Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Power Steering O'rings

[jdross440]

I replaced the power steering pump on my 2000. After a couple days it started leaking fluid where the pressure hose attaches to the pump. I had replaced the o'ring with one in the pump kit (from Advance Auto). I had a couple more from a previous pump change where I had reused the original o'ring. I replaced the o'ring with one from the other kit. It still spewed fluid around the line (between line and nut) when you would turn the wheel or apply the brakes. I suspected something wrong with the pump where the o'ring sits and took that pump out and took it back for warranty replacement. I put the exchange pump in with the o'ring that came with it. Same thing. I thought maybe a bad high pressure hose as it had been out and in several times over the years. I bought another hose from Advance Auto, put it in with the new o'ring that came with it. Same issue. I took it and the pump out and dropped the o'ring into the pump where it sits. It appeared too thin and was allowing the flange on the hose to tighten against the pump before compressing the oring enough. I took the o'ring to O'reillys and they pulled a pump from their stock and the oring in their kit was the same as the Advance one (both pumps were Cardone Mexico rebuilds). He dropped the o'ring into their pump and saw what I was seeing. He pulled a new hose from their stock. We compared o'rings. The o'rings on their hose was slightly larger diameter and thicker and was green. He looked to see if they had the o'ring by itself but was out of that one. Therefore I bought his hose and put it on. No more leaks. Apparently the pump kits are using non spec o'rings. I am surprised a lot of people aren't having this problem (they may not be replacing the o'ring.

 

[Bob4x4]

Aftermarket ps pumps are well known to be poor quality.The hoses aren’t much better.I have always used oem parts when available.My time is worth more than the price difference to both me and my clients