Power Stering Fluid Loss

[ureiman]

I'm loosing power steering fluid in my 94 xlt Explorer, from what I can tell it looks like the fluid is escaping from the top of the reservoir cap. What can be causing this problem? Do I need to replace the cap or the entire power steering reservoir?

Thanks

 

[gmanpaint]

Are you turning the wheel with the engine off?

 

[FIND]

Are you over-filling the fluid?

 

[ureiman]

are you turning the wheel with the engine off?

no

 

[ureiman]

Just to the fill level, but it still leaks out and the only place I see fluid is on the cap.

 

[gmanpaint]

It is NOT the reservoir or the cap.

There is a relief hole on the cap. If the wheel was turned with engine off, it will squirt out of it. See any fluids under the hood itself? That would tell you it is coming out of that relief hole at a good pressure. Since you say that's not the case, something is causing back pressure. The pump itself might have a bad valve, and need a rebuild or replaced.