Rack and pinion steering
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Amateur
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 33
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Rack and pinion steering
I noticed that I have a power steering leak - not sure if it the hose or the rack and pinion. Truck is a 2004 ram 1500 5.7L AWD
1) How can I find out where it is leaking from? (it could be a hose or the gasket on the rack and Pinion as the whole area down there is moist).
2) If it is the rack and pinion - and needs to be replaced - should I take it to the dealer or my local mechanic? (Advantages? - Disadvantages?)
1) How can I find out where it is leaking from? (it could be a hose or the gasket on the rack and Pinion as the whole area down there is moist).
2) If it is the rack and pinion - and needs to be replaced - should I take it to the dealer or my local mechanic? (Advantages? - Disadvantages?)
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 387
Likes: 0
From: Northern New Jersey
The hoses have been a problem on these early Gen 3 trucks. I had one replaced under warranty. Use the search tools and you will find many who have repaired the hose leak by replacing the clamps on the ends.
I do not know where you live, but here in the northeast, the power steering cooler rust through frequently. It took a black light to find the source as it was a slow drip, but with speed it made a mess. You have to clean everything up and then watch it.
Good luck.
I do not know where you live, but here in the northeast, the power steering cooler rust through frequently. It took a black light to find the source as it was a slow drip, but with speed it made a mess. You have to clean everything up and then watch it.
Good luck.
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 423
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
Clean the area really well with a foamy engine cleaner spray, then next drive you take it should be just a small spot where the leak starts. But like Wanderer said, usually they leak at the hoses that attach to the cooler. I put a couple of those screw on hose clamps on mine and it hasn't leaked since.
As a side note, if it is the rack and you need to get it replaced... (this is based on the many threads I have read on here) a reman rack is usually junk and doesn't last long at all. Also many complain that after the rack was replaced the pump goes out shortly afterwards. So if the rack needs replacing and you don't do it yourself, certainly go to a reputable shop that will warranty the work and ask them about the pump. Also if the rack is replaced it might be a good idea to have the power steering system flushed out (I think hot ATF4 fluid is the best to flush it with, no added chemicals) My theory is that when some of the bad racks were replaced and the lines were not flushed out, the debris from the bad rack contaminate and then damage the power steering pump. Like I said I'm not positive about that, but that's what I gathered from previous posts.
As a side note, if it is the rack and you need to get it replaced... (this is based on the many threads I have read on here) a reman rack is usually junk and doesn't last long at all. Also many complain that after the rack was replaced the pump goes out shortly afterwards. So if the rack needs replacing and you don't do it yourself, certainly go to a reputable shop that will warranty the work and ask them about the pump. Also if the rack is replaced it might be a good idea to have the power steering system flushed out (I think hot ATF4 fluid is the best to flush it with, no added chemicals) My theory is that when some of the bad racks were replaced and the lines were not flushed out, the debris from the bad rack contaminate and then damage the power steering pump. Like I said I'm not positive about that, but that's what I gathered from previous posts.
