On the side of the road. Power steering box is leaking oil pretty bad around the top aluminum cap on steering box. Thinking it may be cracked. Anyone experienced this on a 2006 ram 5.9. Worried the cap is going to blow apart before I make it home.

 

Very much doubt if it is cracked. Not sure about your particular model, but presuming that it is similar to mine, in all probability the O ring seal for the cap is leaking. Don't even think about trying to change that big seal because the Pitman shaft will probably need to come out too. Suggest that you drive it home and stop every now and then and top off the PS fluid. Be careful that you use the correct fluid. It is probably ATF4.

Time for a steering box upgrade or maybe a Red Head steering box.

 

Thanks unfortunately I didn't have any ATF left in my toolbox so had to use power steering fluid. Made it home though.

 

Once you get it all torn down, let us know what you found. Also let us know what you did to resolve the problem.

The steering box on my truck leaked badly, three steering boxes in a row. Now I have the Red Head box and so far not one drop of oil has leaked out.

 

hi
had a similar prob on my 98 12v .

it was a hair ine crack in the alu top cap .

got one of a jeep in j/y yes they were same !

5 years later and no leaks ?

 

If you have to replace your box I'd suggest going with a unit from Red-Head https://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/ Steering in WA.

I tried a rebuilt unit from my local Napa when the OE box decided to leak out a small hole in the casting. I replace the Napa box 5 effin times.... One of them, a tooth snapped internally when I had the wheel slightly turned and was slightly power braking to load after some tranny work. I hate these boxes.... Although, I can change one in about 30min!

If the one I have now goes, it'll be worth it to go Red Head...