I am about to replace the power steering pump, reservoir and rack & pinion on my truck. I am replacing because there is fluid in the boots of the rack and pinion and also because power steering fluid keeps coming out of the top of the reservoir. Why would the fluid come out of the reservoir like this? Also my other question is what would be the proper way to fill the system back up since I am removing the reservoir and the rack and pinion?

Forgot to add it is a 2003 Ram QCSB 1500 4x4 5.7L

 

Welcome to the site. I assume there is back pressure in the pump and pushing it out the top??? As for drain, replace and refill.....just fill it up, crank it and turn the wheels back and forth and refill until full.

Where are you buying your parts from?

 

Thanks for the reply. I wanted to make sure it was the same process as just refilling the pump since I am replacing the entire system basically.

I am buying the rack and pinion and the pump/reservoir from my local advance auto parts because I have some discount codes. I will make two purchases to get the best prices.

I am planning on looking on ebay also for replacement hub/wheel bearing assemblies. My driver side one is roaring.

If there is a better place to purchase these items let me know. Most places I have looked to not include the reservoir with the pump.

 

Ebay is about the cheapest I have seen for new replacements on the wheel bearings. If you got the coin then you may want to replace both as they both have the same mileage on them.

 

I purchased a pair off ebay new for 159 with free shipping. I then purchased a new power steering pump with reservoir and cap from advance auto parts with my discount codes and got it for 71.99. This is new and not a reman. I then purchased a reman rack and pinion with my discount codes for 140.00. I got 50.00 off the rack and 35.00 off the power steering pump. Thanks for the info weedahoe.

 

Always glad to help

 

I installed my new hub/bearings today. Also was able to remove the power steering pump and rack and pinion with not problems at all. I will put the new rack on in the morning and am still waiting on the new pump to arrive. I was able to remove the pulley from the pump with no problem but cant install it if the new pump is the same as the old pump. The shaft is not threaded so how do I install it? I dont want to beat it on with a mallet. Are they only press ons with a machine?

 

Yeah, as far as i know they are all pressed on

 

If the fluid is still coming out of the reservoir and all foamy, you still have air in the system or still getting air. I did an 06 Dakota reused the reservoir. The hole in the pump was bigger than the one in then old pump and was allowing air into the system. I removed the reservoir and added another O ring and that has fixed the problem so far. (6 months). To fill the system back up I did lots of turning. your pump will make a whining sound at first but and the air comes out its should quit. Be sure to turn the wheel the whole way to the left and right.

 

I have everything put back together and working. Have not went for an alignment yet but im not driving the truck either. The only problem i am having is now my steering wheel is not centered. With the wheels straight the steering wheel is turned to the right some. What should I do to fix this?