Total loss of power steering fluid. Repair/driving options?

[cole.bin]

Hi,
Recently had a bit of a problem, getting a sudden power steering fluid leak during a drive and would welcome some advice.

It was leaking heavily as I parked but the reservoir is now empty. I now have a parallel parking fluid mark on the road! Last checkup was at a specialist garage two months ago during a major service & inspection. They reported a 'minor weep', said its ok and replaced the power steering belt.

I searched the forum, got the Clarks garage steering diagram and took off the undertray. The cooler pipes look very corroded and covered in fluid.

1) Is there a better test method than refill the fluid, start engine and watch where it sprays?
2) How can I check if the power steering pump is still ok?
3) The fluid has gone over everything near the pipes, cooler and pump. Does this fluid cause damage e.g. to rubber bushes?
4) Replacing the cooler pipes looks tricky for me. Are there any instructions, other diagrams around?
5) Is it a simple fix any garage can do or should it require a Porsche specialist?
6) Can I turn off the pump to drive it to a garage? Remove or cutoff the belt? I do not want to leak fluid on the road nor damage the pump.
7) Anything else usually worth replacing during a steering pipes etc repair?

All advice appreciated.
Cheers.

1990 944T

 

[Panzer944]

Had similar experience with my Turbo - thought it might have been a pipe/union but, sadly, it was the pump which I got reconditioned (properly!) and all was fine (but cost about £200) ... also had similar on my Lux and that was down to a cracked steering rack and I had to drive 200kms across Belgium (I was living in Belgium at the time - had arms like Popeye's when I got home!). That time a reconditioned rack was required but I also had to replace the front brake pads as when it fractured it sprayed [pwer steering fluid over the offside disc and contaminated the pads and made braking somewhat amusing during the journey - I only mention this in case your pads are similarly affected?

 

[chrisg]

Some points to consider:

The ATF in the PS system is just a form of lightweight mineral oil, so with the exception of the brake pads/ discs(which will clean) all the components should be ok once cleaned off. You may have to consider replacing the ARB bushes on that side of the car if they've gone soft.

I would guess that the most likely culprit for the leak is the square cooling 'loop' mounted up under the front bumper, this is mostly hard pipe but also has a flexible pipe with spiral bound plastic support at one end that returns fluid to the reservoir. It's common for these to rust through and leak.

So, my suggestion would be remove said cooler and take to your local Pirtek branch and ask them to make up an identical one using the old one as a template - they should also be able to pressure test it for you.

It could be the pump, but these don't tend to let go in such a catastrophic fashion- more of a gentle weep over a period of time, again easily replaceable with an exchange unit:

http://www.powersteeringstore.co.uk/index.htm

http://powersteeringracks.co.uk/zencart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=126_254_403&products_id=403

 

[edh]

Power steering pumps are also refundable with a fairly cheap seal kit.

 

[cole.bin]

Thanks for all the comments.

For anyone searching on a similar problem, yes the rapid total power steering fluid loss was caused by leaks from the cooling pipe for the power steering. The probably original 1990 pipe had corroded right through.

Price for a new Porsche pipe was around £120 inc vat.
Cutting the power steering belt allowed it to be driven without damaging the pump. Resulted in heavy steering for parking, but at speed I think the steering felt more sensitive i.e. even better feedback.

Cheers.