Power steering pump replacement or ??

[VFabricius]

My '99 2500 keeps leaking p/s fluid and we replaced the high and low pressure lines thinking that might solve it but still leaking p/s fluid. I assume its the seal on the drive off the vacuum pump? Is that seal serviceable or just replace pump since its been driven low and with 224k on the clock. Also, when fluid was low, when coming off interstate and pulling into refuel, brakes and steering were not power assisted (hard pedal and steering). But power assist came back after a minute after refuel. I don't understand how power brakes are connected to low p/s reservoir? I've done a search and read previous responses but I must have missed something making the connection. And if I replace p/s pump is there something else I should consider. Also, how is system flushed?

 

[petersonj]

Follow the high pressure line from the power steering pump. You will see that it goes to the brake booster first, then to the steering gearbox. The brake booster and the steering gearbox each have their own return line to the reservoir. Check all of those lines for leaks before you replace the power steering pump.

The brake booster has an internal accumulator that holds a specific volume of power steering fluid under pressure to give a couple of brake applications in case of power steering circuit failure or if the engine stops running.

- John

 

[BigPapa]

It's called Hydroboost.

 

[VFabricius]

Thank you guys so much for the explanation, that makes sense. And it looks like the return lines are not leaking so must be seal in p/s pump. Assume the lines to hydroboost and back to return need to be flushed then if installing new p/s pump.

 

[LawDawgSHPD]

I have been having a Similar problem. About every 3 weeks I'm having to add half a quart however I think my pump is puking it out from the cap. I cant find any other leaks. Any ideas on what may be causing this?

 

[GAmes]

If the accumulator on the hydroboost unit is faulty it will push PS fluid out when the engine is shut off. When it happened to mine it wasn't every shutdown either, very random.

 

[gcorron]

Several years ago I had a catastrophic failure of the high pressure line. When I got the line kit, I also bought a new pump. I did not replace it at the time. I do 99% of the maintenance on my truck myself, but I needed the A/C checked and charged. The guy who always does my annual inspection was OUT of customers in the first few months of the Wuhan.

I went by and asked him to work on the A/C, and oh, by the way, do you want to replace the PS pump for me? Sure he says.

I went to pick up the truck a day or so later, and after he cussed me for awhile (we've known each other a long time), he said it's a good thing I did get it changed. There was a pretty good patch of rust on the bottom that you couldn't see very well even from under the truck (4 wheel drive).

I picked up a screwdriver and barely tapped on it and punched right through! It looked good from the top, but it would not have taken long before it would have been leaking.

Could be your issue.

George

 

[Joe Mc]

Thank you guys so much for the explanation, that makes sense. And it looks like the return lines are not leaking so must be seal in p/s pump. Assume the lines to hydroboost and back to return need to be flushed then if installing new p/s pump.

My $0.02 = Follow the instructions in the FSM when installing new pump or hydro-boost. Don't mess around when it comes to safety components = steering and/or brakes...