power steering leak?

scoobysnax · **Posted:** Mon May 12, 2008 3:47 pm

I noticed yesterday that I have a leak that is appearing on about 3 hoses on the lower right side of my engine (when looking at it from the front.) There are 4 hoses in that area and I you can easily see the fluid stains on the hoses but I can't determine what color the fluid is (dirty) or where it's really coming from. The hoses all seem to be connected to they power steering system. When you turn the wheel even a little bit those hoses will flex a bit. The reservoir for the power steering fluid is at it's normal level but I will continue to keep an eye on it, so far it's a very slow leak. Is it possible something else is leaking and blowing onto the hoses when the car is moving at speed?

Two of the hoses are rubbing together. I'm not sure how long they have been doing that but one of them has a pretty large flat spot on it from the friction of the rubbing. Oddly enough this is not where the leak is coming from (not wet there at all) but I will be sure to replace that hose and tie it off so it will not continue to rub.

I'm going to bring it to the dealer and see if this would be covered under the warranty, I have a feeling hoses are not. I don't really have a mechanic around me that I can trust so that's why I'm going to dealer (not that I can trust them either but it's a little better than no clue at all.) While I'm there I will have them try to fix the annoying rattle in the back that lots of people also complain about (with the rear seat latch or the lift glass hatch.)

Here's what I'm worried about. Almost 2 months ago I put on 245/70/16 tires which are slightly wider than the stock 235's. They are only 3 lbs heavier per tire but the extra width does create more friction. I know there are lots of other people on here that have gone much bigger than what I'm running - have you had any issues? Is this leak just dumb luck or could it be related to the tires? If I had the tow package with the aux power steering cooler would that help?
I think the answers are all no but I want to get your thoughts. Finally, anyone have any clue what sort of a bill I'm in for to fix this?

snowsport · **Joined:** Tue Oct 18, 2005 11:52 pm **Posts:** 1211

That high pressure hose has caused problems for a few of us. I had mine replaced under warranty a couple or three years ago. I'm not sure if you have any warranty left on your 04 but it's worth checking into it. Ask them if there was a TSB on that for 04...

scoobysnax · **Posted:** Mon May 12, 2008 8:45 pm

what's a TSB? :oops:

snowsport · **Joined:** Tue Oct 18, 2005 11:52 pm **Posts:** 1211

Technical Service Bulletin. chrysler sends these out to the dealerships so they are aware of problems that develop. there's a link somewhere of all the TSBs for KJs but dang if I can find it right now.....

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Mon May 12, 2008 10:00 pm

I noticed all of those hoses rubbing on each other awhile back. I went a head and put wire-loom around all of them since some of them were already getting places on them. Very bad design IMHO.

power steering leak?

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