Power Steering Hoses Leak? HELP!
 

Hey guys.
First, let me introduce myself. Im not sure if anyone here remembers EVERYSHADEOFBLUE (Jeffrey) or not.. Im the one that purchased his car. I dont post on here very much, but it's not that I dont like it here, it's just that Im always busy!
Im the founder of the Ultimate Subaru Website/Message Board, (Www.ultimatesubaru.net) Im normally over there alot, but not many people there have SVX's. ..
Anyways...
This car runs great and has no problems, until lately. After driving it in exess of 5 minutes, the power steering is low, has a binding feel (probably due to low power steering), The check engine light comes on, and it smokes.. BAD!
I think, and have probably narrowed it down to the following symptom.... Tell me if this is common, or maybe if I have diagnosed this wrong..

I BELIEVE that the hose coming from the power steering pump, and going to the back of the engine, on the passenger side, is leaking at the fitting (rear). I think that this leak is what causes it to lose power steering fluid, which causes the bind... also, the power steering fluid drops on the exhaust (Causing smoke) and onto the 02 sensor.. (Setting off the check engine light).

Now if I pinned it correctly, Im glad. I hate to see this SVX just sitting here... if you guys think of something else, let me know, please! I dont know if this is a common problem or not, so anyone with any knowledge of this or a similar problem please let me know! Thanks!!!
Billy


P.S.- Anyone notice how ALL subaru communities are always there with open arms?... Try going to a *Car Make Here* Forum. I strongly believe that Subaru forums are by far the best..

I've never had that problem myself but I suppose it could be traced by tying paper towels or wipes to the hose, run the engine briefly and see what turns red.

I have had both the return line leak (big hole) and the pressure line leak (pin hole) with the same results. There is also a common problem with an O ring that leaks at the bottom of the fluid tank. I would clean the engine, and watch where the leak is coming from. If it is the O ring, there is a How-To section in the lockers that show and tell you how to fix it. Good luck. :)

BillyC
 

Welcome Billy!
You will love your SVX!

Before I got my SVX, I hung out at his site (Subyman85), having BRAT, Justy, Loyale etc....It is a GREAT site with alot of good people.
I know Billy to be bright, honest, and an all around good guy; a fine addition to our SVX family!

I think these two great Subaru sites should be linked!

Welcome again, Billy! :) :D

Return pipe loss.
 

I had the return pipe blow off the steering rack, with the clouds of smoke etc.
It looks that the engine movement works the pipe off the rack pipe, it's held by a hose clamp. I have wired the pipe and clamp to the rack to prevent it happening again.
Harvey.;)

Replaced mine
 

Back in November 2002, I had some leaks (and a rough idle/shudder problem). I took my '95 svx to the dealer - He couldn't diagnose the engine rough idle, but fixed the leaks for $1850.! They put timing belt, crank seal, valve cover seals, rear inspection hole seal (?) AND replaced the power steering pump.

The point I'm trying to make here is that they said one of the leaks was a power steering pump hose AND they said it couldn't be fixed - THE WHOLE UNIT HAD TO BE REPLACED! I don't know if that's right or not, but maybe you're experiencing such a leak?

[The pump was about $500]

GOOD LUCK! :D

Re: Replaced mine
 

Nope, it doesn't sound right. Looke like they got you for at least $500 plus labor. :(

KuoH

Mine leaked where the hard pipe goes into the pump. this is the high pressure line. first I tried to tighten the fitting and crushed the end of the tube in doing so. the o-ring inside the fitting was splitt in two. I bought a new line and replaced the old one. the leaks stopped. you might be able to undo the fitting change the o-ring and stop the leak.

Return Line
 

That sounds like my problem, the return line... I tried tightening it too..
where do I find a replacement? or will a generic part fit?

Generic works fine for the return line, it just has hose clamps on either end. Be careful to leave it long enough so you can route it without any kinks. I think this is a very common problem. Mine was very hard and brittle from the engine heat, and it would actually crack before it would bend much at all. I lost a lot of fluid fast, but still could not see the leak until I removed the old hose and took it in the house and filled it with water. It had a nearly invisible hairline crack in it. From your "smoking" description, I am guessing that this is indeed your problem. It cost me about 5 bucks to fix mine. :D :D How often can you say THAT about an SVX repair???

Yeah!
 

$5 repair would be great! :)
But, my power steering line has brass fittings on the ends, a wierd looking fitting. I'll try to grab the camera and take some pictures of it soon...
-Billy

It sounds like you are talking about the high pressure line. Unless you are sure that is where the leak is, I would try replacing the return line first, just because it is really cheap and easy to do, and a it is a common point of failure, so it certainly won't hurt to replace it even if it isn't leaking yet. If that doesn't solve your problem, then move on to the more expensive fix.

Subaruparts.com PS diagram

I'm talking about part 4. I think you're talking about part 16. Ouch. :(

Dangy! :)
 

ACK!
That is exactly the hose Im talking about, #16...
Anyone have any idea of a cheaper place, or someone got a parts car? :)
Oh, and I guess I should go ahead and do the O-ring fix while Im at it huh?
-Billy

before you buy the new line take the fitting apart that is leaking and change the oring that seals the tube to the fitting. If it works it's only 3bucks. I needed to change the line from the pump to the connection at the back of the motor.

Verified
 

Ok, went outside and cleaned up the entire engine bay around where I thought the leak was.
Started up the car, with a white rag under the hose... got fiance to turn the wheel several times... each turn the hose literally just shot PS fluid out... I mean, it looked like a fountain!! It was the hose too, not the fitting.
someone suggested a high pressure hose repair kit??
Any suggestions, as far as a place to buy this hose would be? I dont want to spend $75.. I will probably just junk the car. JUST KIDDING!!
;)
If I junked the SVX over a $75 repair, then I obviously didnt know about the car before I bought it, huh?

anyways... Anyone got a used hose? or should I just break down and buy a new one?
Billy