Where is my power steering fluid going??

[texsun]

05 Larson 208LXI 5.0 Volvo GL 235hrs
Last year I ran the power steering pump almost dry....heard the pump...limped over to the marina and topped off the resevoir. Seemed fine after that, but as the rest of the summer passed I continued to notice the fluid need to be topped off again.
Last weekend the PS pump started screeching. Looked at the fluid level and it was dry. So I need a new pump. But my question is 'where is the fluid leaking from?' I looked at the pump and the rack but there is no obvious leak...but the fluid is showing up in the bilge. How can I diagnose the source of the leak?
Thanks for your help.

 

[Scott Danforth]

you clean the bilge......with soap and water. dawn dish soap works wonders

then you fill the system up and look for leaks. you may need a flashlight and a mirror, or your phone on a selfie stick

most of the time its either a pressure hose or a return hose

some times its a loose fitting or the PS cooler

 

[alldodge]

If there is no fluid in the bilge then its probably has a cracked PS cooler. Remove it and pressure test it

 

[Scott Danforth]

BTW, a rebuild kit for the Saginaw PS pump is $14, a new pump is under $50

they will run a reasonably long time without fluid

 

[Bondo]

If there is no fluid in the bilge then its probably has a cracked PS cooler. Remove it and pressure test it

Ayuh,..... Agreed,..... If it's not drained for winter, it's very likely where the fluid is goin',.....

 

[texsun]

I guess I got lucky...I did not know there was a PS cooler!! This weekend I located the PS cooler behind the carb and checked it out closely...no leaks...dry and clean. Proceeded to the actuator...it does appear that the hydraulic fluid has been leaking out of the area where the rod moves in and out of the cylinder.
So I cleaned the bilge w Dawn and refilled the pump reservoir. I'm headed out tomorrow evening to hopefully isolate the leak. I think it's at the actuator. I'll update later this week.
Thanks Again to All...Be Safe!

 

[texsun]

Went to the lake yesterday evening. Ran the engine 5-10mins while idling in neutral....got my Son to turn the wheel back and forth. The actuator was 'dripping' at the seal that carries the ram. So...I checked the reservoir and decided to run around a bit. We stayed out for about an 1hr. Checked it 2 more times....it was not 'dripping'. I guess I'll be replacing the unit....may try to put it off until October. Just keep it topped off.
I really appreciate the feedback and good advice over the years. I'll be back soon with another post ...'replacing Volvo Penta steering actuator'
Have a Safe Memorial Day Weekend!

PS Mr Danforth...per your post above...could you please advise where to get the rebuild for the PS PUMP ...Thank Ya Sir!