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Power steering fluid foaming/overflowing

Bedwards

Bedwards

New member
Hey guys. I just replaced my inner and outer tie rods. However afterwards, my power steering pump was whining when I turned the wheel. I pulled the cap off the power steering pump, and it released a huge shot of pressure. Orange foamy power steering fluid overflowed from the reservoir. The level is right at the neck of the reservoir. What should I do here?
 
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How could something in the rack get messed up? It's one rod threaded on and off. And how would that affect the fluid?
 
I was only thinking out loud since I don't know much about the steering system, threw it out there if it could ring someone's bell.

I would check rubber return line for a knick/cut.
 


It could be one of many colors as several companies make approved fluid for your car in different colors. red, orange, yellow, blue, etc. Mixing them can get you some nice custom colors.

could you list all the steps you performed while changing these tie rod ends?
 


Loosened jam nut on outer tie rod. Removed nut from outer tie rod to knuckle. Removed boot from inner tie rod. Used tie rod removal tool to loosen inner tie rod. Unthreaded inner tie rod from steering rack. Put new inner tie rod on with blue loctite. Torqued to 74 ft/lb put boot back on inner tie rod. Threaded outer tie rod into inner tie with same number of revolutions as previous parts had. Tightened jam nut and knuckle nut.
 
Bedwards said:
Loosened jam nut on outer tie rod. Removed nut from outer tie rod to knuckle. Removed boot from inner tie rod. Used tie rod removal tool to loosen inner tie rod. Unthreaded inner tie rod from steering rack. Put new inner tie rod on with blue loctite. Torqued to 74 ft/lb put boot back on inner tie rod. Threaded outer tie rod into inner tie with same number of revolutions as previous parts had. Tightened jam nut and knuckle nut.
Click to expand...

I don't see where you did anything to cause this to happen. I have had this problem a few times but they were caused by after market ps pumps that I just installed to rid the car of leaks and/or noise. Getting one from GM fixes it (AC Delco are cheap after market junk too btw).

I would try flushing the ps system with new fluid. I disable fuel, remove return line from power steering fluid reservoir and plug the hole in the reservoir. Stick that return line to a bucket under the car. Have an assistant hold the ignition key at "start" while he turns the steering wheel from lock to lock. Let the starter rest a minute. Repeat. Do this until clean fluid starts to come out the hose, into the bucket. When you see the clean fluid, get the hose as the cranking stops and hold it up so it doesn't drain out. Reattach return hose and top off reservoir. While he has been cranking the engine and turning the steering wheel, you have been watching the reservoir fluid level, adding fluid to keep up with what was being pumped out into the catch bucket.
This will get out any air and old fluid. You may throw a MIL and need to clear codes.
 
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