So I have a slow power steering leak, which a couple shops have indicated is one of the hoses, but we haven't put any real time into diagnosing which yet since it is so minor at this point. But it is on my list.

Anyway, here's an interesting observation though: When I had the front of the car up on ramps for a few days, a significant amount of the PS fluid leaked out of the system. The reservoir was nearly empty.

In the past the leak has been so slow I've only had to add a little bit over months of driving.

I wonder if this behavior illuminates the real area of leakage somehow?

Curious....

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I'm not sure why it would leak more on a ramp, but when I fixed mine earlier this year it was the high pressure hose fitting that had corroded and was leaking down near the bottom of the radiator. Mine ps leaked for a long time several years before I fixed it. I just kept filling it

 

Yeah, I plan to take a closer look, which then I'm sure will become clear.

....just thought it was odd.

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If that much leaked out on the ramp, then the puddle, (or stream if there is an incline on the ground) should lead you right to the location of the leak. My leaking steering rack was worse on a incline with the nose of the car pointed upwards because there was also a crack at the rear of the drivers side rubber accordian boot. The location of the stream of fluid on the ground alerted me to just where the system was failing.

 

It *might* be that being up on ramps had nothing to do with it. Rather, it was several days of non-use that caused the problem.

My old Ser III would leak out of the tower seal on the rack and pinion if the car sat for several days. If the car was driven regularly, no leak at all.

I presume the old seal was a bit weak and couldn't hold up against the fluid behind it. Sorta like how some transmissions leak after sitting a few days and the fluid drains down into the pan.

Cheers
DD