| Author | Message | ||
     Discovery 1 Owner (D1_owner) New Member Username: D1_owner Post Number: 1 Registered: 02-2003 |
OK, so I thought I corrected all leaks -- guess again! That is why they call it the Discovery -- every day you too can discover new leaks. This one appears to be oil (the usual) and is dripping down on the driver's side (Pittman arm -- or whatever the equivalent part on Disco's are called). Any idea where this leak is originating. BTW -- new head gasket/valve gasket/front seal | ||
| Paul T. Schram (Paulschram) Senior Member Username: Paulschram Post Number: 1010 Registered: 02-2002 |
First step in solving power steering leaks is to replace the worthless hose clamps on the supply lines from the reservoir to the box and the pump. Next, you will want to replace the hose clamp on the supply line at the pump. It is difficult to access without some disassembly. With luck, it is merely clamps and not the seal on the output shaft of the power steering pump(not bloody likely though). In my best new Beverly Hillbillies voice-how many miles gots you? All of my friends from South-Eastern Kentucky just began a caravan to my home! Back to reality (in my best Eminem voice) if you have many miles, chances are you will want to do like I do, buy •••••• (transmission) fluid by the five-gallon bucket! Next, I need a drip pan to put beneath my power steering box. Funny, I fixed all the other leaks when I fixed the truck after I blew the engine up! Peace, Paul | ||
| Discovery 1 Owner (D1_owner) New Member Username: D1_owner Post Number: 2 Registered: 02-2003 |
Paul, Thanks for the info. However, I am not certain it is power steering fluid (ATF fluid) that is dripping. It looks/feels/smells like oil. Not sure how it made its way down to the area that would be consistent with a power steering leak. When I noticed it, the car was parked slightly uphill for about 2 days. I am firmly convinced, unless someone can defy me, that these vehicles have a tendency to leak, no matter how often they are repaired. It is like the kid's game, Pop-the-Mole. Fix one leak, another will appear. BTW, I have over 120K miles on a 97 Disco. Thanks | ||
| Paul T. Schram (Paulschram) Senior Member Username: Paulschram Post Number: 1013 Registered: 02-2002 |
Well, since ATF fluid is nothing more than oil, but red, it could well be power steering fluid (check the MSDS if you don't believe me!). There are no lines carrying lubricating oil on that side of the engine bay, also, you indicated you had replaced the front seal. My front seal weeps, looking for all the world like the power steering unitis leaking, but after multiple cleanings, I can tell you without a doubt that my power steering is leaking. Pressure wash the truck real well and crawl beneath it and look for leaks. Also, place newspapers beneath it when you park (use rocks to weigh it down if you park outside like I do). this will give you a much better idea of just where it is leaking.At the rate my power steering leaks, my Rockware cross tube will never rust:-). Have you replaced the clamps on your power steering hoses? If not, I can assure you they are probably leaking some, if not much! As for the leaks, I tend to disagree. If they are fixed, they can stay fixed. | ||
| Discovery 1 Owner (D1_owner) New Member Username: D1_owner Post Number: 3 Registered: 02-2003 |
Paul, When the weather clears here (we have over 2 ft. of snow on the ground) I will take your sage advice regarding newspapers, etc. I have done this trick once or twice before to spot difficult to determine leaks. As for fixing leaks and staying fixed, the jury is out (of town) in my case. Numerous leaks/repair under warranty and out of warranty. If it is a power steering leak which I may be inclined to believe given its location, beyond replacing clamps, do you suggest any of the stop-leak additives. Keep in mind I am already on my second steering box. |
