Shop Dodge Power Steering Fluids

I have a 2004 Dodge Dakota, 6cyl, starting leaking power steering fluid, starting whining and checked fluid and it was very low, filled it up and a few days later it is low again....any suggestions on where to begin finding the problem? thanks.........

My first inspection would be where the power steering lines connect to the radiator. Metal lines are probably rusted out

Well, it would probably be a good idea to examine the car and find out where it's leaking from.

Vehicle: Dodge, Stratus, 4 cylinder, 2002.
Immediately after start up as I back up or start turning I have hard steering. As soon as I start driving there is no problem. I checked the power steering fluid and for leaks and found no problems. I read on the internet that someone that had similar problems corrected the problem simply by draining the power steering reservoir and refilling it with new steering fluid which included a conditioner. Is this a viable option or am I looking at having a mechanic look at the problem which surely will result in replacing the power steering unit or more.

Bob

No noises or bubbles and the problem is corrected with increased rpms. Before going to my mechanic I will drain and replace the power steering fluid to see if the problem is corrected. Bob

Belt is tight and grips well. Tire pressure OK. Replaced steering fluid with LUCAS "Power Steering Fluid with Conditioners" no improvement.

I just got my right front cv axle, my power steering fluid, and an alignment done. Next day I was turning left with speed and I hear a very loud humming sound. No obvious vibration per say. This only happens turning left at higher speeds, not going slow. I plan on talking to my mechanic on Tuesday about it but I don't want them to try charging me additionally unless its necessary. Any ideas? 2000 dodge neon at 95k miles. 4c 2.0.

my old neon did the same thing and it ended up being the wheel bearing, when they took it into the shop the tire literally fell right off with a knock of a hammer, (a pretty good knock but nonetheless, not good) have them check for play in the wheels

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I would get it back to the people that did the job. It's a bit suspicious. They may not have torqued the axle nut correctly and caused the bearing to come apart.

That would make perfect sense. Turning left would make the car lean to the right and transfer weight/load to the right side.

Hello car junky. I have recently replaced the power steering pump on my 97 dodge caravan 3.8 litre. All went fairly well and it all works well now but because i was far from internet access i was unable to ask if the way i did it was the easy good way. Is it normal to have to remove the bracket which held the pump in place because to remove this i had to remove the belt tensioner and to remove this I had to remove the alternater.all in all it wasnt too difficult but I wonder what simple knowledge I lacked to make the job easier still. Despite going well I must admit I busted my knuckles a record number of times. Thanks car junky no rush for an answer as it has been repaired and all goes well its just to satisfy my own curiosity. You guys are the best.

WARNING: power steering oil, engine components and the exhaust system may be extremely hot if engine has been running .

CAUTION: Do not start engine with any loose or disconnected hoses. Do not allow hoses to touch hot exhaust manifold or catalyst.

1. Remove the (-) negative battery cable from the battery and isolate cable.
2. Remove cap from power steering reservoir.
3. Using a siphon pump, remove as much power steering fluid as possible from the power steering fluid reservoir
4. Raise vehicle on jack stands or centered on a frame contact type hoist.
5. Disconnect the oxygen sensor wiring harness from the vehicle wiring harness. Access to connection at vehicle wiring harness is through the oxygen sensor wiring harness grommet in the floor pan of the vehicle.

1. Remove the catalytic converter from the exhaust manifold. Then remove all the exhaust system hangers/isolators from the brackets on the exhaust system.

1. Move the exhaust system as far rearward and to the left side of the vehicle as possible.

1. Raise the heat sleeve on the power steering hoses to expose the hose to steel tube connection. Remove the hose from the power steering fluid return line on the front suspension cradle. Allow the remaining power steering fluid to drain from the pump and fluid reservoir through the removed return hose.

1. Remove the accessory drive splash shield.

1. Remove the serpentine accessory drive belt from the engine. Refer to Engine.

1. Remove the power steering fluid supply hose coming from the remote fluid reservoir, from the fitting on the power steering pump. Drain off excess power steering fluid from hose.
2. Remove the power steering fluid pressure line from the power steering pump. Drain excess power steering fluid from tube.
3. Remove the power steering fluid return hose from the power steering pump. Drain excess power steering fluid from tube.

1. Remove the support bracket at the rear of the power steering pump attaching the pump to the rear of the engine.

1. Remove the 3 bolts mounting the power steering pump to the alternator/power steering pump and belt tensioner mounting bracket.
2. Remove the power steering pump from its mounting bracket.
3. The power steering pump is removed from the vehicle by pulling it out through the exhaust tunnel area in the floor pan of the vehicle.

I have a 1997 Dodge Neon that is making a very loud grinding noise when turning. This has been an ongoing problem for about 2 months now, but up until the last 4 days it was only very slight. Now this noise is very loud and only does it when the steering wheel is not perfectly straight. It is not as bad when I am on the highway at all. It seems to be coming mainly from the left side, but the right side also does it, just much less. I am unsure of what this could be. I have checked the power steering fluid and that was not it. My front brakes have also been changed around June, the slight sound existed before the brake change.

Possibly a wheel bearing?
Dan.