Power Steering Pump Cap Leak
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 148
Likes: 1
Power Steering Pump Cap Leak
I have a 2003 7.3 with 219,000 miles. A shop replaced the ps pump with a reman unit about 3 years ago. The truck has been sitting in the driveway, undriven for about 3 days. Last night when I got home from work, driving a different car, I noticed a puddle of trans fluid on the ground next to the drivers side front tire. I removed the air filter and intake hose and discovered that the ps pump is leaking through the cap. The leak is definitely NOT from either of the hoses. I cleaned everything up and this morning discovered more fluid coming from the cap.
I've seen some posts on this site describing the cap as "puking" but I haven't found any fixes. I assume that there is some sort of check valve that has stuck open and forced the fluid out through the cap. Do I need to do a ps pump flush? The cap seems pretty loose, perhaps the o-ring is missing or worn out. I'll check it tonight. I'm afraid, though, that even if I replace the o-ring fluid will still leak out through the breather hole in the cap.
Thanks for any advice. - Brian
I've seen some posts on this site describing the cap as "puking" but I haven't found any fixes. I assume that there is some sort of check valve that has stuck open and forced the fluid out through the cap. Do I need to do a ps pump flush? The cap seems pretty loose, perhaps the o-ring is missing or worn out. I'll check it tonight. I'm afraid, though, that even if I replace the o-ring fluid will still leak out through the breather hole in the cap.
Thanks for any advice. - Brian
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 642
Likes: 0
From: Onlsow, NC
Only time i have ever had trouble with the cap on my ps pump leaking was if it was over filled. and it would just about blow the cap off and puke the fluid out. I've never had a o-ring on my cap and it doesn't usually leak. maybe the fluid has broken down and is starting to foam?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
The cap isn't designed to seal the fluid in the reservoir. It actually has a hole in it to vent. If it's puking fluid, there's a pressure problem somewhere or it's way too full.
A new cap won't fix the issue. How does it feel while steering? Can you make it puke fluid by pumping the brakes, or only when turning the wheel? All the time when you turn the wheel or only when there's a lot of resistance like when sitting still?
A new cap won't fix the issue. How does it feel while steering? Can you make it puke fluid by pumping the brakes, or only when turning the wheel? All the time when you turn the wheel or only when there's a lot of resistance like when sitting still?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,738
Likes: 15
From: Temperance, MI
You pulled in from work looked at your truck while in a different vehicle and noticed it's leaking. The truck hasn't been driven in three years and I assume wasn't driven at all that day.
So the question is why would an undriven truck start leaking at the power steering pump if it's only sat?... There's more to this story then what you're leading on.
So the question is why would an undriven truck start leaking at the power steering pump if it's only sat?... There's more to this story then what you're leading on.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,738
Likes: 15
From: Temperance, MI
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,667
Likes: 5
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 148
Likes: 1
Picked up a new cap last night at Autozone. It definitely fits better than the original, but as f350-6 notes both caps have a vent hole that could "puke" a little fluid.
During the 3 days the truck sat in the driveway the engine wasn't started, the wheels weren't turned and the brakes weren't applied, at least not to my knowledge.
I'm starting to suspect that the garage that replaced the pump didn't know to use trans fluid instead of steering fluid. I'm going to flush the system with synthetic Mercon V this weekend and see if the problem goes away.
When I removed the cold air pipe to the intercooler, it was covered in old, caked-on oil, which leads me to believe that the pump has been leaking for a while.
During the 3 days the truck sat in the driveway the engine wasn't started, the wheels weren't turned and the brakes weren't applied, at least not to my knowledge.
I'm starting to suspect that the garage that replaced the pump didn't know to use trans fluid instead of steering fluid. I'm going to flush the system with synthetic Mercon V this weekend and see if the problem goes away.
When I removed the cold air pipe to the intercooler, it was covered in old, caked-on oil, which leads me to believe that the pump has been leaking for a while.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 642
Likes: 0
From: Onlsow, NC
Maybe it just appears this way, but the way I'm reading all this it sounds like you are using leaking and puking interchangeably. When some one says the power steering pump puked, it will blow the cap off and spew fluid out similar to some one launching projectile vomit across a beer pong table. It doesn't shoot that far, but you get the idea.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post