I've noticed some small leaks on the concrete under the front drivers side.A light oil, almost sure it is not motor oil. Looking under the hood, the actual steering linkage that comes out of the firewall is coated in grime...as in dirt that has mixed with a fluid. Underneath the car there's some of the same. The resevoir right there above the steering linkage is full...although the fluid looks pretty dark. This is the steering fluid, correct? Or is that the brake fluid reservoir? I cannot visually see any leaks, but the steering wheel does whine a bit when the car is at a stop and you turn the wheel back and forth. Not sure if this is normal or not. Help appreciated.

Ok I guess this reservoir is brake fluid (from what I gather). Sorry for my ignorance. How do I check the power steering fluid level??

 

On the drive side, towards the front of your car, there is a white(yellowish) resivor probally a little bit bigger than a Coke can. That is your power steering resivor. If your makin noise your low in fluid.

I can almost tell you from your description that your Hydraboost system is leaking (its the break booster, where the car uses your power steering to help assist your breaks). I had to replace mine once it started leaking, your seal went bad and it will just get worse. Be carefull, when you run out of fluid your going to have a HARD time stopping your car and turning your wheel. I was on the highway when it happend to me. There wasnt alot of traffic thank GOD.

Your looking at around $1400 to replace the Hydraboost unit. Its the worst waste of money I have ever spent on my car, although its something you have no choice on doing. Ford is the only person who sells it, and they sell it in 3 sepperate "kits", that are about $300, $400, and $200 each (plus labor) so you wont be able to just buy the needed o-ring.

Good Luck.

 

Oh nice. Is there any way I can visually inspect this hydraboost system to determine if that's the source of the leak? I don't have lift so I'm limited on what I can see from underneath.

 

its that goofy looking unit right by the firewall on the driver side. just run your hand all around it and feel for power steering fluid. if your hand gets ANY power steering fluid on your hand, your SOL.

 

Ah..the power steering pump and such is more towards the front of the vehicle (right??)and this damn hydroboost is right there at the firewall with the brake fluid reservoir? Yeah that is where the wetness is. Front area is all dry. I'll check the fluidlevel and the parts aroundt he firewall. They actually look very dry as I recall, but I'll run my hand on the underside. thanks

 

yes the actual PUMP is down beside the crank (drive side lower motor pulley, if that makes sence), Its prety much the pully directly under the power steering resivor. Yes, the hydroboost is right with the brake fluid resivoir. If thats where the wetness is, im 100% sure what ur problem is. if your getting noise, a) you might not be getting enough pressure due to the leak, and b) your fluid is probally low. Pretty much any level below the "low" line will cause noise.

 

thanks for the help. on the three "kits"..i called my ford dealer and they said the hydroboost part was $412. he said this mounts the the firewall and the master cylinder mounts to it also. same part on fordparts.com is $303. what's with the $1400??

 

the master cylender is sepp than the hydraboost right? I changed them both, and that +labor was around $1400. i didnt do it myself and this was before I knew really anything about cars

 

Yes, master cylinder is a separate part ($150). anyways, yeah my fluid is real low and that booster is wet underneath. that is where it is leaking. As far as functioning...I do not notice anything unusual with braking or steering the car at all (other than the small steering whine). How do I know if the booster is bad? Could it not be good, but just leaking..a bad seal or something? Is there anyway I can stop the leak without having to purchase a whole new booster? Anyone?

 

if its leaking, its bad

I trid to fix the leak myself wiht epoxy, but it didnt work.

You wont notice anything untill it drains completely, then your power steering will not work, and you will deff notice it. Power steering really either works, or it dosnt. you wont feel a gradual "change" really