Steering Fluid.. Loss.. Is it dangerous?

[monkey bongo]

Gasy, I see it swells all the seals.. Would it mean I have to replace all the seals in the power steering when I get back. Or would a couple of capfuls limit this.
I know.. I know ..I'm being pedantic. And in an emergency I will have todo!!
Also would any car break fluid do the job?

[Gasy]

You will find its cheaper to get a second hand steering rack I think
Someone might of found cheap new racks if I rember right
What ever you use you will have to replace seals and fluid when you get home
But if it stops the leak straight away
I would just flush out the fluid when you get home replace with just steering fluid
And then I WOULD just monitor it for a few weeks before I replaced any thing
But that's me
If the leak has stopped
All well and good

Remember only a couple of cap fulls then try it for a day or so
If it's not stopped leak try another couple of cap fulls

[rita]

Monkey ,, You need to remember that dexron is also a lubricating fluid needed to lubricate the PSP and keep the carbon blades from sticking/chipping , I would be very cautious mixing any other type of fluid other than manufactures recommended products with the correct balance .

Good Luck.

[Bongolia]

You will only loose PSF via seals when under pressure unless the seals are completely shot.
Looking under the vehicle is it coming out of the rack gaiters? And with the engine running in the straight ahead position are the gaiters easily compressed or do they look swollen and full of fluid?
If they are then you could suffer sudden failure and a loss of power steering although if you are aware this may happen you can be prepared if it does. The steering will become extremely heavy and you have to lug it in order to steer but you will still have control.

I have heard of the addition of brake fluid as a temporary fix, but if the loss is small and you can manage just with a top up of ATF every now and again that would be the best way to go in my opinion.

Brake fluid will withstand the compression forces OK but does not have the same lubrication properties as ATF.
So as Gasy says no more than a couple of cap fulls at a time and six tops. if it doesn't seal then just keep topping up with ATF, any more and you could risk damaging the pump.
Any Glycol based brake fluid will do Dot 2,3,4,or 5.1.
You should have the rack rebuilt when you get back in any case and that would see the seals changed.Overhaul for a rack such as the Bongos approx 130.00 ukp I would guess.Flush the system thoroughly when fitting the rack back in.
Good luck.

[Gasy]

Fully referbed / reconditioned steering racks on ebay £155 - £230 at mo
Get it home and put a new one on

[monkey bongo]

Thanks guys, haven't done any long journeys since I last topped up with ps fluid. Just a few miles and have the reservoir hasn't reduced that much. About 4/5 drops on an old tea shirt last night.(who knows how long this has been going on for!!).
The journey back to the ferry will be on fairly empty straight motorways. I will stop every two hours or so and check the reservoir... I will buy some break fluid and keep in back.
Again your messages have reassure me.. Well done bongo-mates

[Gasy]

By the sound of that leak
You will get home no probs

If you have the engine running and get someone to turn steering full lock to full lock while you look at the leak you will see how bad it really is when under pressure driving , might just make it a less worrying journey for you

Then get a replacement rack for £200 ish not too bad

[monkey bongo]

Ok Guys managed to get home and have a quote from 321 away for a recon steering rack, vat and fitting, with 12 months warranty for £265.... That sound ok for me.But I don't seem to have lost anymore ps fluid for two weeks.....self sealed?
But thanks for the help guys

[monkey bongo]

Ok Guys managed to get home and have a quote from 321 away for a recon steering rack, vat and fitting, with 12 months warranty for £265.... That sound ok for me.But I don't seem to have lost anymore ps fluid for two weeks.....self sealed?
But thanks for the help guys

[Bob]

Well done.

[mikeonb4c]

Great news. Personally i'd get it changed as preventative maintenance on the basis of not wanting to have that happen (which it probably will) at an inconvenient moment (which you've already experienced).

[Gasy]

If it ain't broken don't fix it

[mikeonb4c]

If it ain't broken don't fix it

We take a different line in aviation: fix it before it breaks you

[Gasy]

Best option in aviation I should think
In heating if it packs in again your just cold or wet for the night
But in planes it must seem a bloody long way down as your wishing your replaced that part rather than just whacked it

[g8dhe]

No the solution is simple jump for it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qF_fzEI4wU