Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Help My Power Steering pump is auto-filling!!

[MStarzman]

Last night I had a watermelon size oil puddle under my truck. Upon investigation I discovered that the power steering pump fill tank was overfull and leaking out the top. I have not touched the power steering pump for a long time. After removing the cover / dipstick and waiting several hours, it was again leaking out of the top.

I drove it to work this morning and the brakes / power steering are still working. It is a 98 and I have the hydraboost system for the brakes. My initial thoughts are that the return line is allowing fluid from the system to leak back into the tank. Has anyone had this happen before? I am kind of at a loss here.



Mike Starzman

 

[CumminsPower98]

Could it be that the nitrogen canister in the hydroboost unit has burst? I really don't know but this is the first thing that came to mind. Does it still have power brakes for a couple pumps when not running?

 

[MStarzman]

I do not beleive it is the nirtrogen canister in the hydroboost. I have driven it all yesterday and today and no problems. Tonight when I get home I will check the power steering fluid level, but both brakes and power steering work just fine. I was wondering if there is some type of flap that is allowing fluid to enter the pump when it is not functioning. Maybe that flap (or valve) became stuck open for some reason.

It was only leaking from the top of the power steering pump tank. Nowhere else.



Mike S.