What is the color of the steering fluid? It should be close to hydraulic fluid almost clear. If its red like ATF its the wrong fluid & it'll leak.

 

No it is clear. I noticed that the power steering reservoir was quite low when I bought it so I filled it up. Now it is low again so I know its power steering fluid leaking.

I bought some power steering fluid with stop leak, does that ever work???

 

Probably will require the rack and pinion assy replaced. Nothing that $1500.00 won't cure.

 

Does stop leak ever work?

 

It'll depend how bad is the leak & where it is leaking

 

It is most likely the pressure hose that runs from the top of the P/S pump down to the rack. That hose I believe is around $50+ on rockauto.com and not the most fun to replace.

 

It's hard to tell exactly where its leaking. I guess it could be a hose but after I wipe it down and drive it for a while and check it it seems to be leaking from the top where the steering column comes into it.arn:

 

That hose runs down near the column, its a rubber hose that is then fitted into a metal line.

 

I had a leak on my '97 that turned out to be a loose screw clamp on one of the hoses. Once I cleaned them up, I could see where fluid was pooling. That's when I realized that I had 3 loose screw clamps. I tightened them up and stopped leaking fluid.

 

@JMK909er What was the resolution to your leak issue? It just happened with my '98. arn:

Anyone out there that has tackled this one before?

 

All I have done is put Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak in it. It didn't stop it but it slowed it way down.

 

Got it - thanks man!