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1997 Oldsmobile Aurora- "play" in steering/ power steering leak
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JAK25
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Aug 30, 2009, 11:05 AM
Post #1 of 12
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1997 Oldsmobile Aurora- "play" in steering/ power steering leak
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1997 Olds Aurora 4.0 Northstar V-8
1. I developed a pinhole leak in the high pressure power steering line. It's right in the bend where it connects to the rack and pinion on the passenger side. It looks like the line runs lengthwise along the R&P assembly towards the driver side. The problem is that it runs through a sleeve and I can see 3 similar looking tubes on the other end (driver side) that could possibly be it. I can't find an online schematic, and it is in such a difficult spot (of course) that I don't have the tools, visibility, or know-how to remove it. Any suggestions on the best way to tackle this? Or do I have to replace the entire R&P assembly?
2. Before developing the leak, I had alot of play in the steering. I had the front end aligned but that did not solve it. Driving in a straight line, you can turn the wheel 20-30 degrees before the vehicle will respond. Any ideas what this might be?
Thanks in advance!
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 30, 2009, 11:22 AM
Post #2 of 12
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Re: 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora- "play" in steering/ power steering leak
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These are things that can only be found by inspection. If you have a rubber hose leaking, then it's likely the pressure hose. all you can do is remove the end you know about and see where it takes you. as far as the play, have someone move the wheel just the amount of play while you watch for the part that is moving without getting a reaction from it's counterpart.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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JAK25
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Aug 30, 2009, 11:49 AM
Post #3 of 12
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Re: 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora- "play" in steering/ power steering leak
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Thanks Hammer. That's what I was afraid of. The line that has the leak is aluminum tubing and it's one piece, but I can't tell how it runs or to remove it. I could only feel where the hole was, I could not see it. For the record, JB Weld won't work...lol.
I also tried watching for the play as you suggested but couldn't see anything. Of course I really don't know what to look for specifically. The shade-tree mechanic who helped me watch suggested that it might be a bearing inside the steering column??
It's dead in the water as is and I was hoping to avoid a tow bill.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 30, 2009, 11:52 AM
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Re: 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora- "play" in steering/ power steering leak
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If you actually have a metal line leaking, then something dented or chaffed through it because that doesn't happen by itself. It's usually the rubber part that leaks. You just need to take a closer look.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 30, 2009, 1:32 PM
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Re: 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora- "play" in steering/ power steering leak
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It's not aluminum tubing, it's steel tubing and it rarely corrodes (rusts). The fuel and brake lines will always go first.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 30, 2009, 1:52 PM
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Re: 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora- "play" in steering/ power steering leak
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If it's aluminum, then it's not part of the rack. They don't use aluminum on racks and very rarely on pressure lines.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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JAK25
New User
Aug 31, 2009, 9:43 AM
Post #11 of 12
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Re: 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora- "play" in steering/ power steering leak
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Sorry for the confusion, I just assumed it was aluminum but now that I think of it it is more likely steel tubing. I can only see about 6 inches of what is probably 3 feet of line. I was backing out of a parking place and heard a pretty loud pop and then instantly lost steering. I just assumed it was a weak spot in the tubing (right in the bend) that finally gave up. There is nothing in that area to rub a hole in it, and it's location is such that it is unlikely something hit it from the road. (It runs on top of the R&P assembly, above the frame and is also protected by the axle assembly, etc.
Thanks for the advice. I feel better about having to get the entire R&P assembly now, as just fixing the leak would not have solved the source of the problem or the "play". I've really enjoyed the car and the rest of it is in great shape.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Aug 31, 2009, 10:09 AM
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Re: 1997 Oldsmobile Aurora- "play" in steering/ power steering leak
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Buying a rack may not fix your leak though and don't be so convinced it's your play either. You need to confirm which line is leaking and exactly where the play is before buying anything. Metal lines don't "pop". Rubber ones do. The oil can travel a lot before hitting the ground.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Aug 31, 2009, 10:10 AM)
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