Power Steering fluid in Bilge

[dbaggette]

Hello...I have a 1990 Merc 5.7L Alpha One. Found bilge full of power steering fluid - pump reservoir was almost empty. I have exhaustedly researched the forum and want to make sure I'm heading in the right direction. I am quite certain that the leak is not coming from the actuator (carpet dry underneath) and is coming from the pump. The alternator below the pump was oily, and after cleaning out the bilge, the next day there was a good amount of fluid present. I pulled the pump and the supply hose to the actuator (leaving return hose in place) and plan on replacing. Just to be clear - if this were the cooler problem, the fluid would not be present in the bilge? Any other thoughts are much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Power Steering fluid in Bilge

It would only be a cooler problem if the water jacket part of the cooler was ruptured. (it still might be the problem. The coolers are usually in the return line...which is low pressure)

The pumps rarely leak....but don't rule it out. ....look your high pressure hose over very closely. I would remove it and put some air on it and see if it leaks before I pulled the pump.....

Also, throw some ATF in the pump and run it and see what happens...


Cheers,


Rick