Power steering leak?

da_gleadless · Nov 16, 2009

So...(again)

Took the car out for a drive and 2 mins from home the power steering made a funny noise. When i finally got home and parked the car, it was more severe. There was a pool of hydraulic fluid on the ground which continued to leak. The leak came from the right hand side of the engine somehweer near the power steering reservoir... I think its a hose, but im not sure?

Im going to have it up on axle stands tomorrow (still havent got my manual through the post), any tips on where to check and how to go about it?

Steve Brookes · Nov 16, 2009

I'd start looking at the hoses around the base of the reservoir. Remove the air box cover so you can get a proper look. This is not difficult but a bit of an art as there's not much room to wiggle it out. You have to undo the clips at the rear by feel and remove the yellow oil filler cap.

However, as you've bought the car from a dealer I would take it back to them in case it turns out to be an expensive fix.

da_gleadless · Nov 17, 2009

Hi,

The car is being looked at today by a friend and I will be helping on my return form work, I'm hoping its just a leaky/loose hose!

I will have more info after today.

I will also speak to the dealer.

Thanks again

Chris

da_gleadless · Nov 17, 2009

Steve,

The leak was coming from the hose running out of the power steering pump. the hose itself had no jubilee clips at either side, which have been added (is there a reason there was no clips?). The power steering fluid still leaks from said hose a small amount when under high pressure. Could there be some kind of blockage within the pump itself?

iangray100 · Nov 17, 2009

I doubt it as that side of the pump is low pressure ..its more like the pipe is perished.

da_gleadless · Nov 17, 2009

ita not the pipe from the reservoir to the pump, but the pipe that comes out of the pump

iangray100 · Nov 17, 2009

ok ...its a high pressure pipe then with a banjo connection onto the pump ...it could be leaking anywhere on long this then ..

see PET out put pf all the parts here

3.2_fordy · Nov 17, 2009

Had the same problem on my wife's 964, The hose on the high pressure side is in two half's for some reason with a join at the middle so I got a local hydraulic shop near me to make a new one up cost me £5 and he could not see why it was in two half's

Steve Brookes · Nov 17, 2009

I've yet to have any practical experience of having to fix any PS problems on mine (touch wood) but I'll say it again...if I'd just bought the car from a dealer and there was a big leak that makes it pretty much un-driveable, I'd be wanting the dealer to fix it at their cost. [

]

da_gleadless · Nov 18, 2009

Steve,

I would very much like the dealer to pay for it, however whilst he did 'deal' in sports sepcialised cars... he was not a main dealer and as such offered no guarentee with the car[&:] (i know cos i asked).

The leak itself was from a perished hose not fitted properly (part 14 on the diagram), so its not a major problem and requires only a replacement hose (recommendations for suppliers anyone?)

As sad as it sounds (and disregarding how much my heart broke when i saw the puddle of fluid on the floor), I Kinda enjoyed the fault finding and problem solving between me and my mates.

At the first opportunity (probably after xmas) im going to take it to a porsche specialist to give it a good once over to find any further hidden faults. The main thing is the engine is running like clockwork, along with the clutch and gearbox. I think a fuel pump replacement is on the cards, due to the noise its making (i will have a look at maybe doing this myself, depending on how hard Mr Steathers deems it to be when my book finally arrives)

When i bought the car i accepted it was nearly 20 years old and faults are to be expected, but i think the joy will come in giving it the attention it deserves and keeping it in premium condition, whilst this may come at an intial cost, the benefit can be clearly seen on my face every time i get into or have the pleasure of walking upto the most beautiful car in the park/street.

Finally I would like to offer my thanks to everyone on the forum for such friendly advice and I look forward to meeting you all soon.

Cheers

Chris

Steve Brookes · Nov 18, 2009

OK Chris I see you what you mean. My understanding is that most dealers have to supply something fit for purpose and this would have been a case for taking it back in my book. Buying privately I didn't have that luxury myself so like many on here I do my own fixes. It's nice to see we have someone else on board that is also going to get their hands dirty. And believe me you will need to with these cars [

].

