1988 Cadillac Power Steering Leak

Your steering pump will suffer badly.

LOOK to see where it is leaking from and repair accordingly.

Unfortunately from previous experience as a master Cadillac technician I have seen the same issue several times. There is an "o" ring between the reservoir "plastic adapter" and the pump. Very difficult to pinpoint the leak. Most likely the "o" ring is either missing or cut. Even a small nick will cause a leak.
Hope this helps.

i just had one in the shop last wed, replaced the high pressure power steering hose. but it can also leak from the pump, the return line , or the steering gear, you will have to have it looked at to be certain

To try to find the leak, purchase a spray can of engine cleaner and spray the entire area of the pump and hoses. Then wash off with a garden hose. Fill pump reservoir with fluid. Have someone turn the steering wheel while you look in that area of the pump and hoses with a flashlight for the leak. Be careful of rotating fan and belts!

check the power steering hoses. from the pump.. there's a high pressure line...if this one gets a crack, it'll leak alot...it's under pressure, the return line is not under pressure but it can leak just the same... wipe the hoses down and run the car, you'll be able to find the leak... also check the pump housing...for cracks.
Hoses are available from local parts houses... be sure to refill with only recommended type of fluid...don't cross mix types.

The gear box is a common problem on this model. That would be the place I would start. A cheap, temporary fix is to go to your local parts store and ask for Lucas Power Steering Stop-Leak. It will buy you some time.

The most obvious places are the Power steering rack itself - at each end, and the hoses that are attatched to it.
A leak at the pump is easily spotted.

Hoses are cheaper to replace than seals on the rack (which may require a new unit)

Check the pump front seal, Wipe down the hoses and check the crimp fittings for leakage Also look carefully at the steering gear, the fitings and pitman arm seal ( this one is on the bottom) and the seal where the steering column goes in.

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they make a uv dye you can put in there and run it till it leaks and you put on the glasses and shine the light that comes in the kit arund and where it is leaking will glow but it sounds like the leaks are just the rad hoses or heater core hoses