[Automotive] two questions here

[AlwaysFSX]

First question is:

Are power steering lines supposed to be lose our extremely tight? (Pretty sure I know the answer to this) and what's the easiest way to fix what someone had done to make all the fluid leak? 2000 Ford Mustang if it helps.

Second question being:

On a two way street in a residential neighborhood, is it illegal to park a vehicle on the side facing traffic IF IT IS AN EMERGENCY caused by mechanical failure forcing you to? (USA laws)

Thanks in advance for any and all help.

[Poohy14]

First, it is illegal to park facing the way traffic comes. Second I have a 03 mustang and mine are tight but can move them like 2~4mm and probably the best way to fix is maybe a new rubber seal if it needs one but depends where its leaking from

[WyvernAbstracts]

Problem is you don't have a civic 

I'm a troll

[beebskadoo]

Problem is you don't have a civic

I'm a troll

most mustangs have civic engines too... They power the wipers lol

[WyvernAbstracts]

most mustangs have civic engines too... They power the wipers lol

mateeee, dat vtec powa must come in handy during a thunder storm 

[AlwaysFSX]

First, it is illegal to park facing the way traffic comes. Second I have a 03 mustang and mine are tight but can move them like 2~4mm and probably the best way to fix is maybe a new rubber seal if it needs one but depends where its leaking from

Even in an emergency where you're not able to park the right way?

[cae]

Power steering fittings should be tight of course, there's usually some rubber hoses to allow for some engine movement. Tighten them back up and refill the fluid.

 

You'd have to live in the worst of areas to be cited for parking wrong-way in front of your house, but it's still likely illegal. I do it all the time; my street has no marked divider. If it's just your steering you're worried about, you can move the vehicle without power steering fluid, it's just bad for the pump to do so, but shouldn't be too bad to just park the correct way if it's something you think will get you in trouble.

[KeltonDSMer]

The PS loop is similar in layout to a PC water loop. Reservoir, pump, hoses, etc. You need to determine where the oil is leaking from to see if you can fix it by yourself. Did a hose just break down and leak, or did an internal seal fail in the pump itself, did the hydraulic cylinder blow a seal?

 

Is the reservoir now empty? Look in the manual or online for what kind of oil the PS system uses, it is usually an automatic transmission oil (ATF) or actual power steering fluid. (Look it up for sure, I suspect it calls for MerconV or DexronII/III ATF and not PS fluid).

 

Take note, PS pumps are similar to PC water cooling pumps in the fact that they should not be run dry for any period of time. Do not fire up the engine (which turns the PS pump with a belt) without the proper oil in the reservoir.

 

I see two options:

 

-Buy $5 of oil in order to track down the leak and make the decision if you feel comfortable replacing that part. If the leak it not HUGE, filling the reservoir should at least allow you to get the car facing the right direction and avoid an expensive ticket even if you cannot fix the leak.

 

-Tow it to a machanic

 

If you do feel like you can fix whatever is leaking, know that the air needs to be worked out of the system (again similar to PC WC loop) so plan ahead for that.

 

Just a heads up, being in the continental US, AAA is a really good deal if you ever need to tow. I pay about $85 a year for the service which includes 3 tows up to 100 miles and a bunch of other goodies. The yearly subscription is cheaper than just one tow, so that's a great deal IMO. I only mention this because if the delay time of signing up to when you can use the service is only a day or whatnot, it might save you some decent cash compared to paying a private company out of pocket.

 

 

Even in an emergency where you're not able to park the right way?

 

I think it is illegal regardless of circumstances.

 

Good luck to you!

[Prokart2000]

Even in an emergency where you're not able to park the right way?

well if you cant you cant so they will have to deal with it

[KeltonDSMer]

well if you cant you cant so they will have to deal with it

 

They will just "deal" with it... likely by writing him an expensive ticket

 

Fill up the reservoir and turn that thing around, or just have someone push you for two minutes (key in "on" position so steering wheel doesn't lock).

[Prokart2000]

They will just "deal" with it... likely by writing him an expensive ticket

 

Fill up the reservoir and turn that thing around, or just have someone push you for two minutes (key in "on" position so steering wheel doesn't lock).

lol

[techswede]

A general rule of thumb with any kind of line that has pressure in it is that the fittings are supposed to be tight.

 

The easiest way to find out where it's leaking is to clean off the pump area and refill the reservoir. Then put some paper or cardboard underneath the car. Start it and turn the wheel a few times 

That'll allow you to find the general area of the leak. And you can check the lines and fittings in that area for any fluid.

Just be carefull when you're cleaning the engine bay. There are many electrical connections that don't really like water around the engine.