5.0GI PWTR 1999 PS/power steering fluid leak. Where??

[lars11]

Noticed a slight whining and slammer when boating the other day, found it got slightly worse when turning. So the fluid level was way below the stick in the PS pump, had to refill with some atf from the trim unit. It stopped making noise but what a pain.

Anyways, it was ok level at 25 hrs ago, now at least a cup of ATF was gone. Never had to top up in previous 300 hrs...

Can not find any atf in the bilge area or around the engine, hoses or PS actuator(?!)

Where can it go? How to find out? Help please!

 

[Augoose]

On my '99 5.0 GL I found that one of the power steering pump lines (I think it was the high pressure side, but I can't recall for sure) was dry rotting at a sharp 180 degree bend in the line. This bend on my boat was on the starboard side, behind and lower than the exhaust manifold, and right in front of the steering rack.

With the engine off, trace both lines gently with your gloved hand and search for fluid.

 

[lars11]

ok, will do that check. Haven't seen any obvious fluid visually, but since it's a slow leak maybe it can go unnoticed back there. White gloves on then...

 

[Scott Danforth]

or the power steering cooler is leaking and it is getting pumped out to sea

 

[lars11]

ok, so if I can't find any leaks in the engine compartment, it would be a next step to check the cooler. How? Dismount it and then?

 

[bruceb58]

Pressure test it.