Power Steering Fluid Leak Problem

Hi folks, me again with another question.

On Sunday there I noticed telltale 'rainbow puddle' under the Jimny so investigated when I got the chance.

Turns out it's power steering fluid but can't find a leak as such but what I have is the liquid pooling on the Stainless Steel pipework below my radiator on the nearside directly below what I assume is the radiator drain cap (on the down-pipe from the reservoir). It's pooling on the rubber sleeve just after it bends but I've had a feel about and it doesn't seem to be running down from above. I'm assuming the pipe itself is fractured but I guess it could be a drip from the pump directly above but I couldn't see any evidence of a drip (it was pi*sing down so not the best conditions to see a drip). I've got pictures (I'll post them when I get a chance to upload them).

I guess what I'm asking is;
Has anyone had this issue and what was the eventual solution?
How difficult is it to change (a) the pipework and (b) the pump if required?

I'm fairly proficient with st/st tubing so could probably cut out a fracture and piece in a section using compression fittings but would that be acceptable in terms of MOT or safety in general?

Thanks

Stainless steel pipework must be aftermarket, mine has rusty lumps of steel poking out of rubber hoses I believe.


It isn't some sort of oil cooler for an auto gearbox is it? PAS fluid and ATF look the same, used to be the same in The Olden Days too.

If the pump seal is leaking you can get magic fluid in a can that softens and swells up the seals, not sure I'd trust it long term as I'd expect a swollen softened seal to wear out quicker.

If you find it is a leaky pipe, you can repair away, and it will MOT no problem, provided the pipes are not excessively damaged, corroded, or fouling on some part of the vehicle. A leak showing a component seal or joint has failed is a fail. A drip from the pump or steering box will likely pass, if in the opinion of the tester, the seal hasn't failed.

If the repair fails, you will lose power assistance and worse, wreck the pump if you run it dry :S If you are not confident that you can repair it, don't.

Mine did the same, I think the little rubber pieces are the to protect the pipe from rubbing on the Body, but they also retain moisture and cause the pipe to corrode under them I cut the bad section out and joined the pipes back together with a Hydraulic fitting which I found at work, make sure you get it sorted before you have no fluid left because I think bleeding the pump is a bit of a nightmare!!

The Dug wrote: Hi folks, me again with another question.

On Sunday there I noticed telltale 'rainbow puddle' under the Jimny so investigated when I got the chance.

Turns out it's power steering fluid but can't find a leak as such but what I have is the liquid pooling on the Stainless Steel pipework below my radiator on the nearside directly below what I assume is the radiator drain cap (on the down-pipe from the reservoir). It's pooling on the rubber sleeve just after it bends but I've had a feel about and it doesn't seem to be running down from above. I'm assuming the pipe itself is fractured but I guess it could be a drip from the pump directly above but I couldn't see any evidence of a drip (it was pi*sing down so not the best conditions to see a drip). I've got pictures (I'll post them when I get a chance to upload them).

I guess what I'm asking is;
Has anyone had this issue and what was the eventual solution?
How difficult is it to change (a) the pipework and (b) the pump if required?

I'm fairly proficient with st/st tubing so could probably cut out a fracture and piece in a section using compression fittings but would that be acceptable in terms of MOT or safety in general?

Thanks

Thanks for the answers guys.

I can be certain it's not a cooler for an auto box - manual . May not be stainless though, maybe just a little less rusty than everything else........ :ohmy:. I might actually look at replacing the whole section with St/St rather than piece it in............ might :lol:

I agree the rubber is there as a friction/impact protection and now that I think about it if there was under lying corrosion I could have given it a jolt earlier in the week when I had a 'minor ground impact'. There's no way it's been a direct hit but the vibration could have caused a rupture.

Only problem now is that I'm offshore for a while so won't be home to make sure the fluid doesn't run out............ oh well, think I know what the topic of my next post will be :laugh:

Hi folks,

That's me just back and about to head out to check on the leak/damage after 3 weeks away. There's every chance the reservoir is totally empty so bleeding will be required.
My understanding of the process is;

• fill reservoir to full
• lift wheels clear of ground
• full lock left & right a few dozen times slowly
• top up reservoir
• repeat util no top up required.
• Jag the engine and recheck levels
• if OK start engine and ensure smooth operation.

Is this OK for the Jimny or should I be doing something else?

Reservoir might still have fluid in (I doubt it to be honest) but better to know than guess later.

Cheers

I have all of my power steering system off the car (along with the engine and gearbox) to clean protect and paint as I hate to see big lumps of rust every time you open the bonnet. It all came apart no problem and I think as long as you do not totally drain the pump and steering box itself the procedure you mention should work. Only time will tell when I come to refit my lot!