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Topic: Birdy is leaking horribly from the PS somewhere (Read 832 times) previous topic - next topic

Birdy is leaking horribly from the PS somewhere

Just got the car on Friday so I'll be tearing into it on Sunday AM...it'll get the usual "new-to-me-car" inspection of everything...brakes, change fluids, ball joints, etc.  First step is pull the wheels and pressure wash EVERYTHING that I can get at. 

I'll also thoroughly clean under the hood to attempt to find the offending PS leak.  Since this is my first bird...any tips on where to start?  Everything from the pump on down is wet.  So once I get everything clean I can start to inspect.  I can wrench...so this ain't my first rodeo.  Just wondering if these cars may have had any chronic issues to be aware of.

Thanks!
1988 T-Bird Sport Coupe--5.0 HO, MAF swap, 1-5/8" shorties, BBK/Flowmaster exhaust, Explorer intake, 70mm Edelbrock TB, T5, B&M short throw, Centerforce clutch and PP, disc brake TC rear w/ 3.55's, TC front brakes, '98 Cobra springs, DIY SFC's, other misc .  14.05 @ 98mph with launching too low and shifting too high.

Birdy is leaking horribly from the PS somewhere

Reply #1 –
there are two lines on the pump. i have had leaks on both. The car I bough had a line broken off of the power steering rack, and I had to swap it out.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

Birdy is leaking horribly from the PS somewhere

Reply #2 –
Mine leaked at the rack where the lines hooked up.I installed new seals and it was good for a while,then,it started leaking BAD from inside the rack,in the dust boots.New rack,and new pump,now,no leaks,great steering.If it's the original rack,it probably needs to be replaced anyway.over 20 years is a long time for one of those.
'88 Sport--T-5,MGW shifter,Trick Flow R intake,Ed Curtis cam,Trick Flow heads,Scorpion rockers,75mm Accufab t-body,3G,mini starter,Taurus fan,BBK long tube headers,O/R H-Pipe, Flowamaster Super 44's, deep and deeper Cobra R wheels, Mass Air and 24's,8.8 with 3.73's,140 mph speedo,Mach 1 chin spoiler,SN-95 springs,CHE control arms,aluminum drive shaft and a lot more..
 

Birdy is leaking horribly from the PS somewhere

Reply #3 –
Found the leak...its on the underside of the pressure line, where it curves up-around by the AC then down to the rack.  Just a light seep until you turn the wheel then she gushes everywhere.  Local parts house has one...will have her fixed by noon-o'clock.

Thanks guys.
1988 T-Bird Sport Coupe--5.0 HO, MAF swap, 1-5/8" shorties, BBK/Flowmaster exhaust, Explorer intake, 70mm Edelbrock TB, T5, B&M short throw, Centerforce clutch and PP, disc brake TC rear w/ 3.55's, TC front brakes, '98 Cobra springs, DIY SFC's, other misc .  14.05 @ 98mph with launching too low and shifting too high.