So I installed the fixinrams Peter Gould seal kit on my 97 the other day. Saw it dripping from where the vacuum pump meets the steering pump. Here's where I get stupid, apparently I can't tell oil from power steering fluid. Put it all back to together and after driving it saw the same "very clean" looking oil drip on the bottom. After looking closer I believe it's definitely power steering fluid and always was.

My question, I picked up a new power steering pump and plan on changing it. Can the leak be anything else or should a new pump definitely fix it.

Sidenote, called Peter Gould once during my installation. Called right back and answered al my questions. Great guy, and the kit was very easy to use.

 

Had the same gremlin in my 96 2500 that just did not want to stop. Did the same vac pump kit, new power steering pump. Turns out it was the oil pressure sending unit, still work but was cracked and leaking oil.

 

Thanks for the heads up, I'll check out the sending unit for a leak, though I'm pretty sure it's power steering fluid.

 

Dab some PS fluid on paper towel. Dab some dipstick oil on the other end of same towel. Compare outer ring to a dab in the center of the towel of your leaking fluid. THis is a good test to see what you are leaking.

It works with body fluids too!

 

Thanks for the tip, I'll definitely try that.

 

Update. I just changed the power steering pump. Now it's leaking definite oil from where the vacuum pump meets the steering pump. It's leaking worse than it was before I did anything. So I've changed the vacuum pump seals and have a new power steering pump, and it leaks oil.

I did take the whole thing out as an assembly and joined the new steering pump to the vacuum pump while it was out. I know I didn't pinch an oring because it didn't leak oil after I first changed the vacuum seals and put it back.

Could I have damaged a seal or something while joining the new power steering pump to the vacuum pump? It really felt like it went together fine, no fighting at all.

Thanks

 

I'd look for a groove worn in the shaft where the seal rides.
Only fix for that is a new shaft or a Speedi-Sleeve.

 

Thanks Infidel, I remember Pete Gould saying that also in his video.

I just pulled it out again and didn't see anything wrong with the seal of the steering pump. This time I greased up the steering pump shaft and the inside of the seal and put it back together. So far no leaks, I think I just maybe caught the lip of the seal when I put the steering pump back in dry last time.

It also did not leak any oil after the first time I changed the vacuum pump seals, so hopefully there isn't a groove in the shaft. I'll keep watching it and maybe I'll get lucky.

Thanks for the replies.