Power Steering Fluid Leak

[TylerFT]

My dad has a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 with 230k miles on it and the power steering fluid is leaking. The leak is coming from the tie rod boot on the passenger side.

I assume this would mean replacement of the power steering rack is necessary but he's planning on getting a new truck soon and doesn't want to sink a lot more money into this one. How much would it usually cost to have this fixed?

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[Buckeyes]

I think I have a similar problem starting to show itself. I think what from what I've seen it could be anywhere from $600-900. Maybe someone who's had it done could tell you exactly.

 

[SYKRAMMAN]

Do it yourself, it's pretty simple and the rack is around 200$.

 

[TylerFT]

I think I have a similar problem starting to show itself. I think what from what I've seen it could be anywhere from $600-900. Maybe someone who's had it done could tell you exactly.

Thanks for the input. I'm afraid having it done at a shop would push the cost into these range.

Do it yourself, it's pretty simple and the rack is around 200$.

Looks like RockAuto has some reman units for $130 plus a $100 core. How difficult is it to get the rack out of a 4x4 truck?

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[chrisp2493]

I paid about $170 at autozone for a reman rack on my 03. It’s actually an easy swap, there are two big bolts holding it to the frame, and a few lines and clips to remove. My reman unit has been fine for about 6 months so far.

 

[TylerFT]

I paid about $170 at autozone for a reman rack on my 03. It’s actually an easy swap, there are two big bolts holding it to the frame, and a few lines and clips to remove. My reman unit has been fine for about 6 months so far.

Sweet! Looks like my local AutoZone carries it for $190 and new outer tie rods $22 each. Maybe I'll get a bit dirty this coming weekend.

 

[TylerFT]

Do it yourself, it's pretty simple and the rack is around 200$.

I paid about $170 at autozone for a reman rack on my 03. It’s actually an easy swap, there are two big bolts holding it to the frame, and a few lines and clips to remove. My reman unit has been fine for about 6 months so far.

Looks like ATF+4 should be used. Does anyone know what the capacity of the system is?

 

[xtremewlr]

Looks like ATF+4 should be used. Does anyone know what the capacity of the system is?

3 to 4 quarts from what I am finding for your 2010. ATF+4 is correct.

 

[TylerFT]

3 to 4 quarts from what I am finding for your 2010. ATF+4 is correct.

Thanks! It's actually for my dad's 2003 but I'd assume it's pretty similar.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[xtremewlr]

Thanks! It's actually for my dad's 2003 but I'd assume it's pretty similar.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

Oh gotcha! Yeah, should be about the same.

 

[chrisp2493]

If you can’t find the exact number, just fill it up, start the truck, move the wheel back and forth a few times, then refill. It will take a couple times to get into the rack all the way. When your rack stops screaming and the reservoir stays steady, you’re full!

 

[TylerFT]

Thanks to everyone for the information. I got the parts and got them all in. Biggest issue was getting the hydraulic lines disconnected... Yeah I know, I need a metric wrench set. Anyway, I put a new rack in and got the outer tie rod ends on. I actually used less than 1 quart to refill the system. Next step, gotta get my father to actually take the truck in for an alignment as I'm no expert at that. Steering is nice and tight again. http://cloud.tapatalk.com/s/5a763b7d07637/VID_20180203_161024785~3.mp4

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[chrisp2493]

Good job man!

 

[Ramnewbie]

I'll preface this as I'm not a rock auto fan but to each his own. If you buy a part from rock auto and it has a core charge find out who is paying shipping charges on core return. I've had people approach me saying shipping charges were more than what the core was worth. I don't know for a fact that this was rock auto but something to check out before you order parts online that have a core charge.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk