Hey everyone! I recently got my 2000 Dakota stuck in a huge mud puddle. It didn’t get in the engine but the wheels were almost covered in water. Luckily the only damage was that hay I now have a power steering leak at the place where the column connects to the axel. I can post photos later but I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions or ideas?

 

Replace the part that's leaking.

BTW - the column doesn't connect to the axle; it connects to the steering linkage. Seems to me that 2000 got rack and pinion for the 4WDs; if not, it's the last year for the recirc ball design.

But for even more info - why not post in the 2nd Gen Dakota forum, which is where your truck belongs? There are a few design changes from the end of the 1st Gen (1996) and the start of the 2nd Gen (1997).

RwP

 

Moved to correct section.

 

When is the last time you drained the rear diff? Now might be a good time. That much water might have gotten into the breather tube that sits on top of the diff and may have infiltrated your gear oil.