Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Overnight power steering leak

[IAdie]

I had this problem a few months ago, power steering fluid blew out and I had no brakes and no steering. I had the truck towed to the dealer and they said there was nothing wrong. sure enough by the time it got there the truck was fine. This did not sit right with me so I took it to another dealer, they were reluctant to look at it because another dodge dealer had already checked it out. But anyway they looked at it and also said it was fine. This was all done when it was under warranty. Now that the warranty has just run out the truck has done it again, only this time it blew the fluid out overnight. I checked the level in the morning and it was right to the top of the pump cover?? So I started the truck and ran it for awile, it seemed fine but when I pushed on the brakes the steering wanted to pull. Anyway I checked the fluid level and it was fine (can't see how as there was lots on the floor). My problem is now is this the vaccum pump or the nitrogen accumulator. Has anyone else had similar problems, I know now that as soon as I take it to the dealer they will start to find things wrong now that it is out of warranty. The truck is a 2002 250 with 40,000 miles on it.

 

[Souders]

I have the same problem.

Today I have the same problem on my 99 4x4. Did you find out what caused the problem ?



Appreciate any input.

 

[georgej]

I had my ps pump replaced at the dealer($350) simply because when it failed in the driveway and could'nt turn the darn wheel!! It workes fine when it was parked, next morning I needed superman to move the steering wheel. I'm sure there's a cheaper way if you have the time!! I didn't.



George

 

[Souders]

Thanks for the input

I went out and started the truck after it sat an hour. The steering now works, found the fluid real low in the power steering pump. Refilled pump going to Cummins to buy a rebuild kit for the Vac. pump and a new gasket. I will try cleaning the filter and adjust the spring in the pump whilke I have it off. Trying to find out which line from the pump to the booster I may attach a pump to to remove the fluid. One line is on the side of the booster and the other on top. Not sure which one t o use.

Thanks for the input.

 

[Souders]

Thanks for the input

I went out and started the truck after it sat an hour. The steering now works, found the fluid real low in the power steering pump. Refilled pump going to Cummins to buy a rebuild kit for the Vac. pump and a new gasket. I will try cleaning the filter and adjust the spring in the pump whilke I have it off. Trying to find out which line from the pump to the booster I may attach a pump to to remove the fluid. One line is on the side of the booster and the other on top. Not sure which one t o use.

Thanks for the input.

 

[jrobinson2]

Its probably the nitrogen accumulator on the brake booster (blue round thing) it fails and fills the fluid with bubbles causing it to over flow. On mine it would take about 5 minutes to start working in the morning, I changed the fluid and it worked fine but no reserve braking if the engine stops, after you stop the engine you should still have power brakes for a few more pumps, if you dont its the accumulator.



Jared

 

[Souders]

steering pump oil leak

Truck sat overnight. Pressed brake pedal about a dozen times. Shortly oil started leaking from the cap on the power steering pump. Does not sound good.



Input appreciated.

 

[GFrance]

Truck sat overnight. Pressed brake pedal about a dozen times. Shortly oil started leaking from the cap on the power steering pump. Does not sound good.



Input appreciated.

I responded on your other thread you started.