Power Steering Pump Shield?

[sly]

I've just replaced the PS pump and alternator in the AU3 Futura wagon that's now my work car. Second replacement in about 5 years. The first PS pump replacement was off eBay and had some detail differences compared to the original, and always had a very slight leak, which is why I've had to replace the alternator.

Anyway, the new PS pump I bought from Repco because it was in stock ready to collect. It looks exactly like the original and doesn't show any sign of leaking.

However talking to a workmate, his father had the same issue with his AU, and when he replaced the PS pump and alternator, he put in a shield under the PS pump as insurance, to make sure it didn't drip into the alternator if it started to leak. I believe he made the shield himself from a piece of aluminium.

I'm not so handy as to be able to fab something up, so I was hoping to buy one from somewhere. So far Google searches and searching this forum haven't turned anything up. Just wondering if anyone knows of a suitable product?

[aussiblue]

You probably should looking for an alternator splash shield rather than a power steering pump drip trap. Some ideas here https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...-bottle-2.html and you could modify a Lamborghini heat sheild one from ebay e.g. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Lamborgh...MAAOSwcbtdGsWe or https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Lamborgh...wAAOSwBLlU79bN

Note that most of the power steering fluid that destroys alternators is drawn into the alternator by the alternator pulley fan and the serpentine drive belt is going to stop you putting a shield between that and the power steering pump. Similarly when any power steering pump drip tray fills it will still probably find it's way into the alternator.

The best solution is probably to put some large 2cm thick 5cm wide cupped high density slit foam washers on the the power steering lines between the pump and the alternator to act as a absorbent barrier to leaks that usually follow the lines down. I've seen this as OEM on some cars but can't find an example on the net at the moment. But really just check the power steering reservoir level weekly and check for any other evidence of a leeks at the same time to they can be fixed before the alternator is damaged.

[aussiblue]

Or perhaps something like this https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/6Pcs-Non...frcectupt=true Try Clark rubber or a suitable pool noodle - slit and put over the lines and put a cable tie or loose hose clamp at each end.

[PG2]

Are sure that it is the power steering pump and not the timing chain tensioner seal?

[aussiblue]

And perhaps as a further safeguard use this power steering fluid that has a stop leak additive https://www.penriteoil.com.au/produc...steering-fluid and https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...re/342317.html

[Bill M]

The shield for the alternator has been discussed here in the past and is a good idea, I was thinking along the lines of a discarded AU 4.0l exhaust manifold cover trimmed down to suit. just a thought. Cheers Bill

[sly]

Originally Posted by PG2

Are sure that it is the power steering pump and not the timing chain tensioner seal?

The eBay PS pump always had a slight leak around the high pressure fitting.

But there is also an oil buildup around the front cover and chain tensioner. Not unusual for a 17YO/250,000km engine. So the chain tensioner could be contributing as well. It's a long time since I had a chain tensioner out, is the seal a gasket or O-ring?

[sly]

Originally Posted by aussiblue

And perhaps as a further safeguard use this power steering fluid that has a stop leak additive https://www.penriteoil.com.au/produc...steering-fluid and https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/...re/342317.html

Yes, I put that Penrite fluid with the additive in this time. It previously had the red Dexron III type fluid in. I used the best part of a litre bottle giving the lines and rack a good flush out to get rid of all the old fluid.

[sly]

Thanks for the other suggestions too, guys.