Power steering pump leak

[mudskipper2006]

Hi Guys,
03 TD5 XS Auto. My power steering pump has got a slight leak, with fluid running down the pipes onto the steering box. Question can the pump have the seals replaced or is a new pump required, is removal and replacement an easy job.
Also air con stopped working so had it in the steelers for a re-gas cos they had an offer on, said gas was ok but the fan had seized, now behind the grill is a fan infront of the rad that i can't turn by hand, could this be the fan they are on about.
Any advise would be grateful, thanks in advance.

[lambert]

You can get seal kits for the pump but without dismantling the pump the seals damage on the splines if not.  Air conditioning fan ought to be on the outside of the radiator and driven electronically not mechanically.

[mudskipper2006]

Hi Lambert, thanks for the reply, fan is behind front grill infront of rad and is driven by an electric motor should you be able to spin this freely or should it be tight as mine is, when i put AC on this fan does not run, should it.
Sounds like best option would be to replace power steering pump, is this an easy job, any speical tools required and would it need the fluid bleeding.

[Budgie]

Bleeding the PAS system is as easy as filling the reservoir to normal level, start the engine and turn the steering wheel to full lock on both sides several times and it should self-bleed. When you're happy, check the reservoir level and top up if required.
If the steering is not smooth going lock to lock then you still have air in the system, so keep going. ;)

[lambert]

The electric fan should spin freely and come on with the air conditioning but not permanently ie the bcm will activate it as it is necessary.

[mudskipper2006]

Thanks for the replys guys, looks like new steering pump over the christmas break and try to free up the fan and get that working or look for a replacement, i take it the AC will not work if the fan is not running.

[Frankie-Boy]

A quick tip for stopping the pump leaking is to put a capful of brake fluid in with the steering fluid, this makes the seals expand a little and stem the flow, I've done it on my old Disco and I know of others that have done it too, one member got his to stop leaking for two years.

[mudskipper2006]

Frankie-Boy, Thanks for that tip will try it this weekend and see how it goes, not really up for changing the pump if i do  not need to at the moment. Will post the results after the christmas break.

[Dr Neil]

no the A/C wont work if the fan isn't working.

[mudskipper2006]

HI Guys, have put a cap full of brake fluid in the steering res, just waitng to see if it does the trick.
Got the AC fan unit off and its a total no go, now need to find a replacement.

[mud muncher]

I would like to know the results and to see if it stops the leak, I am having the same problem with my steering box

[mudskipper2006]

Update: The addition of the brake fluid did stop the leak dripping, the area is just damp now and have not had to top up the fluid for the past 5 months.

[Range Rover Blues]

I'll have to remember that trick.  I know you can get an oil from Lucas that stops leaking PAS pumps, it's thicker and increases shear viscosity in the oil.  I've used that before to good effect but never brake fluid.

Does it matter if it's synthetic or not?

[Dr Neil]

don't think so, just normal dot4. It just causes the seals to swell.

[Range Rover Blues]

Cool