Power steering leak

[dmoe]

I had a very small power steering leak. Looked like it was coming from the pump itself. Car would sit in the garage for weeks at a time and when I moved it, there would be a quarter sized puddle. One day I went to take the car for a spin and I got that nice power steering whine. So I topped up the fluid with oem fluid. Took it for a drive and then checked the fluid level. I had added too much, so I removed some fluid to the proper level

I noticed there was a good sized puddle under the car on the drivers side. Is there some sort of vent in the rack to vent off any excess fluid? The steering rack boot on the drivers side is wet, and I am wondering if it just vented off excess fluid there? The car is stored for the winter and the level haven't changed in the reservoir for about a month.

I am hoping it not the rack. I was thinking of taking the front wheel off and giving the boot a pond surrounding area a good cleaning and then watch over the next little while to see if there is an actual leak.

Any input is greatly appreciated

[old guy]

There is no vent to remove excess fluid. There is also no issue at all with adding fluid slightly above the maximum level on the dip stick.

The first thing I would recommend is to add some Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak. It won't hurt anything and the stuff simply works. If it doesn't then the next step would be to start replacing components.

Certainly worth a try. The last time I changed my power steering fluid I added some as a preventive measure. Currently around 200k on the OEM rack and pump. No leaks anywhere.

[dmoe]

I am guessing the instructions for Lucas fluid are on the bottle, but I just pour it in and let it do it's thing?

[old guy]

I am guessing the instructions for Lucas fluid are on the bottle, but I just pour it in and let it do it's thing?

Yep. Pretty much just pour it in. You may have to use a turkey baster to remove a little of the power steering fluid.

[dmoe]

OK. I will pick some up, put the battery back in and start the car up and let it run a while to warm stuff up. Then maybe take the wheel off and clean up the boot and surrounding area. That way I will know if there is still a leak.

[dmoe]

How much if the stop leak should I be adding?

[old guy]

How much if the stop leak should I be adding?

If you have a small leak I would start with ½ a bottle and see if it stops the leak.