02 Ford Windstar PS Leak

Tiny
MBERNAL131
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 FORD WINDSTAR
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
I have a leak on my 2002 Ford Windstar's Power Steering Pump. I have identified the leak is a slow yet steady stream that is coming from the Power Steering Fitting Nut (it's the nut shape object connected to the pump itself that has the metal return line connected directly to it). The Fitting Nut is a pretty rare part that requires me to hit-up a junk yard or somewhere online. However I do not want to replace it just to see there is some sort of seal/gasket right behind the Fitting nut that could have broken and could be causing my leak. Do you know if there is a seal/gasket right behind that fitting nut that could be causing my leak? Or is it something else? NOTE: As long as I keep the pump topped off, it runs just fine, no squeals and no noise. Only once the levels drop does it start to get cranky.
Saturday, November 27th, 2010 AT 3:51 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Do you mean this pipe?
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Saturday, November 27th, 2010 AT 6:04 PM
Tiny
MBERNAL131
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Yessir. That would be exactly the pipe. I cleaned up all around the pump, and the slow but steady leak is coming from the very underside of that pipe. I have moved the pipe around and it does seem a bit loose fitting. I have attempted to tighten the nut, but it is as tight as can be. I also now see a bit of thread? Coming from the other side of the nut.

Thank you so much for looking into this!
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Saturday, November 27th, 2010 AT 6:56 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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There is a teflon seal on the hose fitting that has to be replaced once the hose has been disconnected or the seal has worn off. Special tools are required to replce the seal.
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Sunday, November 28th, 2010 AT 2:15 AM
Tiny
MBERNAL131
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Thank you so much for your help. You've been so incredibly awesome. Do you think a seal kit like this would contain the teflon seal I need or no?

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Duralast-Power-Steering-Pump-Seal-Kit/2002-Ford-Windstar/_/N-jhdoxZ8oyus?counter=0&itemIdentifier=21565_0_0_

If not do you know of a place that sells the seal? (direct link to the part would rock!!!)
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Sunday, November 28th, 2010 AT 2:45 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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No, I don't believe the seal is included in the kit mentioned.

This should be a separate part and the best place to get it would be the dealer. They should be able to sell you the part individually making the cost lower compared to if you were to get a complete kit.

If you have not tried your local parts store, give them a call. They might have a surprise for you.

Sorry I am not able to provide you any links for the parts.
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Sunday, November 28th, 2010 AT 2:53 AM
Tiny
MBERNAL131
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It's no problem. You've been absolutely wonderful. Thank you so much.

As a side question, do you believe that if that teflon seal has gone, that would be the cause of my slow/steady leak? Since it is indeed coming from the underside of the hose fitting.
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Sunday, November 28th, 2010 AT 2:56 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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You're welcome.

Yes, I believe so because teflon seals can get damaged due to external forces onto the hose. Tightening the nut does not work as there is a limit to it. As a temporary measure, you can try removing the hose and use teflon packing tapes onto the old seal and retighten. It might work.

Note: Check the hose for abnormalities such as cracks or wear.
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Sunday, November 28th, 2010 AT 3:03 AM

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