Power steering leak<!>
 

Hello all<!> Through massive amounts of deduction I have detected a PS leak, that drips directly on to the right cat, it has been a problem for some time now. After a good steam cleaning I finally got a good look at the under side of my H6, during the inspection I found that the rack & pinion had some PS fluid on and around the bellows. When I get some spare time I am planning to plumb in an PS fluid cooler and flush and replace the fluid with a thicker PS fluid. Hopefully this will help especially for the people who get smoked out by me at the stop lights.

Has anyone had or heard of any thing like this on there SVX<?> And does anyone know of somewhere that has a rebuilds and etc.<?>

Thanks,
--Adam

1994 SVX-L FWD
Intake, Lowered, and full Duals to come<!>

I had a similar problem recently. There are quite a few posts on replacing the O-ring that seals the opening between the PS pump and the resevoir that sits on top. As the PS fluid deteriorates the rubber it leaks and lets in air. Mine was leaking down all over everything too and even onto the ground. Not to mention the annoying loud whine whle steering.

Use the search botton at top right of screen and type in "power steering O-ring"

There is also a "how to section" at www.svxworldnetwork.org
Step by step instructions are listed there with a few photos.

I replaced mine myself in about an hour and am not a mechanic by any means. Upon taking it apart, I found that my o-ring had completely disolved. I replaced it with a 33 cent version form my auto parts store, but Since I have heard suggestions of alternative "rubber" materials like Viton that are more resistant to petroleum products. You mught want to look into a high performance O-ring if you choose to do the replacement.

No more whine or leaks for me so far. It has been three weeks and very cold here so I am pretty happy.

This could be the infamous return hose. It becomes hard and will eventually crack if not replaced. Also, if you have the old style clamps, they can become loose and allow leakage. One of my old style clamps let go on my wife the other day . . . as she was pulling out of the tranny shop for an estimate. :rolleyes:

Re: Power steering leak<!>
 

The SVX's powersteering uses ATF not PS fluid! Don't put PS fluid in there unless you want to risk replacing the entire PS system in the near future.

KuoH

Oh, just hit me. Another thing to check are the stock tranny cooler hoses. I think they are routed so that a leak would drip in the same area. Just to be safe.

Whap! There ya go Randy :D

I had a pressure hose pin hole leak that was on the bottom side of the hose that only dripped once in a while. It took a lot of lookin to find it. I think it started right after a famous person replaced my O-ring! :D Ya get what ya pay for. :)

dma528,

I am now getting the exact same symptoms as you with your leak. I had the SVX in the Suby shop today and they tell me it's my RACK and Pinion rack that is leaking on my exhaust.. Great!:mad: Cost for repairs are $300.00 for the rack and pinion and $275.00 labor for the install. My O rings and hoses are fine... This will be the biggest repair job since I owned the car.... Anyone know where to get a decent new/ rebuilt Rack and Pinion kit?

The SVX's powersteering uses ATF not PS fluid! Don't put PS fluid in there unless you want to risk replacing the entire PS system in the near future.

Is this true? Anybody?

Partially. The SVX uses ATF in the Power Steering System. Power Steering Fluid is basically ATF without the dye (I didn't say it, Subaru Senior Mastertech eddycat said it. Do a search), so, I doubt that using PS fluid instead of ATF would cause you have to replace your system.