Touring L series leaky bits

Silverbullet · Post by **Silverbullet** » Sun Sep 30, 2012 10:12 pm

Well since my touring L is off the road for now I've noticed quite an obvious problem; there is power steering fluid leaking badly from somewhere. First noticed when I stuck me head under to see a huge wet patch, I thought it was engine oil and the patch stretched from front to back, dripping from the timing covers mostly and I was expecting the worst. Put a big piece of cardboard under it and within minutes there were drips all over it despite the car not being started up for weeks. And it continues that way when stationary.

I wiped up some of the fluid to find it was red; power steering fluid. So my question is where is the most likely leak point? it seems to be coming from behind the PS pump or under the reservoir and it leaks chronically even when standing still, no pressure in the system. Starting her up causes it to leak faster.

I've read somewhere there's an O-ring at the back of the pump or reservoir somewhere that's prone to leaking; is this a straight forward fix? Seems like this could be a likely culprit if it's leaking so much when stationary...thoughts?

steptoe · Post by **steptoe** » Sun Sep 30, 2012 10:42 pm

Hose clamps up front, seals of the pump itself still available (pumps differ ULP or leaded model) some tiny O rings at the rack not avail at Subaru just a match up from supplier of good quality O rings. Is a start. Lucas PS leak fix is awesome. I have had two PS racks leak when not in use. The Lucas stuff and use has fixed the leak !! Used to really pee out un used state ???

Post by **TOONGA** » Mon Oct 01, 2012 8:59 am

steptoe wrote:Hose clamps up front, seals of the pump itself still available (pumps differ ULP or leaded model) some tiny O rings at the rack not avail at Subaru just a match up from supplier of good quality O rings. Is a start. Lucas PS leak fix is awesome. I have had two PS racks leak when not in use. The Lucas stuff and use has fixed the leak !! Used to really pee out un used state ???

+1 but yet to use the "Lucas stuff"

TOONGA

Silverbullet · Post by **Silverbullet** » Mon Oct 01, 2012 11:07 am

There's no leaks from the rack itself, just the area behind the pump. I'll see about removing the air cleaner next week so I can have a closer look for any obvious leaks. Hose clamps? On a hydraulic system?

I'll keep an eye out too for this lucas P/S stop leak stuff, everywhere seems to be raving about how great it is.

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Wed Oct 03, 2012 10:25 pm

Most likely the little O ring/seal between the pump and the reservoir. The two bolts on the tank and the return line will see the pump separate, but take it all out of the engine bay first - much easier to clean up!

Cheers

Bennie

Silverbullet · Post by **Silverbullet** » Thu Oct 04, 2012 5:42 pm

Thanks Bennie that's really helpful. Do you mean take the whole pump out of the engine bay? As for clean up I don't think it can get much worse than it is right now; fluid dripping from the all over the timing belt cover, sump, top of engine is covered and down the back to the X-member...joy

Silverbullet · Post by **Silverbullet** » Sat Oct 06, 2012 3:46 pm

Got around to further inspection today; it wasn't the O-ring. First took the reservoir off and there was no leak there, O ring was in fine shape (reservoir was completely empty from the leak) With a torch I could see the puddle of fluid was coming form further down the back of the pump. So out the filthy little pump comes (very easily done, I like the 3 mounting bolts through the holes in the pulley) and I could see the fresh fluid was leaking from the gasket between the pump body and that rear plate, held in by a few bolts. I was tempted to pull it apart further but held off until i could find a new gasket or a better pump, cost etc.

So there we have it, either replace that gasket or get a better used pump and she'll be good as gold, oh and I'll replace that O ring as well. Question though; how do I re-tension the smaller belt that goes to the pump? I don't see any adjusting mechanism like on the larger belt that goes to A/C.

Top of pump, O ring

Bottom of pump, leak coming from the gasket between pump body and rear plate

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Wed Oct 10, 2012 6:07 pm

If that pump is anything like the EJ one I pulled apart make sure the shaft is vertical with the plate facing up, then remove it.

Might be a good time to try and replace the shaft seal too

Cheers

Bennie

Silverbullet · Post by **Silverbullet** » Wed Oct 10, 2012 8:19 pm

Are seal kits still available for these? Expert opinion seems to suggest otherwise...anyway there's no rush now I guess since it won't be driving by next weekend; when the rego on the old wagon expires

I'm so far behind schedule with this bloody resto

Anyway I might wait and see how the windscreen turns out before I spend any more cash on the steering. Watch this space...

YouTube · Post by **El_Freddo** » Wed Oct 10, 2012 8:48 pm

Silverbullet wrote:Are seal kits still available for these? Expert opinion seems to suggest otherwise...

Why are you asking me?? Ask FROG!!!

Silverbullet wrote:I'm so far behind schedule with this bloody resto

Story of my life mate! I'm sure others around here can commiserate!

Cheers

Bennie

stork955 · Post by **stork955** » Wed Oct 10, 2012 10:57 pm

G'day, if it is the same pump as an L series, you need this:

http://www.pskits.com/catalog/pumpkitsx ... 19c20fb650

Fitted one already and the second is on its way for me. Cheap too.

Cheers,

Stork

Silverbullet · Post by **Silverbullet** » Thu Oct 11, 2012 6:19 pm

Hehe sorry Bennie I wasn't specifically asking you, just kinda thinking out loud

Ahh cheers stork just what I needed. Looks like that is the goods, but I'll still wait until the windscreen is sorted/not sorted before I act on the steering.