Ford Focus (1998 - 2004) - 99 1.8 Power steering fluid leaking?

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
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Fri 24 Jul 2009 22:58
99 1.8 Power steering fluid leaking? - jp147
I have a 1999 Ford Focus 1.8 (petrol) which has covered 81k miles since new.

Because of the age of the car I occasionally take the car into a reputable garage so that they can raise it up and look underneath for any signs of leaks. Anyway this week I took it in and they had a look underneath and said there was some wetness from the power steering rack but that I should just keep an eye on the level in the fluid reservoir and that it didn't need repairing immediately. I think he was saying that to repair it would require a new steering rack.

A few years ago the power steering fluid cooler had to be replaced because it had suffered a crack probably due to driving over a road which had loose chippings/stones.

What would you do ?
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Sat 25 Jul 2009 10:01
99 1.8 Power steering fluid leaking? - L'escargot
What would you do ?


Just keep an eye on the fluid level until there is a significant drop. I don't suppose any deterioration will be rapid.
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Sat 25 Jul 2009 12:55
99 1.8 Power steering fluid leaking? - datostar
The whole power steering mechanism and rack gaiters etc. are an MOT test area. A strict tester may not be happy about any leak. It's a critical part of the vehicle and leaks only go one way - i.e. they don't cure themselves. By all means keep checking and topping up if necessary but possibly seek advice when it gets close to MOT time.
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Sat 25 Jul 2009 19:23
99 1.8 Power steering fluid leaking? - defender
you can get a steering fluid addative to help seal small leaks .
it works by softening the seals which go hard with age and softening them gives a bit more life out of them .it works on fine on leaks like what you are describing
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