I seem to be losing fluid from the power steering unit in my Vauxhall Vectra (2ltr GLS 16v W Reg).
Is there a known history of this problem occuring and if so what was the fix. If not are there known "weak points" within most power steering units where the majority of problems of this kind seem to occur,
John
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You don't say how you know this. Are you having to top up the reservoir frequently? Are there any obvious traces of fluid around the reservoir, the pump or the hoses? I don't know the exact layout of the Vectra steering rack, but on some power steering systems it is possible for an internal leak in the rack to occur with no obvious exterior leaks showing for a while. This is because the leaking fluid ends up in the rubber gaiters at each end of the rack and only starts to show as a leak when the gaiters cry enough and split. This sort of leak can be started by hard impact with a kerb or similar.
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Sorry, forgot to say that you need to squash the gaiters about a bit to "feel" or hear if they have a quantity of fluid in them, there should only be a trace of grease in them so any fluid build up should be easily detectable. If in doubt, it might be possible to ease the gaiter off its seat at one end or the other and see if any fluid runs out. If it does then it is pretty certain to be fluid and not rack lubricant.
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