Rack & Pinion or air in system?

[RickM]

Hi all,

My '02 4.6 4x4 had been sitting for a couple weeks and when I backed it out of driveway I noticed the wheel shutter as I was turning...also what sounded like a power steering groan.

I noticed a small puddle of what looked like power steering fluid under the area close to where the PS reservoir is situated.

I checked the PS fluid level and it seemed to be ok...I put a bit more in to get it to the max level and it seemed to help a bit but that was short lived.

So, does it appear to be the rack & pinion or should I attempt the exercise where I turn the steering wheel from side to side in an attempt to get all air out of the system.

Any suggestions or feedback welcome.

 

[BigRondo]

Rick, can you see a spot where the PS fluid is leaking from. Try following the hoses in both directions to see if you can spot the leak. I would definitely do "the exercise" and see if that clears it up.

 

[RickM]

I'll take a look tonight or tomorrow....hopefully I'll be able to locate the source of the leak.

Funny how the leak occurred while it was sitting.

Oh I have a dumb question: what type of fluid is the R&P filled with? Is it PS fluid.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[RickM]

I had time over the weekend to take a look.

but let me back up a bit.

I filled the reservoir and while the front was jacked up I turned from stop to stop until the air was bled from the system. I drove fro a day and it ran as normal. However the leak continued. I went back under looked for the highest point with leaking fluid. It seemed to be from one of the four hard lines attached to the rack.

I had a friend look as well and he agreed that it looks to be leaking from one of the connections.

So, can someone help me find a diagram describing these lines? I'm guessing two may be high pressure and two low pressure return lines? Do these connections have O rings or seals I can possibly purchase?


Thanks for any insight....especially on how to access these connections...they look really hard to get to.

(Fingers are crossed that I'm spared at least one major repair.)

 

[BigRondo]

Rick, I'll check my shop manual and post what I find. If you get nothing from me by tomorrow night then feel free to remind me.

 

[RickM]

Thanks Rondo, I appreciate you taking the time to look.

 

[RickM]

OK, the only decent diagram I can find is attached. Any info on what each line is and possibly the o-ring size or part numbers would be helpful.

 

[RickM]

Bump

 

[BigRondo]

Rick, sorry but I forgot all about this post. I will check the shop manuals tonight and post up any pertinent info.

 

[RickM]

Thanks Rondo.

I was able to get a good look over the weekend and it is weeping from the top right connection.

Looks like a real mother to access. Wondering if I have to drop the assembly in order to repair.

Any additional info is appreciated.

 

[BigRondo]

Rick, it looks like the pressure line & return line have o-ring seals. According to the manual, if the connection has an o-ring seal, you must use a new o-ring.

Check your PM. I am sending some scans that way now.

 

[BigRondo]

Bump for an update.

 

[RickM]

Rondo,

Thanks again for the scans. They helped as I was able to back trace the part(s) I needed from the special tool said to be needed to install the seals.

I also found a pic that illustrates the connections into the rack. Apparently there are two "seals".....an O-ring and a Teflon ring seal. From what I've found the O-ring is just sized up locally, if needed. The Teflon seal for the rack is part # 388897-S. It seems the Teflon washer is slightly undersized. Many have recommended placing the washer in very warm to hot water for a few minutes to soften and pushing onto a tapered drift or punch in order to slightly enlarge the center hole of the washer. The part can then be placed onto the threaded connector.

FWIU, a different Teflon washer is used on the power steering pump side of the hose. This part # is 388898-S.

I will take pics and add when I can devote time to this fix.

Diagram credit: SuperMotors.net

 

[BigRondo]

Glad I could help out. Good luck with the fix.