I have a 99 ram, 1500, 318, 2WD. For awhile now, I leaked power steering fluid. Not very fast, I just topped it off every 2 weeks or so. Well, lately it's been getting worse and worse, and now it's to the point where I have to fill it twice a day. I tried Bars leak power steering stop leak, but it's just leaking right out with the fluid, not helping at all. Basically, everything is wet with fluid, so it's hard to tell where it's coming from. Some is coming out between the reservoir and pump, but it looks like it's just seapage there. The real dripping is coming out from around the shaft that the pitman arm attaches to. The shaft that goes into the steering box. I know there is rebuild kits for $14 for the pump/reservoir, and I know you can get new pumps, or new pumps/reservoirs, but i don't know anything about the steering box. Any knowledge or pointers for me? I can't afford to put a quart a day into it, any help would be appreciated.

 

Im sure someone would know but Id recommend taking your truck to the power wash and getting all the fluid the fan is blowing around off.

Then sit there with it running and try to see the leak with a flashlight.


Thats all i can tell u sorry.


With a leak as big as you said it shouldnt take long to see it

 

the last 3 PS leaks i've had have been the hoses. check those 1st and replace them as necessary.

 

It's more likely the pitman arm seal on the bottom of the gear box. I had that problem w/my 99 ram that I use to have.

 

Thanks for the replies. If I had to pick, I would agree with the pitman arm seal reply. It seems to be dripping from right there. Plus, I had to replace the pitman arm itself about a month ago, and I had to very carefully put a slice in it to get it off, so all that grinding and cutting probably burned a hole, or nicked the seal. How hard was it to replace yours rcbandit? Can you do it with the steering box in, or did it half to come out? I'll bet the pitman arm has to come out..........And hopefully I don't have to cut this one off. Also, is the seal a regular autozone-type part? Thanks again.

 

My friend just had the same problem and had to tow it home. His was the seal right on that shaft that the pitman arm is attacted to.