oil leak, drips off back of p/s pump

[floydturbo]

I have an engine oil leak that appears to drip off the back of the power steering pump. It is not leaking from the oil filter and it is not power steering fluid. What is above the power steering pump that could leak engine oil??

Thanks

 

[MikeB]

You could try cleaning up the pump and area above it well with brake cleaner to get a better idea where the leak is appearing on the pump.

My bet is that your low pressure power steering hose is leaking. It only costs a few bucks to replace the hose and the O-ring on the metal fitting at the pump end. Carquest brand bulk 5/8" power steering hose fits well. Other brands may be too small in diameter. You can match the O-ring well enough any place that has a selection of small O-rings. Use only Dexron ATF (as specified by Toyota) to refill.

 

[slick621]

Might also be the distributor O-ring. Do you have a lot of black crud (mix of dirt, oil, and grease) just below the distributor (i.e. on the engine)?

 

[cruiserdan]

If the back of the pump is wet and there is no evidence of origin higher up, power steering fluid is leaking out the back of the pump and the pump needs to be torn down and resealed or replaced.

 

[M-80]

If the back of the pump is wet and there is no evidence of origin higher up, power steering fluid is leaking out the back of the pump and the pump needs to be torn down and resealed or replaced.

Man, I love it when Dan troubleshoots a problem for us!!!

 

[floydturbo]

I am certain it is engine oil, not atf

I readily admit it appears to be leaking from the power steering pump, but the oil is dark and not smelly or red like ATF. I will check to see if there is any leakage from the distributor and then pressure wash the engine to see if Dan the Man is indeed correct that it is the power steering pump and I was fooled into thinking it was actually engine oil. I really appreciate your help and will let you know the final solution.
Cheers!!

 

[roncruiser]

Yeah, keep us informed. I'm trying to diagnose fluid coming from the same general area. Thanks!

Dan, approximately how much is a new power steering pump?

 

[TOY350]

Took me awhile but I tracked down my leak from the same general area: Distributor O-ring. I had to clean the areas with rags multiple times until I got it clean enough to really track down where it was coming from. Get it all clean and just keep checking, you will find it.