Hi,
I am desperately trying to narrow the location of a power steering leak in a Ford Taurus 91 Wagon 3.8. The reservoir gets empty just after driving 20 or 30 km or in a matter of few hours. It is leaking slower when the car is not driven. When I fill up and start immediately the car, there is always a big puddle at the front of the car, slightly left of the center. It is somehow under the power steering reservoir. Could help me with some ideas on how to detect the exact source of the leak? A mechanic told me that power steering leak can only come from the pinion. I have however also read that th hoses might also be faulty. A bad O ring seal might also be the source of the trouble. I have also noticed that a kind of thin vinyl hose is always wet and that power steering liquid is dripping along it.
When the fluid is gone while I am on the road, I hear a strange noise which is probably the power steering pump that is complaining. Any hint would be greatly appreciated.