Power steering leak

[MusicCityBuick]

I have a ridiculously bad power steering fluid leak under my 1955 special. It looks like it’s close to where the transmission mounts to the engine. What could be leaking back there?

[rocketraider]

That sounds more like a transmission front seal. PS and Dynaflow both use transmission fluid.

 

Are you losing power steering fluid?

[MusicCityBuick]

Yes, the pump whines pretty loudly when I turn the wheel. It wasn’t doing that when I got it. The fluid appears reddish. I did read that red fluid is not correct for these pumps. 

[60FlatTop]

The location you mention would be in the steering box area if it is on the left side. Get up in there and clean the steering box and lines. If you are lucky it might just be a hose. If it is a steering shaft seal consider a rebuild box instead of replacing just the seal. The shaft usually has enough wear to make a seal replacement ineffective.

[avgwarhawk]

Possible pin size hole in PS hose shooting fluid at the area you see the fluid.  

[MusicCityBuick]

Thanks for the inputs folks

[MusicCityBuick]

I opened the PS reservoir, and it’s nearly empty. 

[avgwarhawk]

1 hour ago, MusicCityBuick said:

I opened the PS reservoir, and it’s nearly empty. 

Clear up the entire area round the pump, hoses and steering gear.  Refill.  Start the car and have someone turn the steering wheel lock to lock.  The leak will present itself.  If I were a guessing man I would say the leak is at the steering gear pitman arm shaft seal.  Hopefully it is something easier to repair than the pitman arm shaft seal.      

[old-tank]

6 hours ago, avgwarhawk said:

pitman arm shaft seal. 

Seals gear oil, not power steering fluid unless the two fluids have mixed in that case you would have overflow out the top vent.

[avgwarhawk]

3 hours ago, old-tank said:

Seals gear oil, not power steering fluid unless the two fluids have mixed in that case you would have overflow out the top vent.

Good to in know.  The 54 is manual. The 60 power. 

[KAD36]

My guess is on the gasket at the flange at the end of the power cylinder. Has like 4 bolts going through it at end of cylinder bore, going off memory….

[drhach]

If the leak isn't immediately apparent, you can clean the outside of the system and wrap white towels around the hoses, fittings, etc. Anywhere parts don't move obviously. Leaking fluid has a tendency to migrate, especially in windy conditions. This can give a false impression about the origin of a leak. Putting a diaper on there will help to keep the leak localized. Go for a drive and then start checking the diapers. 

[JohnD1956]

5 hours ago, drhach said:

wrap white towels around the hoses, fittings, etc.

Better fix them tightly, would not want an oily towel flying up against the exhaust manifold which is likely very tightly packed around that steering gear. 

[drhach]

Yes, having them flop around defeats the purpose.