Power Steering Fluid Everywhere! Help!

[Guest shane]

Hi, I have an X reg (2000) 1.6i Xsara forte.

 

When I bought it 3 weeks ago I noticed the aircon wasnt working or the blower. I was told this was a simple case of regassing so thought no problem.

 

Because of the weather i have not rushed to get the aircon done yet but my wife came back from work this morning distraught.

 

She has gone around a corner and there was a constant beep noise and the power steering failed. She managed to drive it home and I looked under the bonnet as the car was ticking over. There was fluid spurting out of a cylinder shape thing attached to a pipe and it was spraying onto the back of the rad. This was obviously the brake fluid but I have no idea what the fault or the cylinder type thing where it is spurting from is! I have already been told a horror story that it will cost £300+ at least if it is the pump, but i suppose the pump is ok as it is spurting from this cylinder?

 

Anyone any ideas if this is a common fault, please help as Im desperate!

[nick74]

I'm not familiar with the underbonnet layout of the 1.6 petrol, but from what you say its either the pump itself or the pipe leading from it that's leaking. It won't be brake fluid on a Xsara, the PAS on these is not connected with the brakes in any way.

 

I suppose if you went to a Citroen main dealer the pump could cost around £300, but theres no reason to really. They are available new from GSF for example for £125, or they go on ebay for about £15-20 and are not particularly difficult to change.