power steering leak

[tomrad]

Just going out to try and locate the ongoing p/s leak in my son's 03 Liberty. Bottom of the pump is wet and drips. I'm going to degrease (again), and see if I can tell exactly where it's coming from. I have a new o ring for the high pressure line. The line was replaced by the previous owner. Is it likely that the aftermarket hose oring is the problem? I read the Mopar o-ring is the only one that works without leaking.
Also, does the line usually unscrew from the pump easily?
Figure I'll change the ATF+4 fluid while I'm in there.
Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving to all!

 

[uss2defiant]

my replacement high pressure line was from autozone so no issues with the o-ring. YMMV

Bolting the lines to the p/s pump is relatively straight forward but I recall that one of the line was pretty hard to reach ( I think the high pressure line). Had to use some extensions with a crowfoot wrench.

 

[tomrad]

Thanks, yes I am trying to make sure I know where the leak is before I take anything apart. Working outside in the cold and wind, you know.

 

[tomrad]

my replacement high pressure line was from autozone so no issues with the o-ring. YMMV

Bolting the lines to the p/s pump is relatively straight forward but I recall that one of the line was pretty hard to reach ( I think the high pressure line). Had to use some extensions with a crowfoot wrench.

Do you remember if you needed to put a wrench on the pump fitting to support it when removing the line? I see it has a hex on it, not sure if I should just put a wrench on the line only. Tks again.

 

[uss2defiant]

nope. The hex you're seeing is fitting that goes over the flanged solid metal tubing.

The tricky part is unbolting the line off a mount that's behind the driver side headlight.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

For that one under the headlight, I cut out an access door and siliconed the plastic back on.

 

[tomrad]

For that one under the headlight, I cut out an access door and siliconed the plastic back on.

Thanks!

 

[uss2defiant]

or find someone w/ small hands.
I was able to do it with universal joints

 

[tomrad]

or find someone w/ small hands.
I was able to do it with universal joints

The hose was replaced by the previous owner. Just a few years ago. But I see fluid between the metal line and the nut that threads into the bottom of the pump.

 

[uss2defiant]

another thing to check would be the reservoir itself.
My p/s assembly was leaking at the back side that faces the engine block.

 

[tomrad]

another thing to check would be the reservoir itself.
My p/s assembly was leaking at the back side that faces the engine block.

Update:
I added about 1-1/2 oz of Lubegard red to the ATF+4 fluid in the steering reservoir, then drove maybe 10 miles, and the noise is nearly gone. I'll watch for leaks, but hopefully the 'seal conditioners' in the Lubegard may help the orings. Will let you guys know how it does.

 

[ltd02]

I had a leak in my 05 where the reservoir connected to the pump. Ran down to the bottom and tough to tell where it came from. It was a nicked O-ring.