Power steering fluid leak, 2005 Marquis
 

Greetings from Jefferson, Georgia,

My 2005 Marquis suddenly started losing power steering fluid. We filled the reservoir, drove it for 40 uneventful miles and again suddenly lost most of the fluid. While parked in the driveway, we filled it up yet again, started the car and I watched the fluid leak ti under the car but don't know from where. This is probably too general of a question, but what are the common parts (hoses
maybe??) that power steering fluid runs through that could be leaking.

Thanks a million.

Debbie

If the fluid leaks when the engine is off, could be the pitman arm seal (inside steering box) or a bad return hose or a bad front seal behind the drive pully. If it leaks only when running, could be the high pressure hose between the pump and gear box.

After driving it, place a peice of cardboard under the steering box area and see where the leak appears to be coming from. Remember, when the engine is running, air turbulents from the fan may spray fluid all over the area as it leaks.

If the leak is fairly slow (reservoir empties in a day or so with driving), try putting in Lucas Stop-Leak fluid. Best results occur when the fluid is completely replaced by the stop-leak fluid. Even then, it may take a few days to work on the seals but eventually will slow the leak to a crawl. If either hose is leaking, you can replace them without any special tools but other leaks may need special tools and a lift to repair/replace the pump or gear box. Try the Lucas first - if it slows the leak way down, that may be the cheapest/easiest way out.