Help Needed Urgently please

[uk_Mo]

Hi guys I have a 1995 WRX Jap Import and I'm having major problems with a PAS Leak, now I have tried 3 separate pumps 1 being from GordyQ on here and to no avail. I have tried new seals on the Reservoir but still leaking. to me it looks like its leaking from around the reservoir area as there is oil lying on the bracket that holds the reservoir on. I'm really fed up with this problem now and was wondering if anyone could help or has experienced the above problem themselves. I know its difficult to comment on something when you havent seen it but any help would be much appreciated.

 

Mo

[AlanG]

It's most likely to be either the O ring on the top of the pump for the reservoir or the two washers which fit under the two bolts that hold the reservoir to the pump. (The washers have a rubber seal in them)

Make sure the O ring in the centre is of the right thickness. You can get O rings of same diameter but different thicknesses.

[uk_Mo]

  Quote

It's most likely to be either the O ring on the top of the pump for the reservoir or the two washers which fit under the two bolts that hold the reservoir to the pump. (The washers have a rubber seal in them)

Make sure the O ring in the centre is of the right thickness. You can get O rings of same diameter but different thicknesses.

 

Hi m8 my reservoir is the round version and it doesnt have 2 bolts that hold it to the pump. theres 3 on mine that go round the top of the reservoir holding it to a bracket onto the pump. I have checked the 'O' Ring under the bracket and it looks ok and I replaced the 'O' Ring on the reservoir as it enters the pump with a new one from subaru but still leaking out GRRRRRR. All I can think of doing is cleaning the bracket up with petrol and then putting a little ring of silicone on both sides of the bracket to seal it up. I'm fed up with the smell of burning oil when you go long runs plus I'm a little scared it might catch fire as its dripping down onto the front pipe. any more ideas would be greatly appreciated guys

 

Mo

[AlanG]

Hi uk_Mo

Sorry, can't help any further as i've never seen or looked at the earlier reservoirs.

Only suggestion i can give is to clean up the area thoroughly and then monitor where it's coming out from (if you can see it though, not always easy). And remember, fluid always runs down, so look for the highest point of the leak, that's where it will start from.

See if you can get someone to turn the steerng wheel while you look under the bonnet (turning the wheel will give rise to more pump pressure)

Not a good idea to have PS fluid burning. It's highly flammable and will catch fire quite easily.

[neilswrx]

iirc you can get a power steering sealer from halfrauds,as mine is the same as yours my95

i could not find a washer anywhere most seamed to have later models only so this might do for the short term i,ve not had a problem since,but agree with above stuff is flammable as hell

 

[uk_Mo]

Ok thanks guys will goto halfrauds and see if they have sealer and will try and see where its coming from if possible. doing ma heed in cant go for long journeys in case i need to call 999 lol then my insurance company. will maybe even try subaru for price of new PAS Pump and Reservoir haha that will be a laugh.

 

Mo

[MY94]

I suffered the same.I went to AWD in Perth where Dave added the later model metal reservoir by making a bracket.The earlier plastic reservoirs are rubbish!!

Also,there was a secondhand pump for sale in the 4 sale section recently.Grant at AWD sourced me a cheap second hand pump so maybe give them a call......?

[dougster]

Hylomar is the sealant.

Defo get new rubbers.

PS fluid over your windscreen NASCAR styleee at KH aint fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[uk_Mo]

  Quote

I suffered the same.I went to AWD in Perth where Dave added the later model metal reservoir by making a bracket.The earlier plastic reservoirs are rubbish!! Also,there was a secondhand pump for sale in the 4 sale section recently.Grant at AWD sourced me a cheap second hand pump so maybe give them a call......?

 

I also have the later model pump and metal reservoir but tried to fit this myself but couldnt get it to fit. will try AWD in perth see what they say thanks guy for all your help

 

PS this forum is 10 times better than scoobynet IMO at least people on here try and help you

 

Thanks again

Mo

[wrxmania]

And there, my friend, is a positive difference with the SIDC []

Brian []

[Gumball]

Unless its been mentioned already and i havent picked up on it.............

I had the same problem this week.

Once the washers or O ring is taken off, or anything you need to get new ones put on.

They arent reusuable.

Does this help or is it gash?

[AlanG]

It does sound like it's nothing to do with pumps since 3 have been tried.

I have never had to change the O rings etc on mine and it's been off numerous times over the years.

