Power Steering Pump Shaft Seal Replacement: What To Look For

Power Steering Pump Shaft Seal Replacement and What This Fixes

If you hear a weak whine coming from your engine, the first thing you’ll suspect is low level of power steering fluid. As a professional, the first thing you are supposed to do is check the level of the power fluid in the reservoir tank. If it is below the required level, you will know it’s time to scrutinize your engine and seal the leak before it takes a toll for the worse. But where do you start? Check out the possibility of a power steering pump shaft seal replacement

The Smell of the Fluid

To be double sure that you have to conduct the power steering pump shaft seal replacement, identify the smell and color of the fluid. On my opinion it smells like burnt marshmallow. When new, its color is generally light amber. It does not take long and it turns into brown. Take note on these characteristics. They are usually the starting point of the whole operation.

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Power Steering Rack and Pinion Seal Kits  Power Steering Rack and Pinion Pump Seal Kits  Power Steering Heavy Duty Seal Kits  Power Steering Vacuum Pump Seal Kits

At Both Ends of the Steering Rack

This is one of the most common places to find power steering fluid leak. Check both ends when you are about to commences on power steering pump shaft seal replacement. The seals are made of rubber and due to constant pressure when the vehicle is in motion they wear out. Look carefully as the fluid is usually trapped in the rubber boots at both extremes. If not recognized in time, the fluid will permeate the rubber sleeves. The rubber shield the rack from road debris.

Pump Seal.
Also a common culprit too. The main areas to inspect are the pump linings and the seals. Basically, you can repair the seals and the linings. However, if the extent of damage is irreparable you have an option of replacing the whole pump. If you have a complete set of repair kit, you can easily rectify the leak. Additionally, it will not cost you a leg and arm if you have a professional mechanic repair the pump seal leak for you.

Power Steering Hoses.
These are lines that run from the pump to the engine, rack and the gears. These lines are particularly vulnerable where the plastic or rubber hoses mates with the metal. Constant pressure on them leads to cracking which then offer an easy escape route for the power steering fluid. So when carrying out power steering pump shaft seal replacement, this is a primal area that should not ignore. You can then cut the affected area and reuse the pipe if the length is adequate.

Power Steering Cooler and Reservoir Tank

Some car models have additional connections such as steering coolers mounted at the front. This makes power steering pump shaft seal replacement even harder. These connections are prone to damage. Inspect these additional plumbing closely as they too are known to cause leaks. Last but not least is the reservoir tank, this tank too has a seal. In most cases, the seal on this tank is not the culprit. A decline in the level of the fluid in the tank should be a clear indication that you are loosing power steering fluid.

It is quite difficult to spot the source of the leak than to repair. If you find it difficult to pin point the source of the problem, sermon a mechanic who will scrutinize the whole steering system and repair the leak before it takes a turn for the worse.

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