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Hi All. I’ve been watching Eric’s videos for a number of years but I finally decided to join the forums for a little help. My brother’s 2001 Cavalier 2.4 is leaking powersteering fluid. I finally got the chance to wash the engine and inspect for leaks and what I found was a little odd. See pictures attached. It looks like the fluid is leaking from the fuel injector port/connector. It’s leaking at the rate of about 2 quarts per month so its pretty substantial. Could it be the main seal on the pump that went bad and allowed the fluid to make its way to the injector connectors?
There is also a check engine light which has been on for a while, which I am thinking might be for the fault at the connector.
Your input is greatly appreciated.
Waqas
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Can’t see the pics, try re-posting a smaller size…
If I recall the power steering fluid reservoir is up near the fuel injectors and the PS pump is on the other side of the engine (much lower).. I would suspect a leak in the reservoir or lines to/from it somewhere and it may be getting on the fuel rail lines (just a guess without pics)… There may be an inexpensive O-ring at the bottom of the Power Steering reservoir that needs replaced to stop the leaking…
As far as the Check engine light, you or your brother should have the codes pulled.. Post here if you need further assistance… It may be absolutely nothing related to the Power steering fluid leak..
-Karl
I might be doing something wrong with the pictures. I uploaded to imgur instead. Please see attached: http://imgur.com/a/oKiUR#0
My initial thoughts were for the high pressure line or the o-ring for the hp line. But after washing the engine and taking it for a test drive the powersteering pump side was dry. Everything on below the fuel rails seemed to be wet on the engine side though.
I will take a look at the codes for sure. I have an OBDII scanner coming in the mail, its something I should have bought a while ago.
Thanks for the quick reply!
OK, I see it now…
I am going to go with my first instinct and say to look at the power steering fluid reservoir… If that truly is power steering fluid that is causing that wetness, you should start at the reservoir and check the lines… The power steering pump is a ways away (relatively), and I don’t think that is the issue…
I think they use an O-ring on the bottom of those reservoirs and they get hard, flat and brittle and cause leaking… a quick google search may show this issue more…
Good luck! 🙂
-Karl
Nice work so far on isolating the leak. You may need to start removing parts however to confirm your suspicions. The leak could be on the other side of what you’re looking at and the only way to see it is to remove the suspected part. It’s really difficult to say for sure from the picture.
The information here might also be helpful to you.
http://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/finding-and-fixing-leaks
Keep us posted on what you find.
Its a pleasure speaking to you Eric. I appreciate your videos because you explain the logic behind each part and repair.
I am holding off on pulling the pump off and apart until I get the rebuild kit in. I will definitely post my findings. Thanks for the pointers.
Hi All,
Apologies for the late update but I managed to install the power steering pump seal kit and all is well now. I didn’t take many pictures during the installation, which I regret, but I can visualize most of it if someone else needs help doing their rebuild.
I used Edelmann p/n 8795 for the Cavalier 2.4. Beware to anyone else trying this, make sure you get the right kit as the 2.2 and 2.4 pumps are different (belt vs cam driven). I have attached the breakdown that came with the kit if it helps anyone. The seals I replaced are highlited, except the main shaft seal which isn’t shown. I ended up having to VERY carefully cut the old seal out with a dremel. I can elaborate if needed. If anyone else has a better way please share it.
All in all, very happy with the repair. The fluid was also finding its way into the engine oil pan because there was almost 2 quarts of extra oil when I finished the repair. So I did an oil and filter change right away.
The check engine light that I mentioned was for an evaporative system leak (small leak). I did a repair to a section the fuel lines about a year ago that might be giving off a very slight vapor by the fuel filter. Or the charcoal filter might be giving way. In either case, I think I can live with this unless if it gets worse.
I’m happy, my brother’s happy, I think its a job well done. Thank you all for your input.
Thanks,
WaqasThose small leak codes on Cavaliers of this vintage I’ve seen caused by a crack around the fill location. I’ve also seen the wiring harness going to them (by the rear passenger wheel) break/fray and throw codes.
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