Leaking power steering fluid

[daffodil]

Welllll, the Dodge Spirit is leaking power steering fluid really bad. I have to add it every day. I tried putting in the stuff with stop leak in it but it's not working. How much is it going to cost to fix this problem?

[DM]

Welllll, the Dodge Spirit is leaking power steering fluid really bad. I have to add it every day. I tried putting in the stuff with stop leak in it but it's not working. How much is it going to cost to fix this problem?


What are you putting in it? Power steering fluid??? If so, switch to ATF. (auto tranny fluid) Sometimes after it used a while, it will slow the leak or even stop it .

DM

[tufhelp]

Do you have a high school near by with an auto repair program - auto shop? If so, things like this are right up their alley and usually on the cost of the part(s). Might be worth checking out.

[AlchemyAcres]

Welllll, the Dodge Spirit is leaking power steering fluid really bad. I have to add it every day. I tried putting in the stuff with stop leak in it but it's not working. How much is it going to cost to fix this problem?

If it's leaking bad enough so that you need to add fluid daily, you're likely past the point where another fluid or quick-fix will work.

I've had this happen a couple times over the years.

The cost is going to depend upon the nature of the leak.

I had a Dodge Dakota several years ago that developed bad steering gear seals......the easiest and most inexpensive way to fix it was to just replace the steering gear......I bought one at the auto salvage yard for $100 and replaced it myself.....a $40 front end alignment was required and i was back in business. I'm guessing a shop would have charged $500-$600 to replace the steering gear.

Less than two months ago I had a power steering line on my Ford Ranger slowly develop a serious power steering leak, to the point where i needed to add fluid every day...the line had rusted through....Rangers, by the way, use ATF fluid for steering.

I ordered the line from Advanced Auto Parts for $27, which arrived the next morning and I changed it myself. I'm guessing that a shop would have charged $150-$200 to change the line.

Good luck!

~Martin

[daffodil]

I'm thinking maybe a horse would be much more reliable, cheaper and a whole lot nicer to look at:). Can I get some type of variance if I pretend to be Amish?

[DM]

My Dodge was leaking fluid bad enough so i had to add every other day or so... I tried different brands of fluid, and fluid with stop leak. Then, i got fed up with the higher cost of PS fluid, and put in ATF that i always have around anyway, and guess what? Yes, it pretty much sealed it's self up.

Yes it depends on where the leak is, nothing is going to seal up rusted lines, but my leak was from the lower seal in the steering box, and it did cause the seal to swell and reseal itself and that's why i suggested it...

DM

[Prairie]

I can't remember how hard it was to get to the lines on my old Spirit, but I know that the power steering on my Plymouth Breeze is so difficult that I have been driving armstrong for the past 6 months now. I am planning on changing the engine in the next year or two so I will change the rack, steering pump and lines then, as I'm sure they'll be shot ofter driving with no oil for so long.

[cinok]

What is leaking a line, if its a line then you need to fiqure out if its the pressure line or the return line. If its the return line its a lot cheaper and easier or is it the rack or pump.

[kberg]

Can you tell us more about the car year? engine? I have several of these FWD dodge's and they are great cars. You will have to see where the leak is coming from to get an idea of what the price will be. If you need a steering rack you can get a manual rack that would solve any future issues.

Ben

[Boris859]

I'm thinking maybe a horse would be much more reliable, cheaper and a whole lot nicer to look at:). Can I get some type of variance if I pretend to be Amish?

nothing beats a good Oatsmobile

[Prairie]

Can you tell us more about the car year? engine? I have several of these FWD dodge's and they are great cars. You will have to see where the leak is coming from to get an idea of what the price will be. If you need a steering rack you can get a manual rack that would solve any future issues.

Ben

I didn't know you could get a manual rack. I bet it would be a lot easier to drive than a power rack that doesn't work. I have several manual steering cars, a Mercedes and a VW, and they are very easy to drive compared to the Breeze.

[daffodil]

Can you tell us more about the car year? engine? I have several of these FWD dodge's and they are great cars. You will have to see where the leak is coming from to get an idea of what the price will be. If you need a steering rack you can get a manual rack that would solve any future issues.

Ben


It's a 94 Dodge Spirit V6. That's about all I know. Cars just aren't my thing. I think I should just be able to get in and it should go. I shouldn't have to do any kind of maintence:). When I was in my late teens, early 20's I didn't even know you had to put oil in them. Ruined that car...

[johnny]

Okay Daf--lets start with what you know--you know where to add fluid so thats the pump. From the back of it there are 2 lines or hoses that go down to the rack or the cooler but dont think those have one so probably down to under the motor and hook in to the rack and pinion assy or to the steering box one. The steering box is at the lower end of your steering shaft. Its on the drivers side and goes from the steering wheel all the way down by the bottom of the radiator. If you can feel the bottom of the gear box or see it then it should be dry--dirty perhaps but dry. If not then that may be your problem--leaking seal.

BUT--first try the transmission fluid instead of the power steering fluid--okay? This may take a couple fill ups to notice any change but a fairly cheap fix if it does it for you.

If you have a used book store around you then check them out for a used repair manual for your car. If not then a new one costs about 15-20 bucks at a auto store.
Keep us informed because the more the info given us then the better help we may be able to give--okay?

[johnny]

Is the reservoir a plastic one? Not to act like you are stupid but the res is where you add the fluid--okay? Thump it with your finger if you cant tell. Metal and plastic sound different.
If plastic then check it under and wherever you can feel--with engine cool preferred so you dont possibly get burned--and see if its wet. Many with the plastic ones will leak at the joint where they are connected to the pump. If not then follow the 2 lines or hoses out of the pump and most likely they will lead you to your leak. BTW--does it leak say just sitting over night or just when running?
If only when running and you cant see under it as they are fairly low then place a piece of cardboard under it and start it up and turn the wheels a bit. Then check the cardboard as it will probably give you an indication of where its leaking--or at least the general area.