1998 Kia Sportage Power Steering Fluid Leak

DCAPRIO

MEMBER
1998 KIA SPORTAGE
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
58,000 MILES

Does PS fluid flow through the inside of the idler arm? The idler arm on my power steering in a 1998 Kia Sportage is full of power steering fluid and the fluid collects and drips down off the bottom of it. It has been this way for about a year and just recently my power steering resevoir finally emptied out. I inspected the hoses and they seem fine. From what I can see, the fluid is only around the idler arm. Does PS fluid flow through the inside of the idler arm? Is it possible that the idler arm is the cause of the leak?

Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010 AT 12:21 PM

3 Replies

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Hi
See diagram sure it is not the Pitman arm? if yes then steering gear box seals leaking. There is no fluid in idler arm

Let me know
Thanks for donate

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Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010 AT 12:35 PM

DCAPRIO

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Yes, it is on the driver's side of the car and looking at the diagram you sent I can see that it is probably the gearbox leaking onto the pitman arm. I am guessing that I will need to get a gearbox seal repair kit (if one exists for my car)? Thanks for the insight! You have helped me pinpoint what is probably wrong.

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Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010 AT 2:12 PM

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

Seal kit avail. from KIA # OKO12 32 19X $123.90maybe able to get after market.
If you decide to do it yourself will need piman puller no othre special tools. If you go for it I'll talk you through it is a job you don't rush.
see diagram for seal location