Power Steering Pump Leaking

[Nicepix]

I'm in a bit of pickle. I've driven over from France in my 2003 1.9D Blingo tht has run since I got it 6 months ago faltlessly other than having to top up the PAS reservoir two months ago. Tonight I discovered masses of black smoke coming from under the bonnet and it looks like the power steering pump is leaking onto the alternator. Tomorrow is Saturday, I'm due to drive back on Monday and obviously need it sorting ASAP. I've got breakdown cover, but obvously this is going to be complicated as it is with a French provider and just to add to the issues my mobile phone won't work over here.

Is there a quick fix that anyone knows of that might help me get back home? I could buy parts tomorrow and my brother-in-law would be able to provide tools and help.

Thanks in anticipation.

[Jed Clampit]

I don't know of any quick fix for the power steering do you know what part is leaking hose or seal or ram what you must do is stop the oil getting on to the alternator it will ruin it in a very short time 

[Col]

Replace the pump. You should be able to get one from your nearest autofactors.

[Nicepix]

There was no signs of any major leak when I got to examine it in the morning. But the battery was flat. Van has been taken to a local garage who reckon it will be a burnt out alternator. He seemed confident that as long as nothing else was found should be on my way by lunch time. It wll be a close run thing.

[Jed Clampit]

Let us know how you get on best of luck 

[Nicepix]

Let us know how you get on best of luck 

All thanks to the guys at J B Garage, Penistone the van was ready for noon on Monday as promised. That gave me plenty of time to catch the ferry back. What impressed me most is that they immediately diagnosed the problem and despite them being closed over the weekend had put things in place to get the replacement alternator on route for fitting when they opened. In all, the van was in, fixed and out in just over three working hours. That is first class service in any book.

My own diagnosis of a leaking power steering was wrong. I had read somewhere that this could be an issue and the amount of smoke coming out of the engine bay pointed to something like that. Next morning, in daylight, I got chance to look at it properly and there was nothing leaking. Also, the PAS pump tank was up to the mark I had filled it to before travelling. The mechanic said that he had seen this sort of thing before and was caused by years of general dirt and oil corroding the windings.

And the Blingo ran like a dream all the 600 miles home.

[Jed Clampit]

Glad you got it sorted 1st class service form the garage .