Power steering leak

[richmwill]

1992 Buick Park Avenue. Started the car yesterday, heard a low "grumbling" noise. Noise was heard whenever I made a turn. Steering was fine, no tightness or difficulty. Checked power steering fluid level, it was low. Topped off power steering fluid and bled the system, noise totally disappeared and car drove fine the remainder of the evening. So I obviously have a leak, my question is- since the car drove fine with no noise after fluid was re-filled, does that mean that it's more likely a hose leak? (Rather than a failing power steering pump, which obviously would be worse).

[Gold Metal Flake]

1. The sound comes from the low fluid condition as you surmised.

What you need to do is try to find the leak. I am not familiar with the individual components in that generation of GM but I am well practiced in dealing with leaks in various Ford systems from the 60s to the 90s so I can not direct you to a known leak source but you can look for it. It's more likely that you have a leak at a seal or gasket at the pump or the high-pressure fittings than along the hose (but I am not ruling hoses out).

Try sliding under the car (get some clean cardboard to lay on) and see if you can spot the leak. The whole engine compartment is likely to be grimy but you are looking for a wet spot that might indicate the source of the emission (there may be more than one). Alternatively you may wish to have the engine and engine compartment cleaned and then drive for a month and then go spelunking again. You'll find it then.

The anti-leak additives don't work over time. Don't bother. Keep some PS fluid, a funnel and a rag in the trunk. If you keep up with the loss the system will not be damaged as you search for the source of the leak.

[richmwill]

2. Thank you for your advice and help

Very much appreciated.