Help !... 5 P/S pumps in 4 months...

[BushWakr - RIP]

Have any of you fella's had problems with the P/S pump on these 1st Gens? My brother's 92 (he is a TDR member just not online yet) had his first power steering pump last 9 years, then it started leaking. He had a brand new unit installed 4 1/2 months ago and since has had 3 more brand new ones put on. All have leaked, and his current one (the 4th) is leaking again. Apparently he had to wait a while to get the first replacement due to mfg. supply delays. Is there a known/suspected seal fault or some other issue causing leaks? (after putting in some dye all the seals show leaking). Are there any new TSB's on this part recently showing design problems?

ANY ideas would be appreciated.



Thanks in advance guys!!



Regards, Bob

 

[Lil' Dog]

I don't advocate the additive voodoo stuff, but my 89 had a weeping pump, on a whim bought some of the Slick 50 goo for the power steering. Now I can't explain the chemistry but the leak stopped and never returned. .



J-eh

 

[ETOBICOKE]

Power Steering Fluid

Usualy when a new seal starts leaking it's one of two things, it wasn't installed properly or it's not compatable with the type of fluid used. Mopars use a specific type of power steering fluid, the part number is "VU1280". You may want to check what type of fluid was used. Usualy you can rebuild these pumps fairly easily yourself, the dealer has a service kit available for them. Dodge steering boxes are known for leaking, but the pumps usualy go for a long time bfore needing service.

Neil

 

[Paychk]

A few suggestions



1) Make sure to leave the return hose off and to flush the new pump through the steering box, out into a drain pan. This will keep any wear particles out of the new pump. I usually pump at least 2 quarts through it, cheap insurance.



2) Try to find a filter and put it into the return line as well. They can be hard to find, but the company that reman'ed the pump should have a P/N listed in the "Dis-tructions" that come with it and the parts store can order it.



Good luck !

 

[mark93]

Hi BushWakr.



Are your steering pumps brand new or rebuilt?



The vast majority of "rebuilt" stuff is junk.



I've had similar experiences with P/S pumps, radiators, starters, etc. Multiple units with same defect.

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

Guys, thanks for the tips. I'll be sure to pass along the fluid type issue right away. Also the flush and filter is a good plan, he'll go for that on a precautionary basis alone.

Mark, the pumps (every one) has been a NEW unit, not reman. He won't stand for anything that isn't new. In fact I kid him about the fact that most of his truck is brand new, even after 9 years.

The dealer is getting pretty PO'd with this too. I'm afraid (as he is) that they'll give up and say too bad.

I can't believe that he's the only one having this type of problem. Surely someone else has/is having P/S pump probs and gotten a replacement that has failed. (Perhaps from the same supply lot#) Of course no way is the dealer going to do the 'work' to check that out. My brother has asked that I pass along his great thanks to those of you who have pitched in here. He looks forward to getting on-line with us here and taking part.

BTW he also said his new pump should be in on Fri or Sat. They are apparently Saginna (sp?) pumps.



I'll keep you posted and if anything else comes to mind let me know.



Thanks again !!



Bob