Power steering leak

[tucker]

I changed the oil the other day and spotted an area where a leak had spread onto the subframe and surrounding area. I had a good look round and it didn't seem to be oil and concluded it was power steering fluid seeping from somewhere. 

I couldn't find where it was coming from, so it must be a seal weaping. 

Sure enough the power steering fluid was low. I drained out what I could from the reservoir and fiilled it with some Leak Stop fluid. 

It claims to guarantee to stop leaks which seems a bold claim. 

Has anyone any experience of using this stuff and having any joy from it?

[adam28]

Haven't used the stuff your talking about but i had a leak on my m59 and it was coming out of where the pinion is located near where it meets the column/uj it was seeping out the top and required a new rack.

[jonnie100]

I've used the Lucas Stop Leak before. It works for minor weeping but you are only delaying the inevitable.

[tucker]

If I knew where it was coming from I'd probably tackle it but at the minute I haven't a clue.

I cleaned up all the mess yesterday, so hopefully it will be a bit easier to get underneath in a few days and see if it's any more obvious from any new fluid loss.

[tucker]

I think I have identified where the leak is coming from. 

It doesn't seem to be the steering rack but the Base of a blue sensor above it. I will try and upload a photo. Does anyone know what the sensor is?

[tucker]

Photo from above of the connector.

[geoff]

Looks to be the power steering pressure sensor.

Appears to be a split in the attachment nut ?

These cost about £20 so a cheap fix.

[Stitches]

I had a xsara whic blew the sensor clean off the fluid hit the exhaust and you can picture the rest I would check that it's not cracked

[tucker]

Ah yes. I hadn't noticed the top nut has a crack. I was thinking it was coming from lower down below the bottom nut somewhere.

Thanks for that.
Does anyone know the process for replacement? Do I need to drain the reservoir?

[geoff]

I'd just arrange containment and slacken the nut to allow a controlled release of the oil then when it stops just swap sensor with new one and fill with new oil.