Power steering problems

[Sboxin]

Also, I see a bit of smoke coming out from the engine compartment. This is from the fluid leak.

A common leak is from the return line connection at the back of the pump.
The leaking fluid runs onto the top of the engine and then onto the exhaust.

The return line has a red plastic fastener that holds the line into the pump and two o-rings which seal the line. If your accident caused the fastener to fail this would cause the leak.

The return line/pump location is under the intake system and difficult to see from the top of the engine. The repair requires the removal of the throttle body.

The return line fastener is part of the fluid reservoir (there are two the main and the overflow). You can see the parts diagram on the Pelican board site or the PCNA tech site.

Ed

[SilentThunder]

Sorry to resurrect an old post, but my power steering just exploded while parking. 99 manual with headers, driven slowly 6 blocks, parked for a couple hours, drove 6 blocks back, went to parallel park, turned it to full lock and it popped and steamed, dumped all the fluid. When i went to drive off to see what it was the power steering was out, a purply fluid was dumped, and a slight goop was hanging from the bottom of the car.

What could have caused it other than old age and miles?

[blinkwatt]

Originally Posted by SilentThunder

Sorry to resurrect an old post, but my power steering just exploded while parking. 99 manual with headers, driven slowly 6 blocks, parked for a couple hours, drove 6 blocks back, went to parallel park, turned it to full lock and it popped and steamed, dumped all the fluid. When i went to drive off to see what it was the power steering was out, a purply fluid was dumped, and a slight goop was hanging from the bottom of the car.

What could have caused it other than old age and miles?

Did you zip tie the power steering lines out of the way with the bigger headers?

[SilentThunder]

Ya, but i guess it wasnt enough. I have an appointment at the mechanic monday, so it will be fixed then.

[Sboxin]

Would you mind posting a comment on the final results of your PS failure repair?
Did the failure occur in the front or rear of the car? Was it a line/connector or at the pump, or the steering?

Thanks in advance for your comments,
Ed

[NickCats]

iflyadesk,

Here's a good thread regarding installing a power steering line cooler for race applications :

Power steering line cooler installed

Sboxin,

How did this end up working out for you ?

Thanks,

Nick

[Sboxin]

Originally Posted by NickCats

iflyadesk,

Here's a good thread regarding installing a power steering line cooler for race applications :

Power steering line cooler installed

Sboxin,

How did this end up working out for you ?

Thanks,

Nick

Nick,

This solution has been rock solid = no leaks or failures. The pressure on the steering system from the 245 18" TOYO R888 under track conditions is extreme.
The line cooler we used is very large - but I thought was needed for our desert temps here in Phoenix.

Here is track video - just for yucks
http://s158.photobucket.com/albums/t114/Arizona-ed/Boxster%20S/?action=view&current=DE-OCT2007-Eddie_0001.flv

I have also read that the Mantis underdrive pulley solution is also holding up well.

Take care,
Ed