Power Steering Stopped Working....

scottevest

scottevest

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My power steering just stopped working altogether, no warning. One day it was fine, next day it was not working at all. Just real hard to steer. Not long ago, I filled the fluid and it was fine, now no assistance whatsoever.

Do I need a new mechanical unit? I recall during my mini-restoration there was a source to get these rebuilt.

Is it safe to drive for awhile like this? Can I send to be rebuilt and drive w/o it?

Thanks all.

Scott
 
Fluid looks low. I couldn't get sound on the video so maybe you addressed that. Crack in high pressure hose?
There is a cover on the filter that is removed by unthreading a thin sheet metal washer/nut. There is a spring under the cover so you must push down on it to relieve tension and unscrew the washer. The steering pump is over to the left, under the alternator. Belt goes from water pump to steering pump. Use a flashlight.
 
Assume no fluid on the ground anywhere?

Yes, Jay Stratton I believe if it comes to that and you are not a DIY guy.
 
Nothing leaking as far as I can tell. I thought there was something inside that canister other than just the filter before. I will fill it up now.
 

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Video shows the reservoir is almost out of fluid. Fill and bleed and try again.

And, if you have lost that much fluid, you have a leak you need to find and fix.
 
Omg it seems like it part is missing based upon my review of the drawings but I can’t figure it out. Ultimately, all I had to do was fill the reservoir and now it worked perfectly fine. I apologize for being such an idiot. I will try to figure this out with the mechanic that took out the last filter. The last time fluid was low it made a lot of noise and became increasingly difficult to operate. I know he replaced the hosing which likely caused some sort of problem. I will have to ask him. All is fine now
 
scottevest said:
Omg it seems like it part is missing based upon my review of the drawings but I can’t figure it out. Ultimately, all I had to do was fill the reservoir and now it worked perfectly fine. I apologize for being such an idiot. I will try to figure this out with the mechanic that took out the last filter. The last time fluid was low it made a lot of noise and became increasingly difficult to operate. I know he replaced the hosing which likely caused some sort of problem. I will have to ask him. All is fine now
Click to expand...

First thing to do now that fluid level is correct is to bleed, then drive the car and check for leaks. You will have a better conversation with the mechanic if you find the leak before taking the car to him.
 
Your fluid level was fine just a few (~12?) months ago, when it was all setup.
If you are now low on fluid, I cannot think of anything else then a leak.

I drove mine for 5 years, about 25k in total without ever needing to fill it.
 
This is resolved for time being. i think mechanic that replaced power steering hoses recently must have done so with a leak. When I get my winter tires off, I will fix... In the meantime, I can just add more fluid as needed. Just wierd that it happened this time with no real warning.
 
HB Chris said:
And how has that worked out so far? It is not the place I go if I want reasonable answers. The filter is under that plate visible in your reservoir.
Click to expand...
agreed; much better information here. I am just way more active there. Thanks for the feedback
 
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