Power steering leaks seem like they are everywhere...

[90 GSX]

Okay so basically, I am replacing my power steering pump for the second time this week and I want to clean up the system so I don't have to do it again. I think I have a minor leak on the rack somewhere but I'll overcome that with more fluid because it's so small. In fact, ever since I changed to that thick Lucas stop leak my reservoir hasn't gone down much over a long time; however, the pump has run dry a couple times in the past so I'm not surprised it's giving up now. The thing that pisses me off the most is the leaks from the hoses and fittings on the top:

-high pressure line
-high pressure line pump inlet (o-ring???)
-reservoir barbs
-reservoir hoses

I'm not replacing the high pressure line it's way too expensive. I will however put a new o-ring in the inlet to the pump when I replace it. The reservoir just seems to have fluid all around it and I know I spilled a little filling it but not that much. What size are those hoses, can I just buy new oil lines and clamps and replace all of them?

 

[mosul210]

Dude I have the same vehicle 90 GSX, and my power steering pump always leaks also. I replaced the return hose and that seemed to help a little. It appears to still be leaking from the high pressure line. I know there are some copper washers there I should replace, but is there also an o-ring?

 

[turbotsi92]

i have a 90 GSX also, and the same exact issue. I even replaced the o ring (which seemed like the obvious issue) and it quit for a while, but back to leaking. I have serveral rack leaks. It is stressful. The Lucas stop leak does seem to help tremendously, but doesn't stop it all together.

 

[Rex2342]

Mine also leaked like crazy. I replaced the crush washers and o-ring, and tried 3 pumps and it still leaked constantly. Finally I gave up and put a manual rack in. Problem Solved!

 

[turbotsi92]

Mine also leaked like crazy. I replaced the crush washers and o-ring, and tried 3 pumps and it still leaked constantly. Finally I gave up and put a manual rack in. Problem Solved!

How do you like the manual rack? I put one in my 92 Tsi i had, and i hated it. I loved the engine bay though. Also makes putting on the manifold and changing alternators a breeze.

 

[90 GSX]

I was actually considering a manual rack. It is much simpler, more reliable, won't kill alternators etc. etc. I just wish I could feel how it is to drive before take the time and money to do it. Can anybody give input on the manual rack???

 

[turbotsi92]

I was actually considering a manual rack. It is much simpler, more reliable, won't kill alternators etc. etc. I just wish I could feel how it is to drive before take the time and money to do it. Can anybody give input on the manual rack???

As i mentioned above I put one in my old TSi, and the steering response was terrible. maybe the tire rods were just wore out, but I didn't like it at all. You take the good with the bad though because there is so much to the power steering system. It makes working on the engine 10 times easier. Plus that is one less fluid for the DSM to leak out since that is all they know how to do.

 

[90 GSX]

Ehh I'll just keep a bottle of ps fluid in my trunk as always and keep replacing my lifetime warranty alternator =) It's still annoying though.

 

[Rex2342]

How do you like the manual rack? I put one in my 92 Tsi i had, and i hated it. I loved the engine bay though. Also makes putting on the manifold and changing alternators a breeze.

I like it alot actually. I've had it for a few months now and I DD my talon. When I first put it in though I didn't like the way it felt. Their is an adjustment on the rack and after I played with that a bit all is good. You can also de-power your power rack. I read an article somewhere about how to do and it didn't look to hard. If you can find a manual rack I'd recommend it.