[4fun]

I have a leak where my hydroboost meets the master cylinder. I can see the drip on the bottom side with the use of a mirror. Its been leaking for some time and I'm not sure if there is a seal between the two components that can be replaced or if the hydroboost is failing (the fluid leak is ATF, not brake fluid).
I'm leaving for a road trip Sunday and was thinking about putting a bottle of Lucas Oil Power Steering fluid w/ Stop Leak in the power steering pump. It says its compatible with all power steering but I wasn't sure if it is with ATF????
Does anyone know if it will hurt the system? Don't wanna make a little leak worse and have this grenade on me going down the highway w/ a trailer.

Thanks in advance for the help.
4fun

 

[TonkaThunder]

I doubt its actually ATF in the power steering system but I have seen red power steering fluid. But the Lucas should work great for u, I put the power steering stuff in my truck just to try and quiet the pump down and it worked great!

 

[tbpower]

I have a leak where my hydroboost meets the master cylinder. I can see the drip on the bottom side with the use of a mirror. Its been leaking for some time and I'm not sure if there is a seal between the two components that can be replaced or if the hydroboost is failing (the fluid leak is ATF, not brake fluid).
I'm leaving for a road trip Sunday and was thinking about putting a bottle of Lucas Oil Power Steering fluid w/ Stop Leak in the power steering pump. It says its compatible with all power steering but I wasn't sure if it is with ATF????
Does anyone know if it will hurt the system? Don't wanna make a little leak worse and have this grenade on me going down the highway w/ a trailer.

Thanks in advance for the help.
4fun

Personally I would fix the source of the leak instead of dumping that stuff in the system.

I doubt its actually ATF in the power steering system but I have seen red power steering fluid. But the Lucas should work great for u, I put the power steering stuff in my truck just to try and quiet the pump down and it worked great!

Our trucks do use ATF for power steering. Check your owners manual.

 

[lance1955]

The power steering uses the same fluid thats in the tranny aka transmission fluid. If I were going to be ba llzy and put the lucas in I would probably buy the transmission fix stuff and only pour in a small amount. I would also make sure truck is good and hot when you add the treatment that stuff pours like honey. But when mixed with the fluid appears to thin out / mix well. Ive had good luck with lucas. I just dont know if Id try it in the hydro boost system. Your call though.

 

[TonkaThunder]

Power steering fluid and ATF have very few if any legitamate differences, they are all hydraulic fluids. Besides the dealer puts in power steering fluid.

 

[tbpower]

Power steering fluid and ATF have very few if any legitamate differences, they are all hydraulic fluids. Besides the dealer puts in power steering fluid.

I've heard that about the power steering fluid but I'll stick with what the manual calls for and mobile 1 synthetic atf.

 

[4fun]

Thanks for the feedback.
FYI- The manual does say "Motorcraft Mercon ATF".

I'd already bought the Lucas Power Steering fluid while I was at the store, but I haven't added it. I agree it would be best to fix the actual problem, but I have a hard time thinking I have to change the actual hydroboost. Surely there's a seal I can replace????

The leak isn't too bad. It just bugs me knowing its there.

I guess for now I'm "on the fence" whether I'll add the Lucas or not.

If anyone has any info on replacing seals or using the additive for this purpose, I'd be interested in knowing more.

Thanks again,
4fun

 

[klhansen]

Besides the dealer puts in power steering fluid.

Then that dealer isn't following Ford's instructions. :thdown:

I agree it would be best to fix the actual problem, but I have a hard time thinking I have to change the actual hydroboost. Surely there's a seal I can replace????

The service manual has nothing on repairing the hydroboost, just R&R instructions. Like a power steering pump for instance, working on a hydroboost is likely something for a specialty shop. Not saying it couldn't be done, but how-to info is pretty scarce, and as you're aware, loosing brake boost wouldn't be a good thing. So winging it on a repair of the hydroboost probably wouldn't make me feel all that warm and fuzzy.

 

[4fun]

Thanks Klhansen.
I agree that info available is limited on hydro repair.
I appreciate everyone's feedback. I think I'll limp through the trip with the small leak until I can change the hydro. Although I'm still entertaining the idea of adding the Lucas if it gets too low while I'm away being that it's recomended that I replace the hydro anyway. Doesn't sound like I'll do anymore damage than is done. right???

Thanks,
4fun

 

[klhansen]

Although I'm still entertaining the idea of adding the Lucas if it gets too low while I'm away being that it's recomended that I replace the hydro anyway. Doesn't sound like I'll do anymore damage than is done. right???

I'd probably agree with that. I have tried "snake oil" fixes in the past, usually when the alternative was ripping the offending part out and replacing it.

Good luck on your trip. I'll bet you'll be OK. I've noticed a small drip at the brake pushrod inside the firewall on my truck, but have never had any issues with the hydroboost after just wiping it off. Just think of the drips as lubricating the seals. :lol:

Just found this while browsing around. More info on Hydroboost operation, but again not much on repair of the unit itself.
http://www.brakeandfrontend.com/Art...epair_of_hydroboost_power_assist_systems.aspx

 

[MACE_Hardware]

I have a leak where my hydroboost meets the master cylinder. I can see the drip on the bottom side with the use of a mirror.

Now don't yell at me because I'm maybe clueless here and I'm just sitting at my desk and not looking at my truck....

...but...

I've had to replace the pressure hose from my power steering pump twice in 150k miles. They have a goofy sealed swivel connection that fails on the pump side.

Could you be seeing a drip from a similar connection on the hydroboost side?

 

[4fun]

Sorry for the delayed response guys. I was away from my computer while on vacation.

Anyway, I returned the Lucas "Power Steering" additive and exchanged it for thier "Transmission Fix" (which has a stop leak additive in it too) per Lance1955 suggestion. I agreed it made sense to do that with the ATF already in the system.

So I added a small amount prior to the 200 mile trip and then added another small dose yesterday before my return trip. I guess time will tell if it helps or not.

Klhansen - thanks for the link.

Mace Hardware - I cleaned the hydroboost area thoroughly and drove the truck one day. Then checked all over for the leak and I'm quite confident that its dripping out of the weep hole on the bottom side of the hydro where it mates to the master cylinder. The only way I could even find it was with a mirror.

I'll let you know if the snake oil eventually works.

4fun

 

[jstrauss]

I put the Lucas power steering stuff in my 2005 Escape because the rack had a slight leak. At first, the steering was so silky smooth, it felt like something was wrong with it - I eventually got used to it so it feels normal now. Also the leak is gone, so the stuff does work. The only downside is if it's cold out (like less than 40F) the steering is real stiff for about the first 20-30 seconds after you start it up (cuz it made the fluid thicker, I guess) but otherwise, works good.

 

[Guest]

There is no seal between the hydroboost and master cylinder. You are either seeing a leak from a hose that drips there or your hydroboost is toast. Typically a $200 hydroboost and 3 bolts or a $30 hose to fix either.

 

[SWISSCUMMINS]

There is no seal between the hydroboost and master cylinder. You are either seeing a leak from a hose that drips there or your hydroboost is toast. Typically a $200 hydroboost and 3 bolts or a $30 hose to fix either.

yes there is a seal between the two and its very common in diesels to fail. i just ordered one for my truck off of ROCKAUTO for 10 bucks. simple repair