I noticed a few weeks ago that my power steering was leaking on my 02 1500 ram in a couple of places, and I have replaced a couple of hose clamps and o-rings. The leaking has stopped as far as I know. I haven't noticed anymore atleast. The only strange thing that I have noticed in doing all of this is that the power steering reservoir seems to build up pressure while I drive it. I always thought that the tank had a vent in the cap. Is this pressure something I should be worried about and if there is a vent where is it? I have looked at my cap and haven't found anything. I don't have water in my fluid because its not frothy.

 

I have this same exact problem....a forceful blast of air is released each time I remove the cap, after hearing some noises from the PSP....anyone know whats going on??

 

I have this same exact problem....a forceful blast of air is released each time I remove the cap, after hearing some noises from the PSP....anyone know whats going on??

 

I just put a bottle of PS fluid in mine. No idea where it all went, but now you've got my attention. I'll have to go pick up so hose clamps. I can't imagine the pressure hurting anything though, long as it's not too much...

 

I'm not sure why the pressure builds up, but mine did that as well, even after they replaced the PS pump and the R&P. No biggie.

As to the loss of fluid, there are only a few places it can go. It can leak at the pump, the PS cooler, the hose connections or the R&P when the seals fail. The seals will fail when the R&P boots are torn and allow debris in and it wears out the seal (most common reason). Check all those places.

 

I just had to replace the powersteering pump in my truck i would put in a liter of oil and then it would be gone in 2 seconds. one of the seals in the pump went. not sure why though.

 

I just want to contribute to this thread, seeing as how I've had my truck in the shop 3 times for power steering problems.

First Problem: Went in because I noticed power steering fluid leaking all over my front stabilizer bar.
First Dealer Fix: They replaced power steering hoses and clamps.

Second Problem: Went in because my power steering completely died.
Second Dealer Fix: They replaced the power steering pump.

Third Problem: Went in because power steering died AGAIN.
Third Dealer Fix: They replaced the hoses, the pump, and the steering rack.


I was told by the service writer that power steering problems are quite common with these trucks. It may have something to do with the fact that I live in the cold cold north. All the problems mentioned above have taken place in the winter time. Gets to -40 here easy. Don't know exactly how much that has to do with it. Just thought I would mention.

I think that if you're having power steering problems, you should raise a little hell. Dealers by nature will take the quickest/easiest/cheapest way out of a problem. If replacing the hoses had kept the power steering working long enough for my warranty to expire, then I would have been back replacing the power steering pump, and power steering rack, with money out of my own pocket. Luckily it failed 3 times in a row... And was still covered by warranty. I just think it's bull**** they try to cheat everyone like that. And I had to be without my truck for several days.

While this is not what I would consider a major problem, it was still as hassle... I love my truck.