Power steering fluid leaking on alternator
#1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Power steering fluid leaking on alternator
Need a new alternator once again.. Just realized my power steering fluid is leaking on the alternator. Just wondering what you guys have done or paid to fix the problem. I was quoted 607$ at a Indy shop. I was told my hoses were fine the pump itself is leaking. My pump works great besides the leak. No noise and is as smooth as butter. is this something I can tackle myself? I do basic maintenance myself. Such as spark plugs, alternator replacement, brakes, oil changes ect.
I would like to stay away from the Lucas PS stop leak unless anyone has a long term success story.. Would it be beneficial for me to try the Lucas since its only leaking and the PS pump is fine?
I would like to stay away from the Lucas PS stop leak unless anyone has a long term success story.. Would it be beneficial for me to try the Lucas since its only leaking and the PS pump is fine?
#2
I would recommend staying away from the stop-leak's. They will sometimes "work" and stop the leak, but they tend to cause blockages in other parts of the system. For instance, you put stop-leak in your radiator to stop a leak then the water pump gets clogged and stops working.
The pump is about 1-2 hours to replace. Not too bad, the hardest thing on pumps is usually the swapping of the pulley over to the new unit. If you can do an alternator and plugs, you should be alright.
Secondly, make sure you bleed out the system after replacement. To bleed....
1. Lift the complete front end up and put jack stands underneath so the tires can turn
2. Turn steering wheel from lock to lock
3. Put car on ground
4. Start enging and let idle for a few minutes
5. Turn wheel either left or right to lock position and hold for 2-3 seconds. Then turn other direction and do the same
6. Shut off car
7. Check fluid level. Also, make sure you do not see any bubbles or foaming in reservoir. If you do, drain out and repeat
good luck man
The pump is about 1-2 hours to replace. Not too bad, the hardest thing on pumps is usually the swapping of the pulley over to the new unit. If you can do an alternator and plugs, you should be alright.
Secondly, make sure you bleed out the system after replacement. To bleed....
1. Lift the complete front end up and put jack stands underneath so the tires can turn
2. Turn steering wheel from lock to lock
3. Put car on ground
4. Start enging and let idle for a few minutes
5. Turn wheel either left or right to lock position and hold for 2-3 seconds. Then turn other direction and do the same
6. Shut off car
7. Check fluid level. Also, make sure you do not see any bubbles or foaming in reservoir. If you do, drain out and repeat
good luck man
#3
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
I would recommend staying away from the stop-leak's. They will sometimes "work" and stop the leak, but they tend to cause blockages in other parts of the system. For instance, you put stop-leak in your radiator to stop a leak then the water pump gets clogged and stops working.
The pump is about 1-2 hours to replace. Not too bad, the hardest thing on pumps is usually the swapping of the pulley over to the new unit. If you can do an alternator and plugs, you should be alright.
Secondly, make sure you bleed out the system after replacement. To bleed....
1. Lift the complete front end up and put jack stands underneath so the tires can turn
2. Turn steering wheel from lock to lock
3. Put car on ground
4. Start enging and let idle for a few minutes
5. Turn wheel either left or right to lock position and hold for 2-3 seconds. Then turn other direction and do the same
6. Shut off car
7. Check fluid level. Also, make sure you do not see any bubbles or foaming in reservoir. If you do, drain out and repeat
good luck man
The pump is about 1-2 hours to replace. Not too bad, the hardest thing on pumps is usually the swapping of the pulley over to the new unit. If you can do an alternator and plugs, you should be alright.
Secondly, make sure you bleed out the system after replacement. To bleed....
1. Lift the complete front end up and put jack stands underneath so the tires can turn
2. Turn steering wheel from lock to lock
3. Put car on ground
4. Start enging and let idle for a few minutes
5. Turn wheel either left or right to lock position and hold for 2-3 seconds. Then turn other direction and do the same
6. Shut off car
7. Check fluid level. Also, make sure you do not see any bubbles or foaming in reservoir. If you do, drain out and repeat
good luck man
#5
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Trending Topics
#9
Before you buy a pump, check the air control valve on the pump- DITO!
I used a plug and plugged the hole and lines no more leak!
Look at pump see if it is leaking at the shaft chanes are pretty good its not and is the control valve.
I used a plug and plugged the hole and lines no more leak!
Look at pump see if it is leaking at the shaft chanes are pretty good its not and is the control valve.
#10
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
#12
Need a new alternator once again.. Just realized my power steering fluid is leaking on the alternator. Just wondering what you guys have done or paid to fix the problem. I was quoted 607$ at a Indy shop. I was told my hoses were fine the pump itself is leaking. My pump works great besides the leak. No noise and is as smooth as butter. is this something I can tackle myself? I do basic maintenance myself. Such as spark plugs, alternator replacement, brakes, oil changes ect.
I would like to stay away from the Lucas PS stop leak unless anyone has a long term success story.. Would it be beneficial for me to try the Lucas since its only leaking and the PS pump is fine?
I would like to stay away from the Lucas PS stop leak unless anyone has a long term success story.. Would it be beneficial for me to try the Lucas since its only leaking and the PS pump is fine?
That's overrated friend, that's why this whole forum contains DIY's. Do a search, watch some videos and get your hands dirty meng !!
Your PS pump seals are prob shot. Or your drive belt is to tight which caused the pump to fail. You can rebuild your PS pump yourself, or you can buy a re-manned pump and install that sucker in yourself. Yes - youuu can do it.
#13
Instructor
iTrader: (4)
Take this as you will..
I used Lucas stop leak. I had to put in a little over two bottles worth over a couple of months but my leaks seem to have stopped now for the past six months or so. I think my steering seems a bit more responsive now also. Not saying everyone should start using this stuff but that's what I did.
BTW I did change my original PS pump for a rebuilt one which started leaking after a couple of months. That's when I started dumping in the Lucas magic formula.
My alternator also failed, which I replaced with a used one. That's been good for a little over a year now. Hopefully it will last a lot longer now that there doesn't seem to be any fluid leaks on it. I also wedged a piece of plastic over top of it to divert any future leaks.
I used Lucas stop leak. I had to put in a little over two bottles worth over a couple of months but my leaks seem to have stopped now for the past six months or so. I think my steering seems a bit more responsive now also. Not saying everyone should start using this stuff but that's what I did.
BTW I did change my original PS pump for a rebuilt one which started leaking after a couple of months. That's when I started dumping in the Lucas magic formula.
My alternator also failed, which I replaced with a used one. That's been good for a little over a year now. Hopefully it will last a lot longer now that there doesn't seem to be any fluid leaks on it. I also wedged a piece of plastic over top of it to divert any future leaks.
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