Forum Index => The Garage => Topic started by: Charger440RT on January 23, 2009, 08:34:58
Title: A Quick Power Steering Leak Fix
Post by: Charger440RT on January 23, 2009, 08:34:58
Well, I thought I would share this info. My power steering fluid was leaking really bad out of my Dip, like have to refill it every 3 or 4 days. I took a few ounces of DOT brake fluid, mixed it in a quart with some tranny fluid (which I heard for years was the same as PS fluid) and put it in my PS unit. It hasn't leaked any fluid in 2 months and the steering works great, even the wet areas around the hoses and fender well have stayed dry as I've cleaned it a few months ago.
Anyone else ever try this?
Title: Re: A Quick Power Steering Leak Fix
Post by: Ark on January 23, 2009, 08:58:55
Sounds like it caused the seals in the power steering system to expand and seal the leak.
Title: Re: A Quick Power Steering Leak Fix
Post by: Mike on January 23, 2009, 12:22:12
Thats what it does. Its better to fix the problem right to begin with.
Title: Re: A Quick Power Steering Leak Fix
Post by: MrPhotographer06 on January 23, 2009, 12:58:41
i had a pretty hefty battle with PS fluid myself. and i just kept putting fluid into it about the same ammount you did.. then i finnaly just put a hose in. the pressure hose was a pretty easy fix. i've heard tranny fluid was bad for the PS system though
Title: Re: A Quick Power Steering Leak Fix
Post by: Charger440RT on January 23, 2009, 13:32:47
i had a pretty hefty battle with PS fluid myself. and i just kept putting fluid into it about the same ammount you did.. then i finnaly just put a hose in. the pressure hose was a pretty easy fix. i've heard tranny fluid was bad for the PS system though
It's just hydraulic fluid, unless you get the one's that have "special" additives, I've never had any problems using plain old tranny fluid.
I know it's not the best "fix" but it's not on high on my priority list right now, so it'll do, and it's not using anymore fluid currently.
When I get ready to work on the suspension, engine etc this spring I'll relplace the seals, for now it's fine. :thumb:
Title: Re: A Quick Power Steering Leak Fix
Post by: Zach on January 23, 2009, 13:56:16
I thought you were gonna say you put an egg in the power steering resovoir. Like people do with radiators.
Title: Re: A Quick Power Steering Leak Fix
Post by: Reggie on January 23, 2009, 14:58:08
What Ark and Mike said. Brake fluid is an old used car dealer trick that will temporarily stop the leak, but it will eventually cause the seals to fail - again. Chrysler recommended in their FSM to use ONLY power steering fluid in the PS unit. Transmission fluid is entirely different stuff with friction agents that are not good for a PS system. - RR
Title: Re: A Quick Power Steering Leak Fix
Post by: Nickdalzell on January 23, 2009, 16:34:05
what about fixing that annoying 'whine'? that's all that was 'wrong' with mine, i could put the belt back on if not for that lovesick doe noise...
Title: Re: A Quick Power Steering Leak Fix
Post by: MrPhotographer06 on January 23, 2009, 16:57:04
the pump is low on fluid.. and or you ran it low on fluid for a while .. and now its stuck that way
Title: Re: A Quick Power Steering Leak Fix
Post by: DobaMark on January 23, 2009, 17:21:11
They whine because: 1) The fluid is low 2) The fluid was low enough there is air in the system that (hopefully) works its way out 3) It's been ran low on fluid enough to damage the pump, or 4) It's just a bad pump.
Title: Re: A Quick Power Steering Leak Fix
Post by: Nickdalzell on January 24, 2009, 10:57:45
thanks, there's scads of saginaw PS Pumps in the yards that i could get easily.
Title: Re: A Quick Power Steering Leak Fix
Post by: Charger440RT on January 24, 2009, 13:47:33
what about fixing that annoying 'whine'? that's all that was 'wrong' with mine, i could put the belt back on if not for that lovesick doe noise...
When mine whines I just back hand it and tell it to quit whining and get back to work. :whak: :whist:
Title: Re: A Quick Power Steering Leak Fix
Post by: spike on January 25, 2009, 10:46:05
my dad put some brake fluid in the powersteering pump on his ramcharger cuz it would leak like a mofo, now its been goin for a few years without a problem
Title: Re: A Quick Power Steering Leak Fix
Post by: Nickdalzell on January 25, 2009, 12:05:41
Motor oil (10w40) solved the 'leak' in my red Fifth's pump, and since i remember that one not whining (it squeaked due to a bad pump mount which made the belt squeak when turning suddenly) at all, so i may try that in my other Fifth when i get a proper belt for it.