Power Steering Problem

From : john ahnen

Q: if this were my truck id buy two or three quarts of dexron ii atf. which works nicely in ps pumps. fill the reservoir up to the top and start the motor. run the steering wheels left and right all the way to the stops. fill reservoir again this time about two inches from the top. this will fill the system with fluid. look for leaks along the metal lines between the ps pump and the gear box. on my van earlier this year i had to replace the metal lines from the ps pump to the steering gear box. it was a miserable oily job. but it did get done and now the fluid doesnt leak. probably not damaged. but it sure is miserable trying to steer a ps system with no fluid. please suggest that he carry a quart of dexron ii transmission fluid in the truck from now forward. -- christopher a. young you cant shout down a troll. you have to starve them. .. my son has a 98 dodge dakota a base model. last night the power steering failed due to lost fluid. today we were unable to see a leak maybe due to the fact that there was very little fluid left in the reservior. he had to drive about 60 miles after experiencing the loss of fluid. will this extended operation cause irreparable damage to the ps pump we plan to fill it up tomorrow and find and repair the leak tomorrow. any suggestions would be appreciated. thanks john .

Replies:

From : john ahnen

hghg wrote i have a 1993 dakota p/u when hot within 10 minutes or so it will start to back fire and eventually dies and will not start till it cools off. i have changed exaust cathalytic converter & egr valve on recomendation of my mechanic but the problem still there. also when i close the hood sometimes it shuts off from the vibration. any idea or sugestion greatly appriciated. does it run smoothly before it begins to backfire does this come on all of a sudden -- ken .

From : stormin mormon

i have a 1993 dakota p/u when hot within 10 minutes or so it will start to back fire and eventually dies and will not start till it cools off. i have changed exaust cathalytic converter & egr valve on recomendation of my mechanic but the problem still there. also when i close the hood sometimes it shuts off from the vibration. any idea or sugestion greatly appriciated. .