My vacuum pump/power steering pump is leaking oil, it looks like it's comin from the vacuum pump or the adapter between the two. Dealer wants $1800 for a new pump, what are my options? Can I reseal or rebuild the vacuum pump?

Thanks

1998.5 2500 5spd,

 

Check out fixinrams.com, everything you could want to know, and yea, you can fix it for a fraction of what they quoted you.

 

I just did this repair a couple months ago and previous poster is right. Fixinrams has several options for you. Just a seal kit ($60ish)that comes with a nice little dvd and two seals or a complete front half of the pump that also comes with 2 new seals ($200ish)or the whole pump ($360ish). If you just go with a seal kit make sure and check the vanes inside for wear I think you can dress them up a bit if needed also make sure and check the drive tangs to make sure they are both still there. The job is not hard the only hard part is one bolt that is just tricky to get a wrench on but other than that fairly easy job. I opted to replace my power steering pump as well at the same time as I just didnt want to go back in there again anytime soon and I was having steering issues. I also replaced my steering gear box at the same time. I already had the gear box and figured it was time to put it in since I was going to be bleeding my system anyway with the pump install.

I also found as you did, that at least the shops I called wanted an outrageous amount for the job. One of them said they wouldnt do it unless I changed the power steering pump as well they wanted 12-1300 for the job. I already planned on changing the ps pump but 1200 seemed steep since the ps pump was 80ish from napa and the seal kit was 60ish and it took me a few hours to do that portion of the fix. I suspect having done it once now I could cut that time in half.

Steers better than new and no more oil leak on the driveway

 

This is an easy job. Almost a full 2 sets are included in the fixinrams kit. You may need the braided steel line that goes from the pump to the block. Mine was rusted so I cut it.

You may still end up with an oil leak between the block and pump. I'm considering RTV since the pump has been off twice for different reasons and I still have a leak. The previous leak of the seal between the gaskets is fine.

You can be cheap and research and figure out how to take the seals out. You can also buy fixinrams' kit & have access to Peter Gould's knowledge & support. Your choice.

 

Also, Cummins will sell you a kit for less than $20 that'll have all the seals, orings and gaskets. Mine had been off a couple of times and had grooves in it so I used RTV and no more leaks. The dealer is trying to break it off in you. Heck, you can get a reman for less than 400 from a reputable builder. I can't call his name but he's out of New Jersey I think.

 

Read TSB maybe of some help.

 

As previously posted, Cummins has an o-ring and seal kit to fix this for cheap.

Sad thing is, your local dealer also sells this kit, for a slightly higher price, but they won't admit there is such a thing. More profit in a new pump and installation labor.

It's a not a bad repair to do. It's more a space issue than anything else. Kind of tight down in there to pull the unit out but do able.

I've done a couple of trucks now, yet to date have not done my own which has been leaking for about 8 years now. Ah, procrastination at it's finest

Jeff

 

Genosgarage.com has the kit with seals, DVD and the tools needed for the install for $60.00 look under vacume pump seal kit.

 

i paid nine dollars from cummins

 

part # 4089742 under $10 buck from Cummins comes with instructions and
about 4 hours if you go slow and take your time

 

whatever you do pull the whole assembly from the block vacuum pump and all i tried doing it just the PS pump and i cracked the vacuum pump and had to spend 800 bucks for a new one well worth taking 10 extra minutes to pull the whole assembly just my .02

 

I agree with all above. took me about 3 hours taking time. fixrams is a great place to get parts. did mine 2 months ago. nice to fix that messy oil leak.

 

Thank you for the part number. I was just on the phone with Cummins and they couldn't find the seal kit. I had this thread open in front of me. Hung up, scrolled down two more posts and seen yours. $17 from Cummins, vs the $1800 Dodge wants for a new pump. Ha ha!

 

I see everyone saying this is not a bad job to change but I found it to be a real pain in the butt I wonder if the 4x4 suspension allows a little more room to access the pump compared to my 2x4?

 

mine is a 2x4 and was easy