As far as supply of parts goes, I find that 90% of the time the best source is your local Porsche parts counter. Parts are rarely cheap there but they usually do what they say on the tin. Unless you can find someone like Fordy did (see above) I think you will find Porsche are the best source for this hose.

da_gleadless · Nov 18, 2009

ORIGINAL: 3.2 fordy

Had the same problem on my wife's 964, The hose on the high pressure side is in two half's for some reason with a join at the middle so I got a local hydraulic shop near me to make a new one up cost me £5 and he could not see why it was in two half's

Interesting Price comparison...

"Good afternoon Chris,

The pipe is available from our local factory and can be ordered for next day delivery.
The price including VAT is £104.88.
Please let me know if you would like me to place an order.

Parts Advisor
Porsche West London
Main Switch Board 020 8742 7000"

I may end up going with the porsche part just to be sure, but methinks I will do some shopping around...

Steve Brookes · Nov 18, 2009

Don't forget that as a PCGB member they will give you a 10% discount. So don't forget to ask for it. [

]

3.2_fordy · Nov 18, 2009

ORIGINAL: da_gleadless

ORIGINAL: 3.2 fordy

Had the same problem on my wife's 964, The hose on the high pressure side is in two half's for some reason with a join at the middle so I got a local hydraulic shop near me to make a new one up cost me £5 and he could not see why it was in two half's

Click to expand...

Interesting Price comparison...

"Good afternoon Chris,

The pipe is available from our local factory and can be ordered for next day delivery.
The price including VAT is £104.88.
Please let me know if you would like me to place an order.

Parts Advisor
Porsche West London
Main Switch Board 020 8742 7000"

I may end up going with the porsche part just to be sure, but methinks I will do some shopping around...

There`s nothing special about the pipe just the price that Porsche charge If you take your old pipe off to any local hydraulic company they should be able to make up a replacement without the joint in the middle which for me was the problem, The pipe my local company used was over the top for pressure & spec
So with 10% off £104 .88p you are still out of pocket by along way but have peace of mind that you have given Porsche more money Sorry about the rant but I don't like been ripped off

iangray100 · Nov 18, 2009

You tried Steve ...

Remember Chris if you think £104.88 for a pipe is expensive ...you do know you have brought a money pit and this is about right for item 14: 964.347.447.04
I have just checked a few sites and I do not think you will be able to get an OEM one ..OPC only with 10% for PCGB membership or as has been suggested get one made.

You going to have fun spending money Chris maintaining your 964 ...have you been quoted for a full service yet ? or may be the cost of new camshaft etc etc etc or even an engine rebuild ? How about a rear bumper bracket ..makes your pipe look like value for money!!.

Your will see why £104 pounds for a pipe is about right soon...

Also ref the dealer, all trade dealers have to follow the statuary regulations and sell it as fit for purpose, so I would have taken it back. PS:I don't buy my cars with a "warranty" but by law it has to be fit for purpose and you can take it back in reasonable time with issues ..and I've done that and had the issue fixed... or was it sold it knowingly ;-)

Steve Brookes · Nov 18, 2009

I have a suspicion that if a part is 964 specific (number starts with 964) we are being held to ransom but if it is used for a number of other models (e.g. number starts with 911) the price is far more palateable. At the weekend I bought new window seal scrapers (911 part numbers) and thought at £5 each they were very reasonably priced for a change.

I'm sure as 964 specific stock dwindles they use 'supply and demand' to ramp up the price e.g. those bumper supports Ian mentions have doubled in price over the last year or so!

da_gleadless · Nov 22, 2009

Hi guys,

Thanks again for all the advice. Yes, Im well aware my 964 is going to be expensive to maintain and parts will be a fair amount of money, I accept that[

].

My point was the juxtaposition of the porsche part and the cost via a hydraulic shop, surely their costs cant be that more significant... hence porsche have a license to print money (making assumptions people will pay it cos they can afford it).

I agree that being ripped off is no fun and wont allow myself to be if there is an alternative! (but im quite happy to pay money to look after my new toy)

I shopped around and found the cheapest was around £90...

Anyway, I contacted the dealer and he agreed to pay for the repair so all is good

dirtgod · Dec 14, 2009

why is it you look on here to see whats going wrong with everyones cars and then mine does the same the oil pipe on the high pressure side of the pump what runs behind the air box is leaking.I think i best stop looking then there might not be any falts lol

da_gleadless · Dec 18, 2009

quick fix was jubilee clips[

], but i replaced the hose and now its fine (for the minute).

At least we all share the problems and its easeir to identify/fix... you could just be staring blankly at a book [

]