Have 8000 miles on my '03 2500/HO CTD/4X4 QC and all of a sudden the power steering problems begin!!

First noticed a few drops of PS fluid on the garage floor... dealer service advisor indicates "pump seals are shot - a known problem. We will install an 'updated' pump".

Second occurance.. MUCH PS fluid on driveway pump growling when turning steering wheel moderately... Dealer response "it's the pump again we'll install another pump".

Third try and counting... PS pump is still leaking - plus, since installing the last pump, have noticed a disturbing vibration at all engine speeds - not a running gear or driveshaft, etc problem - vibrates at idle while truck is stationary - like maybe a pump alignment problem??? The dealer says NO - time to talk to different dealer service advisor.

Has anyone experienced problems with 'known', faulty power steering pumps??? I can understand the occurrance of a problem, but THREE in a row???
???

 

Knock on wood, I haven't had any problems with mine, but I've read about some failures on this and other message boards. I've also read about some people having power steering lines burst. Most owners had fairly low mileage trucks. It's amazing how puny the power steering pumps are on our trucks. I looked at mine and was surprised.

 

Mine went at about 10,000 miles. Never noticed a leak at first though, the steering would not center itself any more, had to steer it back manualy. Eventualy it did start leaking and growling. The dealer didn't mess around, they replaced the pump and sector all at one time, never a problem since.

 

I have 5100 miles on my truck. A little over a month ago, I noticed a few spots of 'oil' on the garage floor under the driver's side of the engine. I crawled under the truck, saw the crankcase breather tube, and assumed, from my '95 cummins, that that was the culprit. > Took it to the dealer; they said 'no', it was the power steering pump leaking. They replaced it, and no leaks since, but I've only put a hundred or so miles on it since, so I don't know if I will have problems again in the future. :- I think your right on the money; time to take it to someone else...

 

3 failures of a PS pump on the same truck? I would think the odds of having 3 brand new faulty PS pumps installed are slim to none.

Maybe the failed pump(s) is a symptom of another problem. I'd look for another dealer, and possibly the root cause for all those failures.

 

Yeah after all of those replacements, I would have them replace the pump, sector, and all associated plumbing. I'd also have them verify that they are bleeding the system properly. If the PS fluid foams due to improper bleeding, this will hand grenade the the pumps they are installing.

 

Since its been colder here lately :'( I have noticed just a small clunk when turning at slow speed or when parked.

I am definately keeping an eye on it and any possible leaks.

My George Foreman Grill has great steering.