leak in rack and pinion assembly
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2006
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leak in rack and pinion assembly
I am the proud owner of a 2003 dodge ram and have found myself encountered with a little leak in my rack and pinion assembly. This "little" leak is going to cost BIG bucks to replace and I was wondering if anyone has had this problem and if there are any cheaper fixes. The estimate so far ends up to be around $1000...that I don't have...how big of a problem is a leak in the assembly?....my truck is my baby and want to keep it healthy but if I can do that without spending $1000 that would be even better so any info or suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated,
thanks!
thanks!
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2006
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RE: leak in rack and pinion assembly
Ahh, sorry man. I don't have a cheap remedy... This problem came up on my 02 ram but had it replaced no charge due to warranty. If you get it done have them look at your power steering pump 2 because they replaced that on my truck as well. You might be able to replace the seal but probably not... Id so dodge would have done that and not the whole rack. Sorry for the bad news dude!
Rookie
Joined: Jul 2006
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do it yourself.
a rack and pinion is not that hard to replace. if you have some automotive knowledge you should be able to do it in an hour or two. i cant imagine it costing more than $300 to replace. you will need an alignment after its all done. just make sure you mark the threads so you can get a rough alignment. just noticed it yesturday that mine has a small leak also, but its leaking out the compression fittings. so a crows foot wrench should fix it. tell us where the leak is and maybe you can fix it for fee.
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2006
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RE: do it yourself.
thanks for the info, but it sounds like I'm screwed...unfortunately I am not talented with hand tools....could this leak cause even bigger problems for my truck? what if I just add more fluid periodically?..and what happens if I run out of transmission fluid?...
Record Breaker
Joined: Feb 2005
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From:
RE: do it yourself.
ORIGINAL: Clifford
and what happens if I run out of transmission fluid?...
and what happens if I run out of transmission fluid?...
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Rookie
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 56
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RE: do it yourself.
you really should get it fixed as soon as possible. it can cause other more expensive problems. power steering fluid as with any oil will deteriorate rubber. bushings are made of rubber and control arm bushings are no fun to replace. plus all that fluid leaking is going to end up somewhere like all over the under side and on the back of the tailgate.
you will be able to tell where the oil is leaking from cause the area wll be shiny clean. all around it will be covered in gunk. if its leaking where the power stearing lines thread on, then buy a crows foot wrench and tighten it an 1/8 turn. if its leaking out either end of the rack and pinion then you should buy a refurbished one.
just dont buy crap like autozone. actually dont buy from anywhere that sells light up exhaust tips or shift *****.
you will be able to tell where the oil is leaking from cause the area wll be shiny clean. all around it will be covered in gunk. if its leaking where the power stearing lines thread on, then buy a crows foot wrench and tighten it an 1/8 turn. if its leaking out either end of the rack and pinion then you should buy a refurbished one.
just dont buy crap like autozone. actually dont buy from anywhere that sells light up exhaust tips or shift *****.
All Star
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 852
Likes: 4
From: EULESS TEXAS DFW
RE: do it yourself.
If your anywhere near the TX DFW area I can fix it for you for a fraction of what they are asking for... I just changed mine a week ago... I have a local shop do the alignment. You would need some air tools... at least they would help greatly... I could not imagine doing the job with out them.
SPEED SAFE, AIR RAM
SPEED SAFE, AIR RAM
All Star
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 852
Likes: 4
From: EULESS TEXAS DFW
RE: do it yourself.
ORIGINAL: crashedcdo
you really should get it fixed as soon as possible. it can cause other more expensive problems. power steering fluid as with any oil will deteriorate rubber. bushings are made of rubber and control arm bushings are no fun to replace. plus all that fluid leaking is going to end up somewhere like all over the under side and on the back of the tailgate.
you will be able to tell where the oil is leaking from cause the area wll be shiny clean. all around it will be covered in gunk. if its leaking where the power stearing lines thread on, then buy a crows foot wrench and tighten it an 1/8 turn. if its leaking out either end of the rack and pinion then you should buy a refurbished one.
just dont buy crap like autozone. actually dont buy from anywhere that sells light up exhaust tips or shift *****.
you really should get it fixed as soon as possible. it can cause other more expensive problems. power steering fluid as with any oil will deteriorate rubber. bushings are made of rubber and control arm bushings are no fun to replace. plus all that fluid leaking is going to end up somewhere like all over the under side and on the back of the tailgate.
you will be able to tell where the oil is leaking from cause the area wll be shiny clean. all around it will be covered in gunk. if its leaking where the power stearing lines thread on, then buy a crows foot wrench and tighten it an 1/8 turn. if its leaking out either end of the rack and pinion then you should buy a refurbished one.
just dont buy crap like autozone. actually dont buy from anywhere that sells light up exhaust tips or shift *****.
SPEED SAFE, AIR RAM