2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Power Steering Leaking, Brown fluid

[KOREDISH]

Went out to the garage this afternoon and noticed a large fluid leak under my truck. Crawled underneath and it appeared to be coming from the power steering somewhere. Popped the hood to take a peak and noticed evidence of fluid from the power steering cap. Opened it up and its upto the top and the fluid is like brown pudding, but not as thick. I have not driven the truck yet, but will in the morning. Will update. Any ideas?

 

[DKarvwnaris]

Did you per chance turn the wheel after the truck shut down and force fluid back out of the power steering pump? I haven't seen this much in Dodges(a few times at best), but ford's are horrible for puking up fluid if the pump isn't running when the wheel is turned.

Brown color fluid sounds like it may be in need of a change, Does it smell burnt? When hydraulic fluid overheats, it will scorch a darker color and loose some of its viscosity. You may have some foreign material in the lines causing overheating or a seal in the steering box is allowing dirt into the low pressure side of the box and the fluid is getting contaminated. Either way, I would change the fluid out, it needs it regardless from the description you gave.

 

[KOREDISH]

Went out to truck this morning and started up. No power steering and no brakes. So it looks like my pump died right? Is the pump difficult to change or should I take in? Who has done it? Any pointers? This is wierd, got me home and died. See something new everyday.



thanks



KOREDISH

 

[DKarvwnaris]

Went out to truck this morning and started up. No power steering and no brakes. So it looks like my pump died right? Is the pump difficult to change or should I take in? Who has done it? Any pointers? This is wierd, got me home and died. See something new everyday.



thanks



KOREDISH

Are you sure it may have had water in it, maybe froze and damaged something? either a seal or possibly a hard part. Before you give up on the pump, make sure it isn't air bound, try to cycle it back and forth after you suck out the garbage fluid (turkey baster works okay) and refill it with new fluid. This is a lot cheaper than buying a new one.

I have pulled the older first generation pumps off, needed a puller if I remember right, didn't take much more than an hour start to finish.