Power steering leak....

[Yellowb1rd]

Hello, fellow pelicans.

I could use some input as to the issue I think my S4 is having. Over the past several months, the power steering has started leaking, and recently, it's become a major leak, and I'm no longer driving it until I resolve the problem. I've included some pics underneath the car as well. I was hoping that it would be an easy fix, like just a bad hose, but I've traced the leakage to what appears to be at the steering rack itself. What's more, there's fluid on basically every part (including the steering rack) below. Assuming it is leaking at the rack, how big of a job is this, and if its a leak, does it spray fluid all over? Seeing many of the underbody components with fluid on them would typically make one wonder if the leak was coming from above (either reservoir, hoses, or power steering pump itself), but I've checked those components, and they are fairly dry. Is complete unit replacement, or removal replacement of seals, then reinstall more cost effective?

[Mrmerlin]

From the pictures it appars to be a hose leaking probably from the rear of the pump.

Pull the rack boots down with a hook and see if the boots are filled with fluid,

If they are filled then its time for a rack, 928 INTL has the best rebuilt racks.
Dont go for the Autozone rebuilt it may be cheaper but you will pay for it many times over instead of doing right the first time .

if no fluid in the boots,
then your leak is probably a hose ,
its time to replace the reservoir and the 2 hoses that go to it.
replace these hose even if the rack is getting replaced, as well as the reservoir
you will also 4 sealing washers for the banjo bolts

[Yellowb1rd]

Thanks, mmerlin! So, i did just that, and the boot in question (the one that was covered in fluid) looks dry to me. I've included pics. So, I suppose I should start looking into this hose? Also, upon further investigation, I do see fluid on those hoses. Not exactly the easiest hose to get to, though. Is it better to try removing it from above or below? Thanks again for all the help!!!

Porsche 928 Genuine Porsche Power Steering Line Pressure Pump to Rack | eBay

[Mrmerlin]

if the boots had oil in them it would flow out your looks dry a good thing

To service the hoses first order the correct parts,
then disconnect the battery ,
drop the alternator dont let it hang from the wires,
then you will have access to the rear of the PS pump,
Note this could also be the hi pressure line leaking so you should figure out exactly where the leak is coming from

[Yellowb1rd]

I agree about the high pressure line. It must be because there is fluid all over underneath. Like someone took a spray gun and just coated some of the parts in fluid. Also, I noticed last time I drove it that the leak seems to be much more pronounced when turning the wheels (while driving the car) I also notice that when I turn the wheel hard (like when doing a U-turn) there is a puff of smoke and a smell of burning fluid, as if fluid got sprayed onto the motor, exhaust, or some other hot spot. That hints at a high pressure leak.

[Yellowb1rd]

Wow, looking at Pelican, and these hoses are ridiculously expensive. Yikes....

Porsche 928 Steering System - Page 2

928-347-447-05-M100
928-347-449-07-OEM
928-347-445-06-M21

Should these all be replaced, or just replace what is needed?

[Mrmerlin]

M100 is the hi pressure line this could be leaking, replace the whole line

OEM is the the return line usually you can cut off the swage and replace the short hose to the reservoir. this is usually leaking

M21 is the curved line from reservoir to the pump, this usually is leaking

[Yellowb1rd]

Thanks for the info, mmerlin. You've definitely pointed me in the right direction. I was ready to replace the rack, and I'm glad it turned out not to be that.

[Mrmerlin]

your welcome good luck with your install