2003 250 7.3Liter Power Steering Problem

[Greenjt]

I walk outside today after returning from getting the water seperater valve replaced and the a/c compressor clutch replaced to find a puddle of powering steering fluid under the truck. History: for the last 2weeks I have "topped off" the power steering fluid around 4times (not seeing the leak), but hearing the whinning noise.

What are some common issue's(if any) with this truck and this problem. how can I tell if its a pump or a hose or a seal issue.

145000 and change on the mileage all highway.

As you can tell probly by the post, I am not that mechanically gifted..so be gentle.

[SuperCrutyPS]

Might have to crawl under to see where it's dripping from. A puddle - How long had it been sitting there? Whining...well...they're known for it.

I replaced my PS pump a couple of months ago and it came with a paper that warned this type of pump whines....And it does....but no worse than the old one.

[paulgl26]

check all lines especially the fittings it looks like a big leak and should be easy to find
some lines go to the hydro-boost(brakes use same pump)
if not is the pump

[Greenjt]

sitting there 2hours max...The PS didnt start whinning until the last 2 weeks when I had to keep "topping off" the fluid.

[paulgl26]

you have to find where is leaking from
it can be a line or the pump

[Greenjt]

Thanks. Where could I find information(step/by/step) on fixing the problem if its more involved than just a line? Where can I find a diagram of the pump and other affected items? ...

..Or just look for the leak then worry about the above info.

[icysmooth]

Originally Posted by Greenjt

Thanks. Where could I find information(step/by/step) on fixing the problem if its more involved than just a line? Where can I find a diagram of the pump and other affected items? ...

..Or just look for the leak then worry about the above info.

Well,you already know where your pump is since you've been topping of the fluid,now just trace the lines off of it and check for signs of oil anywhere.
If oil is many places,start with spraying everything down with simple green to get all cleaned up,and spray down good!Let dry completely and start from scratch with someone turning the wheel while truck is running,if all is dry-the leak should show up for you.
Hope this helps!

[Greenjt]

Thanks!!

[paulgl26]

a couple of cans of brake cleaner work fast

[Greenjt]

appears to be the pump. So I am researching it online and need input. The PS pump is sold with a reservior and without. Do I need to be it with the reservior or am I able to use the current reservior??

I have not removed anything yet just cleaned it up and searched for the leak.