Power Steering Help!!!!

PlumCrazyDaytona · #1 02-19-2008, 09:42 PM

Dodge Techs HELP!! [/align][hr]

I need help diagnosing a power steering issue with my 02 Dodge Stratus Coupe. Base model with a 3.0 auto.
Here is the background.

We purchased the car new with 39 miles on it. The first winter we had a problem with the power stearing fluid puking out of the reservoir past the fill cap, not alot but a good amount. It was determined the seal on the cap was bad and it was replaced. A few weeks later same thing puking out the top of the reservoir. Took it in and they claimed we must have over filled it and that is why it is leaking. Well this has been going on now for 6 years and annual trips to the dealer.
So this winter I again took it in because the pump whine was getting louder then years past. The funny thing is when you look in the reservoir you can see the fluid bubbling, which I have brought to their attention thinking it should not have pressure in there unless the pump is bad.
So two weeks ago again the issue pops up under sub zero temps...
They flushed the rack and system and stated the fluid in the lower rack was burned and we must have had an air pocket in the pump causing the puking.
All is good for two weeks.

Now this morning I have a puddle under the car and add 1 pint to top it off.

Any idea on what needs to be done? I want this fixed as the car is no longer under warranty or extended warranty.

Current miles 76,000, warranty expired 1,000 miles ago but is a well documented issue.
Any suggestions to what needs to be done?
And again this only occurrs under sub zero temps, has the pressure in the reservoir under all temps but only pukes fluid in the winter.

On a side note the car has always been harder to turn left then right and you can hear the pump working (make noise) when turning left. Front end alignment is good, all suspension pieces good end links and tie rods replaced as well as cv joints which were replaced at 60,000 miles. After the flush and refill the hard turning was resolved for two weeks until this morning.

Any thoughts would be appreciated since I am giving it one last chance to be fixed, then I will replace the rack and pump myself.

Thanks[/align]

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PlumCrazyDaytona · #2 02-19-2008, 10:10 PM

Bump Anyone??

nate_0022 · #3 02-19-2008, 10:47 PM

I'm not the most knowledgeable person to ask but maybe a bad pump?

PlumCrazyDaytona · #4 02-19-2008, 11:15 PM

That is my thought as well, but no one at the dealer has offered a solution or reason to why this is occuring.

nate_0022 · #5 02-20-2008, 10:54 AM

Have you taken it to anyone else besides a dealer? I would almost try that and get a few opinions from others.

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PlumCrazyDaytona · #6 02-26-2008, 01:14 AM

I have had a few friends look at it and so far the conclusion has been the pump is going bad....So looks like once it warms up that will be my next project

hatsforgrim333 · #7 02-26-2008, 01:43 AM

yeah dude it def sounds like ur pump, im an assistant mechanic at a dealer and im pretty sure thats ur problem. If that doesnt fix it then i havent a clue.