Power Steering Pump refusing to pump

[DarkGreenQ45]

On my 1997 Q45 with the 4.1L the power steering pump seems to be on the fritz. Instead of pumping fluid as normal, the fluid is slowly leaking out the top and the steering wheel is becoming harder and harder to turn. I have replaced the missing fluid a few times but it doesnt seem to help at all. When I first got the car about 8 months ago I put in some Lucas power steering additive, but it didnt start acting up until about 3 weeks ago. Is there a solution or should I just ante up and replace the entire pump???? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Gwiazda_Y33]

ok i had the exact same problem 2 weeks ago on my 98. when i shut the engine off it would build up pressure and leak out of the top of the reservoir. i took the car to my auto tech class at school and fixed it within an hour or two. an air bubble built up in my lines. all you have to do is bleed the steering system. hope this helps.

[maxnix]

With Lucas gunk clogging the system, it would best to mechanically exchange the fluid

[dbutler249]

ok i had the exact same problem 2 weeks ago on my 98. when i shut the engine off it would build up pressure and leak out of the top of the reservoir. i took the car to my auto tech class at school and fixed it within an hour or two. an air bubble built up in my lines. all you have to do is bleed the steering system. hope this helps.

I have the exact same problem w/ my 92 Q45... Do you (or does anyone) have a "how to" for this kind of job. I'd rather do it myself than pay $90 for someone else to do it for me

[maxnix]

I'd rather do it myself than pay $90 for someone else to do it for me

It really depends on the condition of your fluid. If it is bad, a simultaneous mechanical extraction and refill is better, or if really bad (shades of brown), a complete mechanical exchange.