Solved 1990 Aerostar with a power steering leak.

[gjonesiii]

My 90 Aerostar is leaking is leaking fluid from the fluid line that has a sensor plugged into it. The line runs from the 4 line junction box, where the fluid comes down from the power steering pump, that sets on top of the r&p. The line has a round unit setting on top of it, with wiring plugged into it. The fluid is leaking from this location. Is the sensor necessary? Is it a sensor? Can I simply remove it and plug the line

 

[Jose A.]

why not try to cure the leak instead of defeating the sensor? it might create a worse problem.

is the line cracked/damaged or just loose?

I use "plumber's tape" on threaded connections like you describe, to keep leaks from starting.

 

[BrooklynBay]

The sensors leak when they get old. The last one that I bought in Autozone cost $7 several years ago. I don't know what the current price is, but it can't be too much more than $10 (every store charges what they want). Another option is to add a little Lucas for P/S. It might not work right away but it eventually works.

 

[gjonesiii]

PROBLEM RESOLVED: Power steering pressure switch.
The counterman confirmed Josh's statement that eliminating it would create more problems. The part was $23 but, I did not shop for price. The job was very easy. My additional input is to keep a can handy. When you remove the uni,t it will dump about 8 ounces of fluid. My sincere thanks to all for your advice.

 

[Jose A.]

glad you fixed it, it would have been a good time to add fresh fluid and a teaspoon of Lucas too, per BrooklynBay's advice, to get rid of old fluid.

bleeding the system requires both front tires raised off the ground, engine running, then turning the steering wheel left-to-right-to-left-to-right about 30 times without hitting the stops too hard.

The good news is that you actually found the part!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Thanks for the update! Your thread is now marked solved in green letters.