I still think it's something simple. On the later cars the reservoir has a lid which has a rubber gasket holding it to the reservoir but i don't know if they have that on the earlier cars, i don't think they do.

Check the pipe connection (positive side, not the return) to the pump. It might be leaking where it meets the pump. If that is the case, undo the connection and emery the brass washers which are used here to get a good seal again.

[AlanG]

Hi gordyq

There's not a lot to the PS system and so not a lot can go wrong.

You basically have a pump which has a drive pulley on it and so there will be a seal where the shaft goes from inside the pump to the pulley.

You have a reservoir which sits on top of the pump and will be sealed so that the fluid is contained within.

You have a feed and a return pipe. On the feed pipe, this will be the highest pressure cause it feeds your steering rack from the pump. The return from the steering rack goes back to the reservoir.

Two other areas for leakage are the connections (feed and return) and they are on the rack itself. Bit of a bitch to get to and tightem with everything in place, but it can be done.

If there's nothing obvious but it's definitely leaking at the pump/reservoir area, i would get everything clean in that area and dry. Start the car, turn the wheel to get pressure and see what's happening. Find the highest point that you see fluid. That's where it's coming from. It could be something like a hairline crack in the reservoir, but not likely. I'd be surprised.

[uk_Mo]

Well thanks again guys you really are a helpful bunch. GordyQ i wasnt getting at you or anything with my post I know you wouldnt sell anything dodgy being a fellow scooby owner and member. I will try and clean it as best I can then check and see if I can see where its coming from, failing that as I said I have the later model also with the metal square reservoir was wondering how difficult would it be to fit this to my car? anyone.

 

Thanks

Mo

[AlanG]

Can you post a pic of your PS pump/reservoir to see what it looks like?

[uk_Mo]

Hi heres pics for you to see exactly what my pump and reservoir look like.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/uk_Mo/Pump4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/uk_Mo/Pump3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/uk_Mo/Pump2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v323/uk_Mo/Pump1.jpg

 

Hope these help

 

Thanks

Mo

[AlanG]

It actually looks like it may be coming from the reservoir cap. The pic looks like the reservoir itself has a film of oil on it which would indicate this. Maybe worth checking the seal in the cap.

Other thing is make sure the oil level is at the right level as well. There are two markings for hot and cold on the dipstick.

Judging by the other photos i can't see much in the way of a leak in the suspected areas of the connections themselves, they look fine.

If it's not the cap and /or level that's the problem, i'd say it is where the reservoir is bolted onto the pump (not the 3 bolts that are holding the reservoir to the bracket)

 

To fit the new one, it looks like your pressure side connection is different to the later model. The return side could probably fit though.

You may also have to remove that shield which fits over your PS pulley as that looks to be a different size.

 

[uk_Mo]

  Quote

It actually looks like it may be coming from the reservoir cap. The pic looks like the reservoir itself has a film of oil on it which would indicate this. Maybe worth checking the seal in the cap.

Other thing is make sure the oil level is at the right level as well. There are two markings for hot and cold on the dipstick.

Judging by the other photos i can't see much in the way of a leak in the suspected areas of the connections themselves, they look fine.

If it's not the cap and /or level that's the problem, i'd say it is where the reservoir is bolted onto the pump (not the 3 bolts that are holding the reservoir to the bracket)

 

To fit the new one, it looks like your pressure side connection is different to the later model. The return side could probably fit though.

You may also have to remove that shield which fits over your PS pulley as that looks to be a different size.

 

 

Thanks very much allan for all your help. I,m more interested in fitting this newer reservoir i have is it a big job going with the pictures i have taken or do you want more pics to show more clearly? what exactly is involved in fitting to my car?

Mo

[AlanG]

It's not a big job to replace the pump/reservoir but i don't know what your capabilities are in doing mechanical jobs.

Your best bet in doing the job is to replace the assembly complete rather than trying to do the reservoir itself in case the reservoir doesn't fit on to the pump.

To fit the whole assembly, i would drain the oil from the reservoir with a syringe, then remove the feed and return pipes.

From that point i would use a socket set and  undo the bolts holding the pump to the bracket which is bolted to the engine. You can undo the bolts by placing your socket through the holes of the pulley. (after taking off the belt tension and removing the belt).

Remove the pump and check the fittings for the feed side hose can be used on the later pump.

I'd still check the seal is okay or even there on the cap first though. And make sure the oil level isn't too high.

 

[AlanG]

Here's a pic of the later pump and reservoir and you'll see what i mean about the feed pipe connection.