Power steering leak

[wolf3902]

A noob here. My friend has a '92 Explorer and the power steering has been leaking a lot for awhile. I have offered to fix it for her tomorrow.
Can you guys suggest what to look for, or what most commonly goes out on these? I know I will have to diagnose where the leak is myself, but any usefull info would help.
I am assuming it's prolly just a hose, but you never know.
Can the pump and/or gear box be rebuilt...new seals? or do you advise replacing.
I'm sure I'll get more info when I get into it tomorrow.
I was just hoping to get any heads-up info from you pros.

 

[Turdle]

How bad does it leak? Is it dripping a little, or running out? I hate to offer a quick fix, but lucas power steering fix works for small leaks, and slows fast ones. I helped my friend change his rack on his 97, but b-4 we could it was running almost dry daily. He put the lucas in and got 3 days b-4 dry. Another guy came to show me his cougar, it leaked a little. I suggested changing the pump, he bought the lucas, it fixed it. I know it's not a fix all, but it is only a $ 10.00 gamble.

 

[wolf3902]

From what she is telling me it's a bottle a day. It has a drinking problem. Started slow, but she's been driving it like this for awhile. Worst case is I replace everything, but the gear box has to be ordered and I'm hoping to get it all done for her tomorrow. I just hope it's the hoses. Was just curious if you guys thought it was usually one particular thing, then I could order or get parts today. Oh well, guess I'll find out one way or another.

 

[Turdle]

Fordpartsonline.com does sell a seal kit for about 7.00. they also list a pump,pressure line and return line.

 

[Blee1099]

Welcome to the site. Obviously you failed to read the rules of the Explorer 911 section of this forum. Please read the rules of this section at http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=143875 plus the rules for the other sections of this forum. I would first try to find out where its leaking from before doing anything else. You could easily be leaking from either of the pressure hoses or any number of locations.

 

[wolf3902]

sorry about that

 

[marragtop]

You really need to find out where the leak is first. It could be the pump, the lines, the rack, or the steering box. I suggest spraying everything down with brake clean, let it dry, and then look for the leak. Hopefully, it's just a line. If it's the pump, you will need a puller to get the pulley off regardless of whether you try and reseal it or replace the unit.

 

[wolf3902]

Was leaking from pitman shaft. Removed gear box, removed pitman shaft and pressed out (with a socket and hammer) the old seals. Pressed in the new ones, reassembled, put it back in the truck. Filled and bled.
All good as new...about 3 hours by myself.