Is it normal for ps fluid reservoir to be under pressure after operation? I've had a small puddle of ps fluid under the truck every night and decided to change the rack and pinion. I check the ps fluid every other day when I get home and notice that there is some pressure in the reservoir when I take the cap off. Also, on the days that I check the fluid, and release the pressure, there is no leak the next morning. I've got the good clamps on the lines. I haven't been able to determine the source of the leak yet. Also checked threads and no discussion on this topic that I've found. thanks.

 

Possiable front seal on the pump its self

 

well you might just have some air that's in the lines escaping so it could be normal until it all bleeds out... so just keep checking it, my bet is it will go away in a week or so.... if not then start checking stuff out. but a little tiny bit of pressure isn't much to worry about...

 

When in doubt, get under the truck and see where it is really coming from. Then you can go about resolving it

 

+1!

I am still betting it's just some air in the lines making it's way back to the reservoir...

 

Check your hoses for the leak. The return line from the cooler to the rack is prone to leaking at both clamps. And the line from the pump to the rack is prone to leaking at these clams too. I have seen this on all 5 of the '02-'08 Rams that me and my friends/co-workers have.

Clean your power steering system really good. Wipe down all the hoses and everything else. Drive the truck around. Get back under and look for a drop of fluid. make sure to feel the lines to make sure the leak does not start higher than the point the fluid is seen. Remember: Fluid will travel to the lowest possible point before dripping off. So if you got a drip at the lowest point on a hose, it very well could be leaking from the top of the line.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I believe the leak is either from the return line or the front seal. I've had two clamps on this line (the factory clamp and a worm gear clamp) and have repositioned both and tightened them. I'm still wondering about the pressurized ps reservoir; seems odd to me but may be normal. No leaks when I release the pressure after driving.

 

It is a sealed system. Are you sure it's not pulling a little vacuum when cooling instead of pressurizing?

 

You're probably right about that sabin. It feels like the ps tank is pressurized but it could really be a vacuum. I'll continue to troubleshoot and let you know what I find out.

 

Similar issue with the leaks on the ps racks on my 03 4.7 and mother in laws 04 4.7. Checking this weekend.