Well just the other day I went down to my shop to fire up my truck and noticed a nice sized puddle of power steering fluid under the truck, about the size of a shop rag(wide as it is long). I checked it out and from what I can tell the pump it's self is going bad, the top portion of it is soaked and it is running down the two hoses, which is dripping all over the floor.

My question is. Is this a common issue with others? Especially with lifted trucks, would the added stress of the lift kit and bigger tires cause the pump to fail quicker then normal? My truck has 80k miles on it and the lift kit has only been on for about 20k miles.

The Blue truck in my sig w/ the lift kit and 37's had the same issue at 30k miles. But in that case a bearing or something internally failed within the pump and I could spin the steering wheel at a full lock and it would barley turn the wheels.

I have a appointment tommorow at the Dodge dealership, mabe it will be covered under my extended warranty.

 

No one has any input on this?

 

I don't know if its common, but I've had my lift on for 25k with no power steering probs.

 

I have only heard of a couple of pump problems. My guess it's related to the extra load from the 37s.

Pete

 

I bet its from the added stress/weight of the larger tires, and it probably doesnt help much if you have to turn alot on pavement thats rough, grabs the tires more and at stopped or really slow speeds and sharp turns, basically pushing the pump to the max while turning the wheels while stopped...
Like if youve ever driven a car without power steering, how its easier to turn the wheel while moving vs. stopped.

 

Well I just got back from the dealership. Apparently the power steering box it's self is fine but the two hoses leading to it are cracked and that's whats causing the leak. They are broken towards the top and the fluid is running down.

Also a leak was found on a tranny line. It's not dripping out, yet. But it is weeping.

I was quoted $200 for all 3 hoses and that included labor. Im going to see if I can't get the hoses from a local Bumper to Bumper and do it myself.