Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) power steering weeping

[JRS]

changing oil this morning and doing my usual inspection. bottom of power steering pump wet with PS oil, and level is down somewhat. problem is I can't tell if it's the hoses or the pump, although I feel it might be the front seal of the pump. What's the best practice for changeout? the pump? pump and hose o-rings? pump, o-rings, and hoses? what about changing the back o-ring on the vacuum pump at the same time? the hoses don't seem to be cracked or dry-rotted, but the truck is a '97 with about 92,000 miles. I just want to do the right thing, can't stand to half-bake a project. (luckily I have a source for jobber priced Dodge Dealer parts. even then they are pricey... . )

 

[illflem]

Are you sure some fluid didn't just puke out the cap? These pumps are known to do this especially if you turn the wheels without the engine running. Doesn't take much to make a mess. Clean the area and see if you can spot where the fluid is coming from first.

 

[JRS]

power steering leak

yeah, I'm sure it didn't puke out. I am fimiliar with this problem from racing my 300ZX. I changed the PS fluid at about 10,000 miles and installed Redline synthethic PS fluid. since then it hasn't puked in 80,000 hard miles.