QuestionDear K-Buster, I have Ford Ranger 91. 3.0 litre. I have power steering fluid missing
gradually to the point that I must ad oil every second day. Because is
leaking heavily on parking space so I do not ad it any more, driving on
hard steering for 2 months. I have 55years old car mechanic graduate but
working as bus mechanic. He warns me not to drive like that because I
will make more damage to steering box. Because I am out of work,
limited income he told me he will fix it free if I get some kind of
gasket (or o-ring?) and tool for it so he will change right on car
without taking that box out which he say is much less work this way. And
tool is needed because of limited space, so gasket can not be pushed by
hammering around directly. Some tool he was talking that wrap around shaft.
QUESTION #2 - where do I rent this tool from? He look at that box
and looks like oil is not leaking thru hoses. QUESTION; is any way
to check where oil is coming from? Other option he give me is start
checking auto repair shops how much money they want for repair.
hmmm, that hard to swallow because every time I go they trick me to huge
repairs and lots of money. QUESTION #2- how much is the fair price for
repair this? MY OPTION; You think I can repair it myself? Have limited
money but lots of time an lots of tools because I was Industrial
mechanic. I am from N/East NJ.
AnswerHi Jan,
Ford PS leaks almost always start with the return line back to the pump res. Ford used crappy band-clamps and they leak. Could be a pitman seal but I doubt it on a 91. Pitman leaks were typical of earlier model trucks. You've already ruined the pump and are probably well on your way to taking your last turns with that 2-months w/o oil steering box so I would suggest that you replace both pieces. The PS pump has fluid in it for a reason.
Looking for a reputable service technician? My advice on finding a good technician is: Steer clear of the dealership and 'chain' stores like Firestone, Sears, Pep Boys, Monro Muffler/Brake, Midas, etc. as they usually only employ ONE ASE Certified Tech just so they can say they do and chances are, that guy is the asst. manager or manager and is not in the store to diagnose/repair vehicles anyway. Find a service location in the link below or get some names out of the yellow-pages and do a drive-by. Garages that employ ASE Certified Technicians will be marked with the 'Blue-Seal' insignia. If unsure about whether a place employs Certified Techs, just ask to see their credentials. ALL ASE Certified Technicians will be PROUD to show and display their certificate(s).
Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
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Looking for an ASE Certified shop near you? ASE Certified Technicians are the BEST of the BEST!
Click here: http://www.ase.com/bluesealsearch/locator.php
