Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Power Steering Pump Leaking or Bad?

[firefighter_2000]

Ive searched the past fourms, and I just cant seem to get a clear answer on what may, or may not be my problem. Yesterday, went into the store & left my truck running (95+ degrees outside) with the a/c on to keep it cool inside. Came back out a few minutes later and see a puddle the size of a sheet of paper under the truck. I checked and sure enough, its power steering fluid. I figured it was the accumulator. Drove home, and sat in the driveway for a couple of mins, and another puddle, only not so big. It appears that the leak is coming from one of the hard lines going into the rear(closest to the firewall) of the pump, but I still can tell for certain. Would this be a sign of p/s pump failure or maybe a bad seal? Truck still steers smooth and brakes & all are still fine. Any suggestions or advice is appreciated.

Thanks

Craig

 

[B.G. Smith]

If the leak stops after you shut off the engine then it is probably one of the lines. If the leak is the seal the oil should be coming out between the PS pump and the Vac. pump. Doesn't soulnd like the pump has failed but if it is the seal or the "O" ring on the reservoir it could be a pretty good task to repair. If it's a hose it shouldn't be too difficult to replace. bg

 

[firefighter_2000]

Line

The leak does stop when i shut the truck off... Any idea what is involved in replacing the seal?

Thanks

Craig

 

[B.G. Smith]

I have A FSM for 99, it indicates that you have to remove the power steering pump and vac. pump as an assembly then seperate them. There is a sending unit in the engine block just behind the pum that you have to remove to keep from breaking it off. It doesn't indicate how to replace the seal. On gassers that I have worked on in distant past, you could remove the drive pulley/coupling and access the seal from the outside of pump. Lets hope it's a hose leaking. bg

 

[firefighter_2000]

Looking at it

Looking at it a little closer with the engine on, It appears that the leak is definitely coming from the hard line at the bottom of the pump on the firewall side. The big "nut" on the back is tight. Is there an O-ring inside this line that can easily be replaced just by taking this hard line off or is it way more involved?

Thanks

Craig

 

[B.G. Smith]

Looking at it a little closer with the engine on, It appears that the leak is definitely coming from the hard line at the bottom of the pump on the firewall side. The big "nut" on the back is tight. Is there an O-ring inside this line that can easily be replaced just by taking this hard line off or is it way more involved?

Thanks

Craig

The picture in the FSM shows three "O" rings, two in the hose end fitting and one behind the big nut that the hose fiting screws into. bg