Mister Quickie

PS fluid is leaking like crazy, won't even keep a full reservoir for a few miles.
All the fluid is leaking just under the reservoir but from the top the reservoir and the initial lines seem dry.
The car is pretty low but it's parked on grass so I can't jack it up and there really isn't a surface that I want to drive to close enough to get it up.
Also the engine bay is pretty dirty making it harder to spot a leaking area and all the engine cleaners require a hosedown, nothing I can just spray and it takes care of the rest automatically?
I've heard of some dye you can run through the PS system that will be apparent when it leaks out but haven't found brand, etc.
I do have a buddy that can turn the wheel but that's about it.
I'm looking for a fast solution to find this leak since I've got a bunch of pressing house issues to fix too so time is limited.
I realize this is asking a lot, thanks in advance for any recommendations

marc abrams

http://lucasoil.com/products/problem...ring-stop-leak
One of the few "mechanic in the can" products that actual work. Gets rid of the power rack morning sickness too.

Tiger03447

I agree with Marc. I've been using it for years in a Camry with leaking rack seals. It does very well except in VERY cold weather. The substance is like red molasses, very viscous. In cold weather it has to be beaten into submission by the pump, but after about 1/2 mile it behaves normally, at least in the Camry. Might be a big help in your situation, until you have more time. Hope this comment helps some.

odonnell

Maybe sell the car.

Mister Quickie

I used the Lucas twice, it leaks out and the reservoir is bone dry after a few miles

V2Rocket

Stop filling the reservoir and take the PS belt off.
Drive it "manual" until you can fix it.

marc abrams

Never mind, V2 covered it already.

Dougs951S

Not to be rude but I second this. Sounds like you are unequipped to maintain the car. Why not let someone else take care of it and you can always buy another when your situation is better?

Mister Quickie

If it can only be done short term, that'll be good enough for me to drive it a few miles to my other house where I have a carport, jackstands, etc.

Is there any harm in leaving the PS belt off long term since I prefer manual steering?

F18Rep

Here's a good fix that is almost free... cooler to reservoir hose repair link.

jhowell371

For future reference remember it's not a "leak" if you know about it, it's "controlled seepage" Check your P/S reservoir for cracks. You will be fine with the belt removed, I'd just cut it off, quick and easy.

mikehayes

Removing the belt will not harm anything but your forearms. Remember, a power steering rack has a much higher gear ratio than an actual manual rack (less turns of the wheel lock-to-lock), so it's going to be very difficult to turn the wheel at low speeds. But if it makes you feel better, some of the original factory produced 924/944 race cars ran a depowered P/S rack I believe. If you can get it to a jack and have a few hours, go online to a junkyard part-lookup site and find a used manual rack (make sure it comes with an intermediate shaft and tie rods), and swap it out. It's a fairly easy job and in my opinion makes the car more fun to drive. They came in a sport and non-sport variant, the sport has a tighter ratio. When my P/S started leaking I made the switch and don't regret it. btw, check your passenger side sway bar bushing... the P/S fluid usually destroys it.

Mister Quickie

The leak is coming from the skinny hose that runs on top of a thicker hose, the thicker hose runs to the oil filter.
What is the name of this part so I can try and figure out how to order a new one and figure out how to replace it.

V2Rocket

My understanding is that that hose is only sold as an assembly with the entire PS cooling loop (below the passenger side headlight).

If you can get a cutting tool in there you can just cut off the crimped end of your leaking hose and put a new piece of suitable hose with a clamp on the hard line/cooler.

porscharu

Pull it and take it to your local hydraulic shop. Done.