Power steering system noise?

[Tan Van]

Yes, all you just said is correct. Of course I haven't seen it coming out the cap before. ... ... Because return flow and output flow are matched, it shouldn't overflow unless it's overfilled.... .....although I suppose that's possible in some situations. . Tim

well, I've seen it now... ...Wednesday night, I pushed a little bit sideways on the (molded) steering-fluid return hose, so I could check my engine oil ... ... Started it up yesterday morning, and, I noticed some steering-pump noises, so, I shut it down to look around. It turns out the garage floor has a red puddle of steering fluid. I examined the van for the source of the leak and found 2 wet areas.

Firstly, it was a bit wet where I found a sneaky crack in the underside of the factory return-hose...(a dry + weak spot in the old hose that finally let go after being shoved out of the way for 31 years to permit easier access to the engine-oil dipstick)

Secondly, the whole reservoir was soaked. And, the reservoir was topped out, "bubbly", and had obviously been blowing out through the closed steering fluid cap !!!

My thought is that, the crack in the return hose may have been pulling air into the system and, the pressure of being "over-filled" (because of the extra air), causes it to blow out of the cap.

So, one thing to check if you ever find your reservoir filled to the top and overflowing from the cap is the airtight condition of your return lines.


Solution: new return line for power steering fluid.





Part Number: 4434828040


didn't feel like waiting for the part, so, of couse I used "gates" bulk 5/8" hose---
didn't like the way bulk hose wanted to route itself, so, I made this too--