Power steering fluid spraying, need help asap

Hey guys I need some advice, my power steering randomly sprung a leak and sprays all the fluid out when the wheels are turned. I located the leak and it is coming from where a metal pipe/ hose connects to the power steering rack, and it only sprays out on left turns. I have done some research myself but can't find anyone who's had this problem. I tightened the nut where the pipe connects and it didn't fix it so I'm thinking a seal or O-ring is blown where it connects. Does anyone know what might be wrong and if replacing the pipe/ seal will fix it?


My truck is out of commission until I get this fixed so any input is appreciated. (2009 TRD OR)

Here is where its spraying fluid:

 

Is the fitting leaking or the portion that's welded onto the rack? If it's on the rack you're going to have to replace it, if it's just the fitting you might be able to tighten it or pull it off and check the o-ring condition. Hopefully it's just a 15 cent o ring and you'll be good to go.

 

its hard to tell but I might just pull it and look at the O-ring

 

You can clean it up real well and give it a quick turn to the left and see if you can tell a little more. I'd say it's probably the line/fitting though, that's a pretty stout piece of the rack without much movement to cause a cracked weld.

 

just pulled it, the O-ring is fine. Cleaned it up and looked at t again, the tightening nut shrouds the pipe and it's leaking from under the nut

 

As in from the fitting itself? Something isn't sealing correctly then, the o-ring or the threads. It wasn't nicked or cracked? Sealing surface inside was good? No dirt, debris, gouges? You can try a little ATF compatible pipe dope on the threads to seal them up but if the o ring and sealing surface is fine you might just want to replace that pipe if the fitting is the issue.

 

The pipe dope is a good idea. If that still doesn't work then you may have no choice but to replace the line.

 

I thought about that, but if it doesn't work won't it be a bitch to get that thing off without the connection on the steering rack breaking/ stripping?

 

Update: got some stuff called Permatex High temp, basically a thread tape for an automotive application. Couldn't find any pipe dope for an automotive application. Thanks for the advice fellas

 

No, pipe dope seals but doesn't (generally) lock the threads like loctite would. Just forms a semi solid seal between the threads that doesn't allow fluid to get through.