Archived Power steering cap blowing off

[EB]

This is the post I placed on the 3rd gen. forum earlier this week.



I've been having a problem for a while with my truck blowing off the power steering cap and losing fluid. It got to the point where I had to go "out of service", which means basically that I can't work until I get it fixed. I cked all the lines and found them to be clear, no obstructions, and the cooler seems to be clear. I disconnected my Milemarker winch so the fluid was just by-passing in case that might be the cause, it didn't matter. The only thing I noticed while cking this was that the cooling fan clutch wasn't working, I also have the 0483 code, I can stop it from turning with my hand when the engine is at operating temp. The only time the cap gets blown off is during a long haul, I wouldn't think this time of year the power steering fluid would get hot enough to cause a problem, but it is the only thing I can come up with. I pull a trailer with fairly heavy loads in my work. Anyone have any other ideas?



Since then, Dodge in Detroit (technical services) said to change the rack and pinion, this was done, ($900+) thought the problem was solved. No such luck, happened again today, tomorrow will change the hydro-boost. The pump has been changed earlier, (thought I would tie the cap on, the pressure blew the reservoir off the pump) The hydro-boost is the last thing in this system to change.



Does anyone have any ideas or has anyone heard of this before.

 

[David Oxland]

Is it possible that the pump suction source has a leak in it somewhere and you are taking air, so much air, that it cannot escape through the reservoir vent. Also if it exchanges heat with cooling water is it possible that there is a bit of water getting in?

 

[EB]

Don't believe there can be a leak on the suction side. If there were and it allowed air in, the hot oil would leak out when the engine is off. Another thing is that if there is a vent , I haven't found it. There is an o-ring that seals the cap into the reservoir, I don't believe there is a vent. If someone knows where there is one, please tell me. The steering sector has its own cooling radiator, there is no cooling water involved at all. I will be on the way to the shop shortly to get the hydro-boost replaced.

 

[BarryG]

I seem to recall that there is a screen that sort of acts like a filter in the pump. Quite a while back a member was having a problem similar to yours and it tuned out that his screen was full of crud. He cleaned it out and problem solved. I think he found the screen by tearing the pump the apart to see if he could fix it instead of buying a new one. Food for thought anyway.

 

[EB]

There is a screen in the older model pumps but not the 3rd gen trucks. Had it apart looking for it.

Replaced the hydro-boost today, made about a 350 mile run this afternoon, just got back, no problems so far.

 

[dieselworld]

:--)

 

[EB]

Made another 250 miles today, no problems. Next week should tell if it is fixed, leave Mon. morning on a 700 one way trip, if it hasn't blown off by the time I get back, I believe I can assume that it is fixed and that the hydro-boost was the problem.

 

[rashwor]

EB, were you in the Lufkin Texas area last week? Thought I might have seen you. Glad you appear to have it fixed.

 

[EB]

Yep, went up to Kilgore with a liner hanger and a basket of tools for Baker Oil Tools. Wish you had flagged me down.

Just got back from long run, have put about 1800 miles since the hydro-boost was replaced last Fri. I guess that is what the problem was. Unless I have any more problems, I'll consider it fixed.