power steering fluid leak? pink liquid

[shochin]

Hi

over the last couple of weeks i have noticed a increased whine coming from the steering column when driving. particularly when coasting, or not accelerating, the noise becomes a louder hiss. noticed a few days ago a small puddle of pink fluid under the van. looked as though it was under the hose coming from the power steering fluid reservoir. would this be a leak in the hose or seal from the reservoir to the pump? I know very little a but cars but live in a small community with no mechanic and wonder if this is something i can drive with the 70 miles to town with or not.

i believe the fluid level in the reservoir is quite a bit lower than the last time i checked it. could anyone tell me what type of fluid do i put in? i have read that ford aerostars require transmission fluid in the power steering reservoir. can i use regular pennzoil power steering fluid?

The power steering pump hoses and gaskets were all replaced last year as water or coolant had mixed with the power steering fluid and caused damage.

Also my van screeches when i first turn it over it is louder on wet days. it lasts only a few seconds. would this be the fan belt slipping?

I've also notice recently acceleration is more sluggish than previously, the engine temperature goes up about a third of the way after driving only a few minutes even on cold days. other than power steering fluid all the other fluid levels are good, no other leeks that i can see. no other engine noises. all of these things have started in the last month or so.

My van has roughly 183,000 kms on it. history since i acquired it in the last couple of years, replaced the transmission, power steering pump, hoses etc, brakes, electrical, fuel pump and other stuff of which I can't remember.

any help would be much appreciated

[confused1096]

Check the cap on your power steering resevior or your owner's manual for type of power steering fluid. Personally I've used regular power steering fluid with no ill effects. It sounds like the power steering line needs to be replaced. If the leak started recently you should be good to drive it to a mechanic. Was the belt changed recently? If so, it needs to be tightened--that's why it is squealing. If not, have the mechanic look at it when you get the leaking power steering system looked at. As for the power loss: When was your last tune up, air and fuel filter change?

[bertha66]

The Areostars do have a problem with water getting into to power steering pump and the fliud will look pink. Water runs out of a drain from the cover for the winshield wiper arms, the shield between the hood and winshield, and runs right onto the pump cap. I cut a coke can in two and put it over the cap to keep the water out. Check the fluid level and fill if needed. If it is pink, change the fliud.