Power steering - excess fluid pressure?

p2roverman · 15th September 2018, 23:06

Despite an apparently good O ring seal, power steering fluid is leaking from the cap of the tank. Surely this isn't a common problem, my other 75 doesn't do it. Possible solution please?.
Or might there be too much pressure generated by the pump, if so is there a pressure release valve which might have stucK?
There are no other leaks, but wife is getting fed up with the oil patches and I'm getting fed up of continually topping up the tank.

SD1too · 16th September 2018, 08:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by p2roverman

Possible solution please?

Check that the reservoir isn’t overfilled.
Air in the system.

Simon

p2roverman · 16th September 2018, 19:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by SD1too

Check that the reservoir isn’t overfilled.
Air in the system.

Simon

Even if over-filled it the level soon drops exposing the white inner part of the reservoir. And I'm sure any air is pushed out long before the level drops.

Is there no automatic pressure relief valve in the sysyem which might have stuck?

RoverP480 · 16th September 2018, 21:28

There is only a fixed amount of fluid in the system, and the reservoir is on the low pressure side of the system. I am wondering if air is being drawn in making the fluid aerate and overflow the reservoir, have you looked to see what is happening under the bonnet with the engine running ?

p2roverman · 16th September 2018, 22:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoverP480

There is only a fixed amount of fluid in the system, and the reservoir is on the low pressure side of the system. I am wondering if air is being drawn in making the fluid aerate and overflow the reservoir, have you looked to see what is happening under the bonnet with the engine running ?

Thanks for this hint. Nothing obvious with the engine running, but I'll now check this with the cap off.

The fluid ends up along the righthand end of the engine and even pools around the two bolt heads holding down the plastic protective cover over the auxillary belt of the KV6 engine. Then collects in the undertray and drips out overnight, usually worse after a decent run.

vitesse · 17th September 2018, 07:53

Local member recently bought a V6 with the power steering reservoir cap plumbed into a plastic coke bottle. Owner said it always overflowed. Fitted s/h pump from a donor V6 and problem vanished, only difference was the leaky one had a sensor which I transferred to the donor pump. All well now.

Regards

grivas · 17th September 2018, 13:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoverP480

There is only a fixed amount of fluid in the system, and the reservoir is on the low pressure side of the system. I am wondering if air is being drawn in making the fluid aerate and overflow the reservoir, have you looked to see what is happening under the bonnet with the engine running ?

what colour/opacity is the fluid please?

rockerbox · 17th September 2018, 21:12

Hmmm, my car's power steering resevoir always accumulates a fluid covering, nothing as serious as this sounds, I just wipe it clean every few weeks.

p2roverman · 18th September 2018, 22:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by vitesse

Local member recently bought a V6 with the power steering reservoir cap plumbed into a plastic coke bottle. Owner said it always overflowed. Fitted s/h pump from a donor V6 and problem vanished, only difference was the leaky one had a sensor which I transferred to the donor pump. All well now.

Regards

I had a serious leak before, but this was from the pump. Fitted a replacement from a donor, pump ok but now this leak from the cap. Yet nothing obvious when looking with the engine running

Futher checks needed but I think I'll also make up and fit a new cap seal.

15th September 2018, 23:06	#1
p2roverman Gets stuck in Rover 75 Connie Tourer & Connie SE Saloon & Club SE Tourer Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Leeds Posts: 975 Thanks: 199 Thanked 71 Times in 59 Posts	Power steering - excess fluid pressure? Despite an apparently good O ring seal, power steering fluid is leaking from the cap of the tank. Surely this isn't a common problem, my other 75 doesn't do it. Possible solution please?. Or might there be too much pressure generated by the pump, if so is there a pressure release valve which might have stucK? There are no other leaks, but wife is getting fed up with the oil patches and I'm getting fed up of continually topping up the tank.

16th September 2018, 21:28	#4
RoverP480 Gets stuck in None at the moment Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Hereford Posts: 501 Thanks: 1 Thanked 165 Times in 146 Posts	There is only a fixed amount of fluid in the system, and the reservoir is on the low pressure side of the system. I am wondering if air is being drawn in making the fluid aerate and overflow the reservoir, have you looked to see what is happening under the bonnet with the engine running ?

17th September 2018, 07:53	#6
vitesse I really should get out more....... Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Gävle Posts: 2,532 Thanks: 395 Thanked 823 Times in 652 Posts	Local member recently bought a V6 with the power steering reservoir cap plumbed into a plastic coke bottle. Owner said it always overflowed. Fitted s/h pump from a donor V6 and problem vanished, only difference was the leaky one had a sensor which I transferred to the donor pump. All well now. Regards

17th September 2018, 21:12	#8
rockerbox Avid contributor MG ZT/T Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Thurrock Posts: 244 Thanks: 37 Thanked 39 Times in 34 Posts	Hmmm, my car's power steering resevoir always accumulates a fluid covering, nothing as serious as this sounds, I just wipe it clean every few weeks.