Question: I Have an Engine Oil Leak Near the Power Steering Pump

[bdaniel]

I have noticed an oil leak in the area of the power steering pump. It is not power steering fluid, it is engine oil.



It could be a leaking engine oil pan gasket, but I don't think so.



I checked my service manual and it indicates there is an oil feed to the pump. What would this be for? Lubrication, cooling ?



When it cools, I'll check all the fittings and bolts for tightness.



Has anyone had any trouble like this? Would this be covered by the engine warranty? Anyone have an idea what it might be if all the fittings are tight?



Thanks,

Bobby

 

[JTeague]

I would say that the vaccuum pump is leaking. They will usually leak in 1 of 3 places The oil feed line fitting, the seal in the end that connects to the p/s pump or the o-ring that seals the two halves of the vaccuum pump. Chrysler says the pump is a non-servicable unit and the pump lists for about a grand:--) Start your truck and slide underneath and look where the p/s pump and the vac pump join. Also look at the oil feed line/fitting and the seam where the vac. pump splits. If it is leaking at the seam it may look like the line is leaking so check it closely. Hope this helps.

 

[nunya]

I have the same problem!!!! Vacum pump leak..... fortunately I have the 5 yr. / 100,000 total wrap!!!!! 47,000 miles... ... gettin replaced next week.

 

[bdaniel]

Thanks for the info. I checked the oil line. It is tight.



I wiped everything clean so hopefully when I start it tomorrow I can determine where it is leaking.



Does anyone know if this is covered by the 100,000 mile engine warranty? Is this a common problem?



How hard is it to replace myself?



Also is there any danger of it failing suddenly and leaving me stranded. Or will it just get worse with time?



Thanks,

Bobby

 

[Puffin Smoke]

Ok im gonna try to explain this for ya. Im not sure what the thing is infront of the steering pump. I think it has to do with assisting the brakes. My books in the truck and im to lazy to go get it. This brake thing is connected to the engine. Then it has I think a shaft that goes to the pump. On that shaft is two oil seals one on the engine side to stop engine oil and one on the steering pump end to stop steer fluid from leaking. Both mine had to be replace before. The were leaking good. Take a good look at those.

 

[bdaniel]

It appears to be leaking behind where the oil line goes into the unit (behind being toward the rear of the truck).



Another poster said this is a non serviceable part. Does anyone else have an opinion? It seems strange that the unit can not be serviced with some O-rings.



Also those that have had trouble, was it covered by the engine warranty.



Thanks,

Bobby

 

[CPH]

Leak

It sounds like you have a leaky seal in the adapter between the vaccum pump and the power steering pump. You CAN replace the seal and o-ring. Just take it apart and remove the seal and o-ring no special tools are required. Take the seal and o ring to a supplier. They are not an uncomon size. It only cost me 32 bucks and that was with over night shipping.



CPH

 

[bdaniel]

Has anyone replaced the seals/o-rings and purchased them from Dodge?



I called up the local Dodge dealer and talked to the parts guy. His computer did not show replaceable seals or o-rings.



He has a gasket that is probably the gasket between the vacuum pump and the engine, but nothing else.



I am going to try another dealership or maybe talk to one of their tech guys.



Can anyone help me? If you have replaced these seals/o-rings, where did you get them?



Thanks,

Bobby

 

[F-15I Ra'am]

I had the same problem and it turned out to be the vacuum pump seal. It's covered under the 36000 mile warranty but not the 100000 mile engine warranty !Of course I already had over 36000 miles [right aound 50000] when it happened. The stealer only will replace the whole unit and wanted over $1000 for the pump alone and with labor it would have come out to around $1300 :--) !Fortunately I was able to obtain a seal from fellow TDR member John Strenkowski -- email address removed -- , Enterprise Engine also has them. Good luck!