Should i do a power steering pump at the same time i do a steering box?

[The motor guy]

This is my 1999 dodge ram 5.9 cummins. It has a vacuum pump, so not sure if that can leak power steering fluid too. Definitely seems like the steering box is leaking some. Shop wants $300 in labor to do the steering box plus $200 for the alignment. Never did ask about the power steering pump, but I wonder if should just change out the power steering pump and hoses too. Gonna let it sit overnight and see if I can see whats leaking. That steering box is like 30 pounds. With that being said, im not sure if can wrangle that thing up there and get the steering shaft splines lined up too. I dont know if that can be done after its bolted on or not. Be nice if I had a car buddy to help with some of these repairs

 

[Kira]

Be nice if I had a car buddy to help with some of these repairs

Yup.

 

[Lubener]

I don't see any reason to change the pump and hoses unless there is a problem with them. Also, if you were not experiencing uneven tire wear or pull, I don't see any reason for an alignment since those settings would be undisturbed. The worst case if installed incorrectly would be a crooked steering wheel It's not a big deal lining up the splines. It's actually difficult to misalign them.

Long ago, I changed the gearbox on my truck myself , never changed the pump or get an alignment but I did flush the system and put in fresh fluid. Pitman arm removal and getting that first mounting bolt started is the most difficult part of the job.

 

[ripcord]

If it's been leaking a lot for a while, chances are the fluid is pretty fresh and clean.

I wouldn't change the pump if it's working OK. With the quality of replacement parts these days, you may get longer service from the used original than a questionable aftermarket new one.

 

[The motor guy]

If it's been leaking a lot for a while, chances are the fluid is pretty fresh and clean.

I wouldn't change the pump if it's working OK. With the quality of replacement parts these days, you may get longer service from the used original than a questionable aftermarket new one.

Its leaking. I looked underneath the truck last night with a bright flash light. Yeah the fluid is clean as can be on this truck now. The fluid has gotten too low a few times so id rather replace it. With that being said, it might just be an oring on the reservoir. Thats where I see the drip is out the bottom of it

 

[rijndael]

I would lump them together, for replacement, if one of them grenaded and sent debris in to the system. Otherwise, probably not.

 

[ripcord]

Its leaking. I looked underneath the truck last night with a bright flash light. Yeah the fluid is clean as can be on this truck now. The fluid has gotten too low a few times so id rather replace it. With that being said, it might just be an oring on the reservoir. Thats where I see the drip is out the bottom of it

Sometimes it is just an o-ring on a fitting, too.

 

[2strokeNorthstar]

Whatever you do dont get a parts store reman pump. They are complete garbage.

 

[The motor guy]

Whatever you do dont get a parts store reman pump. They are complete garbage.

Its a borgensen 800328 high flow pump. Some say it's 3.5gpm and other sources say 4.5 . 1600psi