Subaru P/S Leak...what to do?

[Solo2driver]

Okay, aside from the other leaky bits, I seem to have developed a very small PS leak on the "new" Subaru. It looks like someone has put clear Power Steering fluid in it, whereas it calls for Dexron II/III ATF.

Does anyone think that the clear PS fluid may be causing/contributing to the leak, and following that line of reasoning, think that draining/refilling with the recommended ATF may help with the problem?

I could use ARX, but last time I did that it cleaned so well it blew the pump seal on the Saab it was probably going to go anyway and it was after a long road trip (much like this Subaru), but I'd rather not have any other variables to consider.

I know there are plenty of PS fluids with Stop-Leak abilities, but should I choose an ATF marketed also as Stop-Leak to help this as well?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[nicrfe1370]

Solo,

I would definitely get out as much of the clear fluid as you can. The next step would be to put in the correct fluid, and like you said one with stop-leak built in would be easy. If that fixes it, then great, you're done. If not, then you could try one of the stop-leak supplements. One last thing; if the leak appears to be at the junction with the fluid reservoir and the hoses, check the connections real carefully. I had an older Subaru (1991) with a leak up there, ended up just being one of the hose bolts was loose.

 

[Solo2driver]

I'll do that, I think it's coming from the steering rack though.

 

[cronk]

Many power steering fluids are clear. I just bought some Valvoline, it was clear, I have used the GM stuff in the past and it is clear as well. I doubt this is what caused your leak. You might want to try Maxlife power steering fluid, it has a seal conditioner built in.
Believe it or not, I had an old Ford F350, it leaked quite badly from a seal in the steering box. Being an old work truck, and not wanting to spend much on it, I tried some Lucas Power steering stop leak. It actually worked, it leaked barely a drop after I added it.

 

[unDummy]

Stick with ATF.

Pennzoil, Valvoline, Castrol have high mileage ATF's that might help with your leak.

 

[Thingfish]

The Maxlife Dex/Merc works well in the Subaru PS system, is synthetic so it should resist the high temp and shear in the ps system, and has stop-leak properties.
The Subaru PS does NOT like PS fluid ( personal exp. ), so it may be contributing to the leak.

FWIW, as someone who works on almost nothing but Subaru, I see leaky pumps all the time. In fact,I have an '04 STi here right now that needs a pump.

 

[Solo2driver]

^^^ maybe I am just spoiled...my '98 Impreza had 205K miles on it when I sold it, never leaked a drop of PS fluid. Same with the Legacy, which is also approaching 200K.

I'll drain and fill, thanks guys!

 

[INDYMAC]

Do an Auto-Rx treatment before you drain and fill. You will be a happy camper!

 

[HTSS_TR]

Originally Posted By: cronk
...
Believe it or not, I had an old Ford F350, it leaked quite badly from a seal in the steering box. Being an old work truck, and not wanting to spend much on it, I tried some Lucas Power steering stop leak. It actually worked, it leaked barely a drop after I added it.


My '94 Lexus LS400 with over 200k miles has a small leak, I have to add 1-2 oz every 100 miles. I tried several stop leak but nothing works, I'll Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak to see if it'll stop the leak.

 

[mechtech2]

Who says the clear stuff that was added was PS fluid?
Maybe it's brake fluid for all I know.
ATF is pretty cheap - start with a flush or turkey baster flush.

But where is the secret leak? A mechanical fix may be necessary to really stop a leak.

 

[Eddie]

You said "NEW" so why not the dealer fix?

 

[Solo2driver]

"new to me"....1997 Impreza....bottom of the signature line