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Power Steering Gear and Pump Leaks

SYMPTOMS
The following symptoms indicate that the power steering system may be leaking:
^ Fluid leakage is on the floor.
^ Fluid leaks are visible on the steering gear or the pump.
^ A growling noise is audible either during parking or while the engine is cold.
^ Power steering is lost during parking.
^ Steering effort is heavy.

INSPECTION PROCEDURE
Inspect the power steering system for an external leak:
1. Wipe the suspected area dry.
2. Inspect the reservoir for overfill.
3. Inspect the power steering system for the following conditions:
^ Power steering fluid aeration
^ An overflow
4. Inspect the following components:
^ The hose connections
^ The O-rings
5. Verify the exact point of the leakage. The point from which the fluid is dripping is not necessarily the point where the system is leaking.

Inspect the power steering system for leaks:
1. Turn the engine off.
2. Wipe the entire power steering system dry.
3. Inspect the power steering fluid level. Add fluid as necessary.
4. Start the engine.

NOTICE: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops while flushing the power steering system. Holding the steering wheel against the wheel stops will cause high system pressure, overheating, and damage to the power steering pump and/or gear.

5. Turn the steering wheel from stop to stop several times.
6. Locate and repair the exact area of the leak.
Replace the power steering gear if necessary. Refer to POWER STEERING GEAR REPLACEMENT.

Replace the power steering pump if necessary. Refer to POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACEMENT.

Replace the applicable power steering hose or pipe. Refer to POWER STEERING PRESSURE HOSE REPLACEMENT or POWER STEERING RETURN HOSE REPLACEMENT.