power steering pump and oil leak at the back of the engine

[worldspeaker]

Hi Everyone,

I have a 98 I 30 with 192,000 and up to this point really have not had to do anything with it. Now things are starting to go. I need to replace the power steering pump and wanted to ask if there is something in the vacinity of the pump that would leak oil? I cannot tell where it is coming from but I wanted to know if anyone knew of any oil leaking issues with the I 30. It runs great but is needing tlc. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Dave

PS just in case the oil leak is just the back valve cover gasket, are there any suggestions on replacing this. Is it easy or do you have to take the entire intake manifold off?

ThanksDave
Modified by worldspeaker at 7:51 PM 1/21/2008

[jltibbs]

from what i have heard, the VQ's are notorious for rear main seal leaks (that would explain the oil leak in the rear of the motor). and the rack and pinion is a more likely cause of PS fluid leaking.

here is what i did to fix these issues on my 95 max:

rear main -change your oil and substitute one quart of oil with lucas oil stabilizer. repeat this on at least your next three oil changes and see if the problem persists.

power steering fluid leak -ad some lucas power steering stop leak. i did this once topping off the power steering fluid and never had another issue.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

You can replace the front valve cover easily on my 95 maximaaccording to Haynes.

You have to take off the plenum to get to the rear valve cover

I am running Lucas auto trans conditioner now and it seems to shift a little smoother. It wont stop my leak on your cv joint transaxle though.

I am planning on replacing the valve cover seals and the powersteering hose. The low pressure PS hose appears to be leaking and not the PS pump