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Power steering leak from return line

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Old Apr 6, 2012 | 05:46 PM
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Year: 1996
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Default Power steering leak from return line

When I got this Jeep it was literally SPRAYING fluid from the power steering pressure line swivel that connects to the pump. Replaced the whole line and problem fixed. The other day I noticed the pump beginning to whine so I filled the reservoir and started looking for leaks. Apparently there is a mystery notch cut into my return line where it is slowly leaking from. Does the return line hold too much pressure to simply fix it with some tape or something of the like? Or is this line going to need replacing too?

This Jeep is my first experience with automotive maintenance so I'm still learning; take it easy on me.
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Old Apr 6, 2012 | 05:49 PM
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Well, if it is leaking, it is eventually going to need to be replaced. My advice would be to bite the bullet early and tackle the job of replacing it. Anything else that you can do to it would just mask the problem. But whatever you do, do NOT use a Lucas stop leak product.
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Old Apr 6, 2012 | 05:51 PM
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Unfortunately, You're going to have to change it out. there isn't a lot of pressure on the return line but tape will not stick since there is oil and won't let it stay on.
BTW, I 100% agree with 1996sportXJ. DO NOT any kind of stop leak products. They will just cause you more problems down the line.

Last edited by RTorrez1; Apr 6, 2012 at 05:54 PM.
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Old Apr 6, 2012 | 06:00 PM
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Yeah I don't trust any of those additives. It's coming out 1 drip every 10-12 seconds. Just a little slice in the hose itself about 6 inches before the connection back into the pump reservoir; no idea how it got there. Mostly looking for a temp fix as I know none of the parts stores here in town will have this line in stock and I'll be waiting a few days for it to come in probably.
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Old Apr 6, 2012 | 06:14 PM
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Any type of quick fix that will hold until Wed the 11th? That's the earliest I can get one... or I guess just checking the fluid every day and filling when needed will suffice.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...96_12206_35305
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Old Apr 6, 2012 | 06:15 PM
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Well in that case, I'd get to ordering it right this instant and driving as little as possible until you can get it fixed. I mean, you could always just drive around and keep refilling if you don't mind topping off the fluid from time to time and leaking all over your engine compartment. But yeah, like Robert said, tape probably won't do justice. You can always try it as a bandage until you get a new line in
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Old Apr 6, 2012 | 06:24 PM
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Originally Posted by 1996sportXJ
Well in that case, I'd get to ordering it right this instant and driving as little as possible until you can get it fixed. I mean, you could always just drive around and keep refilling if you don't mind topping off the fluid from time to time and leaking all over your engine compartment. But yeah, like Robert said, tape probably won't do justice. You can always try it as a bandage until you get a new line in
Just ordered one. Thanks for making me wait longer for my part, Zombie Jesus!
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Old Apr 6, 2012 | 07:17 PM
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Do you know how long it will be before you get the hose? If it's going to take awhile, I guess you can cut out at the leak and stick a barb fitting with a couple clamp since it is the low pressure return line. I just wouldn't recommend leaving it in for to long. And just keep checking the fluid level.
Keep us updated.
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Old Apr 6, 2012 | 07:22 PM
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Originally Posted by RTorrez1
Do you know how long it will be before you get the hose? If it's going to take awhile, I guess you can cut out at the leak and stick a barb fitting with a couple clamp since it is the low pressure return line. I just wouldn't recommend leaving it in for to long. And just keep checking the fluid level.
Keep us updated.
Wednesday. Something about them having days off for some zombie holiday slows up delivery on the part. That's a good idea and would be cheap enough to be viable as it will only be for a few days. Looks like a trip to the hardware store is in order tomorrow. Thanks for the input!
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Old Apr 6, 2012 | 07:48 PM
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Not a problem.
I'm glad that I could help.
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Old Mar 30, 2013 | 07:38 AM
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Can anyone Help? the power steering black rubber tube with two silver looking joins has a leak at the lower one. fluid making a mess on mtr right over side of motor & back wall. Will the Hose have to be Replaced & 2 Seals put on the ends then rejoined..Topped up the Fluid & Now its almost empty. The mess on the Motor & Rear wall ends dripping onto the Exhaust Pipe! & when I stop! smoke coming out from under the Hood...
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Old Mar 30, 2013 | 07:40 AM
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Originally Posted by pisces3737
Can anyone Help? the power steering black rubber tube with two silver looking joins has a leak at the lower one. fluid making a mess on mtr right over side of motor & back wall. Will the Hose have to be Replaced & 2 Seals put on the ends then rejoined..Topped up the Fluid & Now its almost empty. The mess on the Motor & Rear wall ends dripping onto the Exhaust Pipe! & when I stop! smoke coming out from under the Hood...
I can be contacted at tiger5037@bigpond.com ( Australia) .

Last edited by pisces3737; Mar 30, 2013 at 07:41 AM. Reason: made a mistake
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Old Mar 30, 2013 | 08:24 AM
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Originally Posted by RTorrez1
cut at the leak and stick a barb fitting with a couple clamp- keep checking the fluid level.
I thought the same thing.Since it's low pressure I'd guess this COULD be a longterm fix.
The hose is only $12 & change,so it's cheap insurance.

But,I would keep the old hose as a backup.You never know the quality of cheap parts.

I'd also check with NAPA.They offer better parts & are only a little more $ than AZ or AA.
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Old Oct 20, 2020 | 09:06 AM
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Is that rubber line 11/32" ID?

I was thinking about replacing mine (replaced the pressure side a couple of years ago) and it should be easy to unclamp that rubber line and replace it with new rubber line.
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