Cadillac Repair: power steering, power steering pump, rubber hoses

Question
I have a 1991 deville that the power steering will not stop leaking. I have replaced all of the O-rings many times but the reservoir to pump and lines will start to leak again after about 10 miles. I do not understand what is going on. Please help, any advise will be greatly appreciated, thank you, Monique

Answer
Hi Monique,

    I would like to think that you are using the correct parts to replace the o-rings and seals. Sometimes a seal can be damaged during installation but as you said they have been replaced many times.

    It sounds like you have a check valve inside the power steering pump that isn't relieving the pressure and allowing max pressure from the pump all the time. GM makes a gauge to test pressures but is very expensive to buy and use one time. You could go to the dealer and hope they still had one with their required tools. Otherwise I would replace the power steering pump provided it came with the valve and fitting where the steel line attaches.

     The other thing to check for is rubber hoses or metal lines that are pinched, kinked or restricted and that will allow the pump to build up too much pressure.

     Hope that helps. Bill