Power steering diagnosing

2006 LINCOLN ZEPHYR
210,000 MILES • 3.0L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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ROB 1503
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Hi. Last night when i was about 2 blocks away from home i noticed my steering wheel getting hard. When i got home and turned off my car i saw a puddle of oil. Right away i imaged it was power steering fluid. Opened the hood and checked fluid container and was empty. From the top of the engine there wasn't any signs of oil being splattered. I haven't had a chance to check bottom since i don't have a jack on me to lift it the oem jack bent on me the last time i used it. So i was wondering if it failed on me was it because the pump went out or would it be the rack and pinion? How would i be able to find which if the 2 are the cause. Also, if i could get information on how to remove and replace them please.

Thank you
Oct 27, 2019 at 3:18 PM
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KASEKENNY
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Hi,

More than likely the steering got hard if there was low or no fluid in the pump. As for where the leak is coming from, clearly we will need to fill the reservoir and then operate the power steering while someone is looking for where the fluid is coming from. It could be the pump or rack, but it could also just be a line or fitting. Clearly the only way to know is to look for it.

However, don't replace any parts until you find it and also don't put the pump or rack in it until you fix the leak and fill the system and remove the air from the system.

Let me know if you have questions. Thanks
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Oct 28, 2019 at 4:46 PM
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ROB 1503
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You are right. I'm going to clean up surrounding area that has power steering fluid and fill up system. then look for leaks. Thank you very much. I'll keep you updated.
Oct 28, 2019 at 5:11 PM
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KASEKENNY
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Sounds great. Please do keep us updated with what you find. Thanks
Oct 28, 2019 at 8:17 PM
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ROB 1503
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I sure will and thank you for your time and generous help.
Oct 28, 2019 at 8:58 PM
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ROB 1503
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Okay, so i finally had time to clean up the area with steering fluid. Poured new fluid, turned car on and as soon as i went down to look for any leakage i saw it. Turns out it was the pressure switch. It was leaking massively through the harness connection. Now before i go and purchase a new one. I have a curious question. Can there be any type of damage to the steering assembly or engine if i just plug it up with a bolt and not a pressure switch, besides having the the engines revs go down a little when turning the wheels at or near engine idle?
Oct 30, 2019 at 11:57 PM
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KASEKENNY
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Yes. You can blow a line off or a seal will blow out if it can't monitor the pressure. I would not do this. I would get it fixed and not try to plug it without the sensor.
Oct 31, 2019 at 5:35 PM