The following symptoms indicate that the power steering system may be leaking:

Inspect the power steering system for an external leak:

1. Wipe the suspected area dry.
2. Inspect the reservoir for overfill.
3. Inspect the power steering system for the following conditions:

•	Power steering fluid aeration

•	An overflow

4. Inspect the following components:

•	The hose connections

•	The O-rings

5. Verify the exact point of the leakage. The point from which the fluid is dripping is not necessarily the point where the system is leaking.

Inspect the power steering system for leaks:

1. Turn the engine off.
2. Wipe the entire power steering system dry.
3. Inspect the power steering fluid level.

Add fluid as necessary.

4. Start the engine.

Notice: Do not hold the steering wheel against the stops while flushing the power steering system. Holding the steering wheel against the wheel stops will cause high system pressure, overheating, and damage to the power steering pump and/or gear.

5. Turn the steering wheel from stop to stop several times.
6. Locate and repair the exact area of the leak.

Prepare the system for service as needed:

1. Clean the leakage area prior to the disassembly procedure.
2. Replace the leaking seal.
3. Inspect the component sealing surfaces for damage.
4. Tighten the bolts to specification.
5. Bleed the system.

Refer to Power Steering System Bleeding .

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

1. Install the fitting (1).

Tighten
Tighten the fitting (1) to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).

2. If the leakage persists, complete the following steps:

2.1.	Replace the O-ring seal.

2.2.	Repair the fitting nut or replace the line if the leakage is due to damaged threads.

2.3.	Replace the housing if the housing threads are badly damaged.

3. Replace the following components:

•	The dust seals (2)

•	The stub shaft seals (2)

4. Perform a partial gear replacement if any of the following conditions exist:

•	A leak is present between the torsion bar and the stub shaft (3).

•	A leak is present in the driver side (4). The leak is not affected by the direction of the turn.

•	A leak is present at the housing end (5). The leak spurts when the gear is bottomed in a left turn.

•	A leak is present at the passenger side.

•	Refer to Steering Gear Replacement .