Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) PS puked

[RichB59]

on the driveway again. The first time this happened I had no steering or brakes. Took it to DC they changed the PS pump. This time( a few k miles later) it just lost some fluid out the filler cap. I checked the level and it is slightly over full at the cold reading. This makes me nervous about the potential loss of steering and brakes. I have read on the TDR about others haveing the same problem. Has anyone come up with a solution to this problem? Takeing it to the dealer is really a waste of time and very much a PIA. I'm still in warrant but just barely with 33k on truck. Thanks in advance for any answers.



RichB

 

[Whitmore]

Rich

To the best of my knowledge the only thing that will cause "puking of PS" in air bubbles in the system, the air bubbles got trapped in ther when they changed the pump, try this, take the cap off the pump and then fire the Cummins up, get the front wheels on some gravel for easy turning and slowly move the steering from side to side, go right against the stops and then sit there and bump on the stop several times then go the other direction and do the same , hopefully all the air will work to vent out the cap , by doing this you have used all the oil from one side to the other and versa/visa, this should do the trick.

When done you should show on the stick that the level is low because the air was taking up space... ... ... ... hope this helps, Kevin

 

[Blu-meanie]

Sounds like the brake accumulator. They have to change the whole module. It costs somewhere around $300 if you want to buy your own. I think it's worth it to take it to the dummy's. See if you have brake assist after shutting down the cummins. If not, it would be to your advantage to have it replaced.

 

[RobbyRam]

My power steering pump broke the shaft while making a U turn. The area rep. and his best mechanic came up from the Bay area to take pictures, saying it was a rare failure. Took ten days to get my truck back. I've had no problems in over 40k miles since the failure.

Bob

 

[GMcLean]

I`ve seen this a lot when the weather is a lot colder, but I guess it can happen any time. . Usually using a synthetic type p/s fluid or synthetic ATF 4 from Chrysler has helped imenslly IMHO. .

Obviously the check for air in the system and the acumulator check is first but there is no harm in trying this when all else fails. .

Garth

 

[RichB59]

Thanks for the replies.

I'll be heading of to the dealer this morning. They said they would "look at the truck" I'm really just covering my -ss and will continue to do so. I don't think they have any idea what is causeing this. I don't want to be guilty of ignoreing the problem. I did purchase some syn. PS fluid but am hesatant to use it while still in warranty. Well I hope this visit will have a positive outcome



Thanks again,



RichB

 

[roxieandduke]

ps pump

i have a 2001 club cab auto. my powersteering pump went out twice in under 25,000 miles. im on my third one. you should try driving one of these with no power steering and no power brakes.

 

[RichB59]

Back from Chapman Dodge Las Vegas

I was summarily dismissed after a four hour wait with a could not duplicate problem. Got home and called DC. I now have a case #. I also have a truck that I'm not sure will steer or stop next time I drive it. Oh well ya gotta love it. Not even one suggestion or excuse. It's only done it twice in 33k miles did they think it would do it on their lift today . DUH!!!! I want to put the syn fluid in but am afraid it will void my Warranty. I'll wait awhile and see what DC does about this.



Thanks for the input.



Rich B:{ :{

 

[Whitmore]

Rich, put the syn in it, I used Amsoil atk and it works great, alot less howl in the cold mornings.

Get a turkey baster and suck all you can outa there and put the syn in it, do this a few times and it will be gooder than new. The Amsoil atf is red too, stealer would have to send in a sample to find out its syn.



Did'nt they convince you that a warrenty is just a selling point, other than that it means squat



I lost a L/P and they said drive it in and they would look at it and if infact it is bad than they would order it

I missed a half day of work as it was, got a new one from Cummins. ... ... ... ... ... . stealer can suck eggs

 

[illflem]

Sorry Kevin but even Amsoil doesn't recommend using their ATF in the PS system, something about it not being compatible with the rubber hoses. Valvoline synthetic is a better choice. I've seen quite a few rigs puke fluid out the cap when someone cranks the wheels back and forth with the engine off.

 

[RichB59]

One common denominator

is this has happened both times after long trips. I feel like it is probable foaming. I think the syn fluid would be the best bet. I have the valvoline and will use it. The fluid I see in the pump is clear PS fluid from DC. I haven't heard of anyone loseing brakes or steering while driveing??? I always see it leak when parked. I just think DC should address the problem. We shall see.



Rich B

 

[Whitmore]

right on Bill

Originally posted by illflem

Sorry Kevin but even Amsoil doesn't recommend using their ATF in the PS system, something about it not being compatible with the rubber hoses. Valvoline synthetic is a better choice. I've seen quite a few rigs puke fluid out the cap when someone cranks the wheels back and forth with the engine off.

I looked up my sheet and I use the valvoline syn... ... ... ... ... ... why was I thinking Amsoil ??? brain fart... ... ... ... . good catch BILL

 

[EShaw]

I read of two occasions where it happened while driving... ... It happened to me in my driveway..... My dealer knew about the problem... ..... sucked the old stuff out and put synthetic in. Done... .

They kept it over night to check it again in the morning. No problems since.

Eric

 

[DBeeman]

I can verify the PS puking fluid when the engine isn't running. Before the Mighty Cummins powered Dodge I owned a Ford F150, when it the ignition control module died, I had a friend(6. 5 turbo diesel Chevy 3500) tow me home, mine had PS fluid everywhere, he is an auto mechanic and said it was normal for them to do that, when the engine wasn't running.



Dave

 

[GMcLean]

Don`t worry about putting the synthetic in and having DC void your warrenty Rich, I work for them and since they discontinued the Cold Climate p/s fluid, they said to use their ATF4 in place of, when you live in a colder climate where you can experience the fluid "thickening" and blowing the fluid out the top. Give`r. .

Garth

 

[RichB59]

I reported this problem

to NHTSA in Washington DC on the auto safety hotline. I thought it would be a good idea if someone got the ball rolling. I feel it is a very real safety problem.



RichB