Power Steering Fluid Leaks
Special Tools
GE-28431-6 Fluorescent Dye
For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools .
Note. If fluid is found on a manual steering gear or on an electronic power steering gear, do not replace steering gear. Vehicles equipped with these systems do not use hydraulic power steering fluid. The fluid may be assembly fluid or another system fluid. Clean the components and identify the sources of the leaks before attempting to repair or replace any power steering components. Clearly mark all locations of leaks with paint, marker or equivalent for warranty identification and engineering root cause analysis.
Some customers may comment on a fluid LEAK or NOISY power steering pump. Upon inspection, the technician may find power steering fluid leaking from the hydraulic power steering system. Use the following inspection procedure in order to diagnose the source of the leak and take appropriate action to correct the condition.
- Inspect the fluid level in the power steering fluid reservoir. Refer to «Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid»(ref-610078-S35396568672014042100000) . If the fluid level is NOT low, a careful analysis of the condition is necessary to confirm that the type of fluid is actually power steering fluid.
- Visually inspect the power steering system and components where the fluid has accumulated.
- Use a clean towel or a rag in order to completely clean off all residual fluid from the power steering components. CAUTION: Do not clean using brake cleaner or other reactive solvents as these solvents can damage rubber gaskets, seals and bushings.
- Add 30 cc (1 oz) of GE-28431-6 dye to the power steering fluid.
- Start the vehicle and warm the steering system by turning to the left steering stop and to the right steering stop 10 times with the weight of the vehicle on the front tires.
- Turn vehicle engine OFF.
- Shine a black light on the area where the residual fluid accumulated. Identify the sources of the leaks.
- Mark all locations of leaks with paint, marker or equivalent.
- Repair or replace all affected components.
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Did you review the Power Steering System General Description and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Symptoms - Power Steering System |
| 2 | Verify that a rattle, clunk or shudder noise is present. Is a rattle, clunk or shudder noise present? | Go to Step 3 | System OK |
| 3 | Inspect the power steering hoses for proper routing and clearance. Is the routing or clearance of the power steering hoses incorrect? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Inspect the engine drive belt for excessive wear. Refer to Drive Belt Falls Off and Excessive Wear Diagnosis . Is the drive belt cracked or excessively worn? | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Inspect the power steering pump pulley for damage. Is the power steering pump pulley damaged? | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Inspect the power steering pump for the proper installation. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement . Is the power steering pump installation incorrect? | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 7 |
| 7 | Inspect the steering gear for the proper installation. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement . Is the power steering gear installation incorrect? | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 8 |
| 8 | Inspect the suspension. Is the suspension worn? | Go to Step 15 | Go to Step 9 |
| 9 | Inspect the intermediate shaft. Is the intermediate shaft worn? | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 3 |
| 10 | Adjust or replace the hoses. Refer to the appropriate procedure(s): Power Steering Cooler Pipe/Hose Replacement Power Steering Fluid Reservoir Inlet Hose Replacement Power Steering Fluid Reservoir Outlet Hose Replacement Power Steering Gear Inlet Pipe/Hose Replacement Power Steering Gear Outlet Pipe/Hose Replacement Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 17 | |
| 11 | Replace the engine drive belt. Refer to Drive Belt Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 17 | |
| 12 | Replace the power steering pump pulley. Refer to Power Steering Pump Pulley Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 17 | |
| 13 | Install the power steering pump correctly. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 17 | |
| 14 | Install the steering gear correctly. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 17 | |
| 15 | Replace the worn suspension components. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 17 | |
| 16 | Replace the intermediate shaft. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 17 | |
| 17 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Rattle, Clunk or Shudder Noise from the Power Steering System
| Step | Action | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Did you review the Power Steering System Description and perform the necessary inspections? | Go to Step 2 | Go to Steering Wheel and Column Description and Operation |
| 2 | Verify that a whine or growl noise is present. Is a whine or growl noise present? | Go to Step 3 | System OK |
| 3 | Inspect the power steering fluid for the following indications of contamination: Milky fluid - water Brown Fluid - burnt Debris in fluid - plastic or dirt Is the fluid free of contamination? | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 4 |
| 4 | Flush the power steering system. Refer to Power Steering System Flushing . Did you complete the procedure? | Go to Step 11 | Go to Step 5 |
| 5 | Using the J 39570 chassis ear, inspect the power steering gear for a whine or growl noise. Is the noise present at the power steering gear? | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 6 |
| 6 | Using the J 39570 chassis ear, inspect the power steering pump for a whine or growl noise. Is the noise present at the power steering pump? | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 7 |
| 7 | Using the J 39570 chassis ear, inspect the power steering hoses for a whine or growl noise. Is the noise present at the power steering hoses? | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 2 |
| 8 | Replace the steering gear. Refer to Steering Gear Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 11 | |
| 9 | Replace the power steering pump. Refer to Power Steering Pump Replacement . Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 11 | |
| 10 | Adjust the routing of the power steering hoses. Did you complete the repair? | Go to Step 11 | |
| 11 | Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? | System OK | Go to Step 3 |
Whine or Growl Noise from the Power Steering System
Checking and Adding Power Steering Fluid
| CAUTION | When adding fluid or making a complete fluid change, always use the proper power steering fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid will cause hose and seal damage and fluid leaks. |
- Clean the area surrounding the reservoir cap.
