Identify power steering pump leak

[R-ATE]

Hey guys,

B7 A4 power steering pump leaking.
The fluid in the reservoir is just at the min level, so it’s a slow leak.
I know it’s not the power steering rack, or the connectors by the cooler.

I took a pic of the pump, which is dirty, but I’m now 100% on what part is leaking.
unsure how to add the pic

[Jayz691]

Why are you sure its not the rack? Do ya see fluid leaking anywhere else, to rule it out? Just saying this cuz a common leak spot is end seals(more driver side). It leaks into the inner boot, so won't notice till it burst and sprays everywhere. Maybe check your inner tie rod boots to rule it out. And to post pics, just click on the "photo,files" spot. May be easier on phone than PC.

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[R-ATE]

Thanks for the added information about the possible leak inside the rack boot that wouldn't bee seen :)


Okay I was able to upload photos on my laptop.
One photo shows the entire pump, which has dirt all over it, so there must be a small leak somewhere in the pump (thinking somewhere at the top dripping down makes the most sense since the whole pump is dirty)

Other photo I added some color circles to the spots that stood out to me.

The PS reservoir is just at the min line, and after reading about all these issues with steering racks and seals on old cars, I'm thinking of adding the LUCAS PS stop leak fluid fluid.
I've read mixed but good things on the Audi forum, and as the seals get older on this 2006 A4 I think this might prevent (delay) future issues. Open to thoughts/opinions though.

PS-RGB.jpgimage1 (1).jpg

[R-ATE]

I was wrong, there is another boot in the steering rack I didn't consider, and the passenger wheel is covered in fluid.

Note: this pic uploaded upside down. Pic was taken from in between wheel spokes and that boot is right below the battery basically.
image0 (2).jpg

What options do I have?

I would also consider removing power steering if that is an option (somehow disconnect the PS belt etc)

[Jayz691]

Yup, had a feeling. In your fist pic, the crush washer may be leaking a little, but not gonna lose much there. 2 new crush washers and good. For the rack, id get a used genuine one. A Bosch/ZF rebuilt is about $700+ $300 core. I ried 1 rebuilt brand(BBB-Vision OE-$400) and went through 2 in less than 2 years. Got a used one from junkyard, and been good for like 2 years. If ya find an s4/rs4, they have a tighter ratio. Far as deleting, I wouldn't, lol.
But fix it asap, cuz soon it'll let go, tben it'll pour out that seal.

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