I have an 02 Caravan sport and it is leaking ps fluid in one of the hoses that appears to go into a finned box. It is located under the van on the driver side about 3 feet deep. I've attached a link to some photos I took.
Do I just replace a hose/line or is there a lot more to it? It looks like there is a pinch at either end of the hose that is leaking.
The fluid is coming down the hose and not from the finned area.

What's really strange is it only leaks when temperatures dip below zero. It was leaking last winter and then stopped all summer and now it is leaking again.

Also, there is no whining noise coming from the PS. I have to add new fluid every couple weeks.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39257969@N05/


Thank you in advance for your help.

 

That's the return line from the rack. It goes through the P.S. cooler (the finned radiator) and back to the reservoir. That's not a high pressure line (can tell because it has spring clamps and not compression fittings). So you can buy a replacement hose from Chrysler or you can get a section of oil compatible hose from the auto parts store. If it kinks when you try to make the bend, buy a Goodyear E-Z coil. That will let you bend the hose without kinking it.

The advantage of the springs clamps manufacturers use these days is that they expand and contract with temp changes. The stainless steel worm drive clamps don't and actually cut into the hose. But it sounds like your hose has hardened up and when it contracts in the cold, it loses it's seal.

To make sure the leak is coming from the hose, just spray the whole area with brake cleaner. Let it dry. Then sprinkle it with talcum power. The oil leak will leave a trail in the powder.

 

Thank you so much for your prompt reply to my issue. Will I need to bleed the line before disconnecting it?
Do you know if there are any online resources that can walk me through how to properly change the hose.
I'm not bad at working on cars, I just don't want to mess it up!

Thanks again.

Scott

 

I have same problem and i find fix it is wrong fluid don't put power steering fluid but ATF Reed u Manual i take my twice to dodge shop and every time when is cold that hose broke because they put wrong fluid so empty all of u fluid and feel up with ATF this is only for 2002 for other check u manual book

 

I had this on my 01, got the hose from NAPA and fought it for about two hours, just no room and it was about 20 degrees out. The cold hose just didn't want to go over the lip. I thought later if the hose was warm, it may of gone on easier.

 

I have had to do this at times in the past. Blow hot air onto end of the cold stiff hose (until it become more pliable) and the metal nipple with an electric paint stripper (looks like a HD hair drier). The heat softens the rubber. Use a little PS fluid on the hose and nipple for lube. Slide the clamp over the end of the hose before sliding the hose onto the nipple (learned this last part the hard way).