- Remove the reservoir cap.
- Inspect the power steering pump fluid level at regular intervals. Use the appropriate procedure below. Add fluid when required. Refer to «Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations»(ref-610035-S05460418692014042100000) . Fluid Is Hot Run the engine until the fluid reaches about 80°C (170°F). Turn the engine OFF. Remove the reservoir cap. Inspect the fluid level on the capstick. Ensure that the fluid level is at the HOT/FULL/MAX mark on the capstick.
- If the fluid level is low, add power steering fluid to the proper level.
- Install the reservoir cap.
- When checking the fluid level after servicing the steering system, bleed the air from the system. Refer to «Power Steering System Bleeding»(ref-610078-S10880459592014042100000) .
Scheme 39
- Ensure the engine is OFF.
- Apply the park brake.
- Using a floor jack and jack stands, raise the front of the vehicle until the center of the front wheels are approximately 61 cm (24 in) off the ground. Refer to «Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle»(ref-610031-S32962375812014042100000) .
- Place a large container under the vehicle in order to collect the draining fluid. NOTE: Do not reuse any drained power steering fluid regardless of appearance or condition.
- Loosen the hose clamp (1) and disconnect the power steering fluid reservoir inlet hose from the power steering fluid reservoir.
- Plug the power steering fluid reservoir inlet port.
- With the key ON and the engine OFF, turn the steering wheel fully to the left and to the right while an assistant maintains the minimum fluid level in the reservoir using NEW approved power steering fluid. Refer to «Fluid and Lubricant Recommendations»(ref-610035-S05460418692014042100000) . NOTE: This step may require 4 L (4 qt) of power steering fluid until the draining fluid appears clear. Continue until the fluid from the power steering fluid reservoir inlet hose runs clear.
- Remove the plug from the power steering fluid reservoir inlet port.
- Connect the power steering fluid reservoir inlet hose to the reservoir. Secure the hose with the clamp.
- Fill and bleed the power steering system. Refer to «Power Steering System Bleeding»(ref-610078-S10880459592014042100000) . NOTE: Do NOT start the engine without the power steering fluid at a minimum system level.
- Inspect the power steering fluid for the following indications of contamination: Milky fluid - water Brown fluid - burnt Plastic debris or dirt chunks
- If the fluid is contaminated, repeat steps 5 through 11 .
- Ensure there are no power steering fluid leaks.
- Lower the vehicle.
Scheme 40
Scheme 41
- Remove the fuel injector sight shield. Refer to «Fuel Injector Sight Shield Replacement»(ref-610074-S40770128942014042100000) .
- Remove as much power steering fluid from the remote power steering fluid reservoir as possible.
- Place drain pans under the vehicle as needed.
- Compress the power steering reservoir inlet hose clamp (1) and disconnect the hose from the remote power steering fluid reservoir.
- Compress the power steering fluid reservoir outlet hose clamp (1) and disconnect the hose from the remote power steering fluid reservoir.
- Remove the remote power steering fluid reservoir bolts (1).
- Remove the remote power steering fluid reservoir (2).