Power Steering Questions

lawdog1

New member
The power steering pump on my 1999 Continental (135,000 miles) is making noise and leaking fluid. It is tight to see anything, but it does not appear to be leaking from any of the hoses. The shop manual requests that the AC compressor be removed from the bottom to get the power steering pump out. Does anyone know if I can get the power steering pump out by taking out the radiator first? I have to remove the radiator anyway to repair one of the fan motors. Thanks.
 

budpytko

Super Senior Associate
Before I would try that, I would suck all of the old fluid out of the tank and replace with new.... (use wife's turkey baster) ...think it calls for Mercon V. (If my 76 year old memory hasn't failed).This quieted my '97 MK VIII to almost silent!
 

lawdog1

New member
What about the leak (tea cup saucer size occasionally)? Should I put a bottle of monkey piss in there to stop the leak when I change the fluid? Thanks.
 

budpytko

Super Senior Associate
If the leak is bad enough to tear into, yes. But as I have never worked on your model I can not help you there.... obviously, you will HAVE to find out where the fluid is leaking from at some time! Hopefully you live in a warmer state than me!!!
 

lawdog1

New member
Following up....I replaced the power steering pump and YES, you can remove the power steering pump by removing the radiator and unbolting the A/C compressor. No need to open the A/C system. I did have to replace the high pressure line (2 piece - I only needed the steel line that attached to the other 1/2 of the line in the RF wheel well - need to remove the plastic fender skirt) on the power steering pump because it refused to reseal to the new pump at the fitting. Replace the drive belt while you are there.
 
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