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        General >> Give/Need advice to/from others >> Loss of Power Steering fluid
        
(Message started by: Nunnspoet on Sep 1^st, 2017, 11:46am)

Title: Loss of Power Steering fluid
Post by Nunnspoet on Sep 1^st, 2017, 11:46am

My 24 valve Cossie Estate looses her power steering fluid and I ain't got a clue where from :-/.

I even topped up the reservoir and let her stand for a week after which 3/4 of the fluid has disappeared - no sign on the ground, so it is a case of "Where oh where has it gone?"

Any ideas folks? I am really puzzled ???

Mike

Title: Re: Loss of Power Steering fluid
Post by Andycan on Sep 1^st, 2017, 12:21pm

Have you checked it is not leaking into the rubber bellows on the steering rack?

Title: Re: Loss of Power Steering fluid
Post by Andycan on Sep 1^st, 2017, 12:23pm

POWER STEERING FLUID LEAK Fluid levels falls
YES:
1. Top hose leaking beneath reservoir - trim or replace
2. Steering rack bush(es) failed - fluid in steering bellows (gaiters) - replace steering rack

Title: Re: Loss of Power Steering fluid
Post by Simmo on Sep 1^st, 2017, 8:07pm

It is undoubtedly in the gaiters. If you squeeze them you will feel the fluid move. New rack .
:(

Title: Re: Loss of Power Steering fluid
Post by Andycan on Sep 1^st, 2017, 11:32pm

I seem to remember that one or two members had their steering racks refurbished.

Title: Re: Loss of Power Steering fluid
Post by Simmo on Sep 2^nd, 2017, 6:29am

Andy. You are right. I am sure there are others BUT This firm (http://www.kellybraysteering.co.uk/) have provided good service and are very helpful. :)

Title: Re: Loss of Power Steering fluid
Post by Nunnspoet on Sep 4^th, 2017, 11:00am

Thanks very much for all your advice everyone.

Boots all dry and not squishy at all. No signs of leaks except in the Tray and on the Pipes that lead to the little black fluid cooler. I drove her aprox one and a half miles: No drop in the Fluid level. She stood for three hours and then I drove her back the same distance: No drop in Fluid level.

I recon that the leak is on one of the Fluid pipes to the cooling rad. I recon that there is a Thermo Valve thingy somewhere in the Pump that only opens to allow hot fluid to pass to the little black Rad at a pre set the temp.

What do you recon folks??

Title: Re: Loss of Power Steering fluid
Post by Tompion on Sep 4^th, 2017, 2:58pm

Steering manual here:
http://www.fordscorpio.co.uk/steermanual.htm

Diagram shows cooler as part of normal circulation.

Title: Re: Loss of Power Steering fluid
Post by a900one on Sep 4^th, 2017, 5:13pm

The cooling rad is for the auto box, they are prone to leaks as well. The power steering pipes do leak on where they connect to the tank, and the pressure pipe can leak under the engine, mine did.

Title: Re: Loss of Power Steering fluid
Post by Scorpio_Mike on Sep 4^th, 2017, 6:12pm

The power steering fluid cooler is a U shaped tube on its side which is on the front of the radiator, the autobox cooler sits under the radiator.

Title: Re: Loss of Power Steering fluid
Post by Nunnspoet on Sep 5^th, 2017, 7:40am

:) 8). Thank you very much everybody.

It is so pleasing to see all your advice. I am not able to investigate at present, however I will as soon as possible. And in the meantime has anyone any ideas as to why there is no drop in the fluid level whilst she is standing, similarly when the engine has not reached "operating temp?"

Happy Scorpio day to all.

Mike :-*

Title: Re: Loss of Power Steering fluid
Post by Scorpio_Mike on Sep 5^th, 2017, 10:05am

No fluid loss while the car is standing suggests the fluid loss only occurs when the fluid is under pressure.
Maybe jack the front end up, run the engine & turn the steering wheel from lock to lock with the bonnet open and see if there are any signs of fluid leakage. Fluid loss may only happen on or near full lock.
A pinhole leak somewhere might only show up when the fluid has warmed up as it becomes a little thinner.

Title: Re: Loss of Power Steering fluid
Post by Nunnspoet on Oct 13^th, 2017, 8:54am

Yup. After much mucking about, head-scratching etc, I took "The Beast" to my friendly and trusted garage.......and yes, it was the Steering Rack. New, or re-furbished, rack fitted and all my woes have gone away.

Yippie! "The Beast" is back, also two new Cats fitted which I sourced from "Top Boss." 8)

Thank you all for your invaluable advice.

MOT tuesday. ::)

Mike

Title: Re: Loss of Power Steering fluid
Post by Simmo on Oct 13^th, 2017, 11:08am

Thanks for the update Mike. Glad you are sorted. ;D