[reldridge]

It's been a rough week for the Focus. First was coming home yesterday, moving the car around, and realizing there was an inch of water on the passenger side floor. Damnit. Cowl wasn't sealed properly and it poured all day, so now I have to re-seal it. Clear caulking FTW!

Then today, on my way back to work after lunch, I notice a burning smell. I get to my companies 'other' office, by then there is smoke, and pop the hood. The high pressure power steering line has rusted through right above the exhaust manifold, and power steering fluid spraying down onto the manifold and catalytic converter. Luckily, the 'other' office is right next to Canadian Tire. I run in, pick up some Mercon ATF, top up the ps fluid reservoir, and head to my office. By the time I get there (about 3 minutes), the cabin is full of burnt ATF smoke, and the whole area is hazy. I pull in the parking spot, shut it down, pop the hood, and let it air out. Smoke billowed out for about 5 minutes. Went inside, called around, ordered a new PS line ($60 from No Limits Autoparts vs. $110 everywhere else!) and called CAA and had it towed home. Thank God for CAA Plus! It's currently in my garage, up on ramps, ready to go.

Now I know what I get to do for the weekend... Does anybody have any tips for removing the old PS line?

-Ryan