch under the car and under the hood for leaks

 

[jasoncitrano]

Thanks but what do you mean without hitting the stops? just turn it left and right?

 

[giester2]

Stops - this is the point when you have turned the steering wheel as far as you can to one side (left or right). When at the stops, the pump is putting out its maximum pressure. This is why most people tell you not to hold the wheel at the stops for more than a few seconds because sometimes it can cause damage to the pump.

 

[jasoncitrano]

wow i never even knew that, so basically to check for a leak...
jack it up it's a fwd it's my friends car
then should i start the car or just leave it off
then turn the wheel side to side and look for leaks? thats it?

 

[giester2]

yeah thats basically it.....but......if your rack is leaking it may be leaking into your boots (bellows) so you may want to squeeze them to see if there is any fluid in them. It can either feel slick (if you rub your boot between two pinch fingers) or you may be able to hear a "squishy" sound if the leak is bad enough

 

[jasoncitrano]

buti start the car though right?? when it's jacked up? to get the pump running im assuming

 

[giester2]

yeah you can start the car, it will make it easier to see a leak. To check the boots for fluid though, the engine does not need to be running.

 

[BOOSTIN21]

yeah the car doesn't have to be on, just turn the key to ACC. and then turn the wheel form left to right again with help of course inspecting the lines from underneath and in the engine bay. taking the lines off is a sinch too jut take your time and be careful not to ruin the rack because than a line repair turns into a beoch of a problem