After replacing 22 year old PS hoses, my 2001 (build date 2/2000) 1500 2WD truck is still consuming power steering fluid. I suspect the steering gear is the culprit and not the pump.

Re-man NAPA pump $165-170 exchange. No idea what used, misused or abused one is from used parts emporium, but I'm fairly certain it would have more than the 120K miles on my vehicle.

Recommendations? Any tips or tricks to be aware of?

Joe Truckster

 

2/2000 should still be a 2000....... Changeover isn't until June, or July.

Does your truck have the power steering cooler? It was part of several different 'heavy duty' packages. They eventually rust out, and start leaking. Especially if you live in the rust belt.

 

It does not have a power steering cooler. SLT w/ customer preferred package 26G, 4-spd automatic transmission, 5.9L engine and 245/75R16 outline white letter tires are the listed options.

The VIN has 1 in the tenth digit spot, the window sticker has 2001, the build sheet has 2001, and the door jam sticker that has the 2/2000 build date says it meets all applicable FMVSS for the 2001 model year, and it was sold to the first buyer in September 2000. It was built in Mexico, so maybe they were accounting for the length of time needed to get it across the border.

 

7 months??? That seems like an awfully long time.

Wonder if the sticker has a misprint?? Who knows. It's Dodge.

Check where the pitman shaft comes out of the steering box, is it wet?

 

General Motors was/is known for having 18 month or longer model year runs.

Looks like it's leaking around where the steering shaft goes into the box. Drop headed for the ground while I was looking. Doesn't look like it's leaking at the pitman arm shaft, but there is so much oil around, it's a wonder it hasn't lubricated the brake rotors. Tie rod joints definitely well-oiled.

Neighbor used to be a mechanic were he previously lived, don't know if independent or worked at a dealership. He's coming by Saturday morning to take a look.

Blue Top steering boxes are twice the price of rebuilts at AutoZone/Advance/NAPA; half the price of new. Are they a good choice if I need another box?

 

Neighbor came by Saturday morning (in his 4th gen standard cab long bed). He ran his own shop, did mechanical, body, modifications and hot-rodding.

After poking and prodding and wiping oil, we went for a drive. The verdict was the reservoir was leaking but considering the age of the truck, I would be better off with another pump. He didn't detect any issues with the steering box, though the truck could use a front-end alignment. The various pivot points were well lubricated from the fluid leaks. That will be next week's job.

Overall, he said I have a good truck.

Then I started looking into the HVAC issues. That is another thread.

 

Glad you figured it out! Blue Top is good, so is PSC but they are pricey. Stay away from Redhead

 

Went to Advance Thursday, bought new Carquest branded made-in-china pump. Installed it today along with a fluid filter. No leaks. So far.

Old pump was leaking at bottom of reservoir where it mates to pump. The drive shaft seal was not leaking. Former Mechanic Neighbor loaned puller/installer tools, still a bitch to put pulley back on.

 

I pulled the pump, and bracket, together. Made working on it MUCH easier.....

 

I pulled the pump and bracket together because that's the way the shop manual said to do it. Problem was holding the shaft still while wrenching down on install tool. Finally set the two bolts on the back into holes on a WorkMate folding work table; that kept the pump still while using arc-joint pliers to hold the pulley.

No leaks! No belt squeal! Woo-hoo!