Help, my CTD looks like a chevy from below

[JCasper]

I noticed probably a little over 6 months ago that I had some oil on the back of the oil pan. Had the dealer look at it and they said they weren't sure where it was coming from, they said it would be covered under warranty later if it got worse. Today I was underneath and noticed it is getting worse. On top of that my steering box is leaking, along with the master cylinder. Are these common problems. I don't think any vehicle with 41,000 miles should be leaking oil from any where. I am trying to post some pictures hopefully they work.



Thanks

 

[rjohnson916]

JCasper, my truck had the exact same leak yours has. Mine started small and progressively got worse over a 6-8 month period. I chased it & wiped it for a few weeks after, then with more diligence and patience I found that the factory left two bolts to the oil pan, the ones in between the bell-housing and engine block about hand tight. I tightened the bolts myself and the area hasent leaked a drop or even wet in some four months. I would start by checking yours.



BTW my leak looked just like your, in the same spot. I thought it was a rear main seal, but then pulled the dust cover off and it was dry and clean as a whistle inside, thats when I discovered the bolts to the oil pan lose.



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-Ryan

 

[n7gxz]

The leak on your steering box I would look above it, maybe a fitting going into the CP3? Around the oil pan I would start with checking the oil pan bolts and also valve cover bolts.



Kevin

 

[Tomeygun]

JCasper, my truck had the exact same leak yours has. Mine started small and progressively got worse over a 6-8 month period. I chased it & wiped it for a few weeks after, then with more diligence and patience I found that the factory left two bolts to the oil pan, the ones in between the bell-housing and engine block about hand tight. I tightened the bolts myself and the area hasent leaked a drop or even wet in some four months. I would start by checking yours.



BTW my leak looked just like your, in the same spot. I thought it was a rear main seal, but then pulled the dust cover off and it was dry and clean as a whistle inside, thats when I discovered the bolts to the oil pan lose.



-Ryan

Same here, except like 5-6 bolts not tight... Crazy huh?



No more drips now

 

[betterthanstock]

Mine was dripping all the way from the lower valve cover gasket (there are 2) to the oil pan. It was a super slow leak, and after washing it , it would take about 2-3 months to drip all the way down. When they put in the honed injectors, I pressed on the o-ring style gasket and it felt very flexible. I think it has stopped now, and hopefully it will not leak for a few more years.



It's also possible when you change oil, that some will drip in between the plastic cover and the aluminum one right at the filling neck, and in a couple of days, drip its way down to the oil pan. Check the sides of the engine, towards the rear, and directly at the rear above transmission. It may look like a head gasket leak.

 

[MickeyMiller]

Mine was leaking from the back of the oil pan. Found two of the pan bolts a little loose, half turn with ratchet an the leak is gone!



BTW... dealer service writer wanted the truck for 2 days to replace the pan gasket. They diagnosed the leak but apparently didn't bother to check the bolts.

 

[JCasper]

I looked at it a little closer tonight, looks like I might also be getting some seapage around the valve cover. I have checked the pan bolts before, and they were tight. I will try and check them again some night this week.

To check the valve cover bolts do you just unscrew that plastic cover and then gain access that way? The steering box doesn't seem to have anything above it leaking. Everything above it is nice and clean, maybe I will check those bolts also.

My biggest concern right now is the master cylinder leaking. What made me look at it real close is I was comparing it to a friends 03 3500 that I had drove. The brakes on the 3500 were a lot better then mine. Stopped better and with less effort. I thought the brakes were the same on the srw3500 and the 2500 so I was looking around and saw that my master cylinder was leaking. I also have a hard time turning my steering wheel if the truck is not moving. I think I have a pressure problem with the hydroboost system. I am not sure how to diagnose that. I will call the dealer this week and talk with them. Thank you for your help.



Joe

 

[n7gxz]

The hydroboost is powered by the power steering pump. There is a screen on the pressure port (outlet) from the pump that seems to get plugged up with gunk. There have been a few threads on the subject and how to remove and clean it.



Kevin

 

[LaxCummins]

Just to further complicate the responses - there's been more than a few of us that have had our steering box replaced due to leaks. Thought that looked a little familiar - at least partially...