My Dodge Died Today.....

[jimnance]

Was on a weekend trip about 180 miles from home and noticed an oil sheen on the rainey payment. A firend bent over and smelled it pronouncing it to be diesel. Could not determine the source, but the leak was minor so we proceded home.



While backing the fifth wheel into the driveway I hear this terrible whine. By the time I'm backed in I've lost all hydraulic pressure and a great deal of fluid is all over the driveway.



The upshot is that Dodge is sending someone to tow the truck in.



2100 miles and two months old. Hmmm..... Dodge quality???

 

[Casey Balvert]

Bummer. Keep us posted as to what they find. Hopefully it is not too serious and your truck will not be laid up for long.



Casey

 

[TBOB]

I HOPE THIS ISN,T CATCHING AND WISH YOU THE BEST IN GETTING IT FIXED. I AM VERY INTERESTED IN WHAT HAPPENED. TBOB

 

[jimnance]

Dodge had it towed to the dealer. Hopefully I'll know something tomorrow. I'd like to think it's a leaky hose, but the way it was boiling out all foamy when it really blew I suspect the pump.



Because there is no vacuum system both steering and power brakes are actuated by hydraulics. I was a bugger getting the fifth wheel in with no hydraulics at the end. My arms are still burning! 4700 Lbs on the front axle of my truck.

 

[Badunit]

Had to resort to the old-fashioned Armstrong power steering system, eh? Hope you get your truck back soon.

 

[amsoilman]

It seems to me that just before I took delivery (Nov 20) of my 03', there was something about checking a power steering hose up near the pump that was rubbing something. I checked mine after i took delivery.



Best to you!



Wayne

amsoilman

 

[jimnance]

Wayne, you may be correct. The dealer says the hydraulic hose "blew out". They claim to not be familiar with a SB to look for rubbing hoses, but I'd bet money that is what happened. When I get the old hose I'll know for sure.



FYI, since this system provides assist for steering AND BRAKES failure while moving or towing at high speed could be very exciting.



All TDR members might want to look at the routing of thier hoses or ask the dealer to look at it.

 

[CATCRACKER]

i had this problem with my 99. one little wire was wearing into my high pressure side of an A/C line. not good. when i get my new truck i will wrap wires, hoses etc. with electrical tape if it looks like they may wear funny.

 

[jimnance]

Good news. The failure was the fitting at the hose end where it joins the steering box. Hopefully it's just one of those random defects that happen.



The part is coming from Portland and will be installed Friday.



Meantime I'm driving trusty old '99. This really makes me appreciate the new truck. The new suspension is sooo much smoother, and the new truck is wayyy quieter. I still love my '99, but can't wait to get '03 back from the dealer.

 

[TBOB]

CHAFING HOSES

ALWAYS CHECK ALL HOSES FOR CHAFING OR NOT ENOUGH CLEARANCE. I WILL USE HEATER OR OLD RADIATOR HOSE SPLIT TO WRAP AROUND ANY HOSES THAT MAY CHAFE. LATER ON YOU CAN CHECK THE BUFFER FOR WHERE. IF WORN, SIMPLY REPLACE. TBOB

 

[bzingre]

Same thing

I had the same problem. The power steering high pressure line had a deformed oring at the fitting. I had the line replaced and it hasn't been a problem. Just pisses ya off that a new truck has issues like this. Oh well... KOT.

 

[mlockner]

Hey guys, I got a 2002 1500 that the same power steering hose started leaking and had an issue with the fitting on the hose. FYI.