Power Steering Leak At Reservoir

So I think I have a power steering fluid leak. My level was way down and there was this sludge gunk everywhere below my and around my reservoir. It’s not a real fast leak or anything. I cleaned it up, waited a little bit, and I think it’s coming from the return hose connection, but I’m not too sure. Should I just throw a couple zip ties over that connection and see if that clears it up?

 

looks like there is room to wiggle it on there a little more snug and maybe use an old-school hose clamp with screw.

 

It’s pushing up against that angled piece of plastic so it can’t really go on any further. Ya I guess I’ll just try and make the connection better.

I was just seeing if anyone knew something that I didn’t like: holy shit you’re missing the connection piece from the hose that seals it

 

While you're working on it, get a cap for that AC port!

 

I’m guessing that’s the opening in that silver line? I’ll be honest I didn’t know anything was supposed to be there. It wasn’t there when I bought it so I just didn’t think about it. Auto Zone would have that if I asked?

 

Yes and yes. It's basically a dust cover. Don't crank it down hard or the plastic threads will strip.

 

Return hose - the one you are pointing to leaking more than the pressure hose. Common. Some people buy a 3/8" ID hose or whatever size that is and a new clamp. Others replace the whole assembly.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...4686,steering,power+steering+return+hose,7324

 

^ That would be the best way to go. ^

 

Cool. I’ll probably do my fluid swap then put a new clamp in and see if that fixes it. Start with the simplest solution and work up if I need to. Thanks for the replies. Even on the simple things you guys provide a lot of context on issues!

 

Pull it off,cut an inch off,and reinstall with a new clamp.

 

Just remember when you tighten the clamp it is a plastic nipple. You don't want to crush it.

 

I don’t care for those spring hose clamps, mainly from having them slap my finger super hard. If you replace, try to find fuel hose clamps instead of standard worm gear type. The fuel ones are made better, no slots for the hose to mush through. I like to lube the gear on the hose clamp so it doesn’t bind or strip as easily. Since the nipple is plastic you don’t want to wrench it so tight it fractures it off.

If you’re good with measuring with calipers, measure the hose od installed on the nipple. Reading the size it says on the hose, I’ve ended up having the replacement hose clamp too small.

Many run of the mill auto parts stores will have limited choices for fuel hose clamps. You may need to go to a hose supply store. Heck while your at it, replace the low pressure hoses and clamps too.

 

Cut the hose back where it connects to the reservoir before you clamp it on. Hoses generally fail there.