Power Steering Issue?

**streetsmart** · 01-06-2009

Hey there everyone. I have an 04 Comp GTP that is my daily driver (about 600 miles a week.) It has about 62K on it, and since I have owned it I have noticed a very slow leak of reddish brown fluid building up and dripping off a line coming out of the radiator bottom. I have kept an eye on the tranny fluid (which always seems full and shifts well.) Recently, though, I get a very high pitched whine when I crank the wheel and punch it, especially when it's cold. I added fluid this weekend to the power steering pump and the noise became more quiet. Could this line up front (from the radiator) be tied to the power steering pump anyway, or maybe coming from a PS line and hitting this area? Any thoughts?

Thanks!

**SyntheticShield** · 01-06-2009

The power steering fluid is clear, so I doubt that fluid you are seeing is that. As well the GP has no power steering fluid cooler other than the lines themselves that are routed around in such a way that they get some air across them but its not a true cooler in that sense of the word.

The only lines going up front to the radiator that would have a reddish brown fluid would be the tranny cooler lines and if the fluid is reddish brown, it may be time for a fluid change as it should be a fairly bright red color.

Now if your power steering fluid is low then it will cause the high pitched whine you mentioned so filling it up some would improve that. I would double check the level as when they get low enough to cause a whine they can get air in them and as that works out it will lower the level some.

**streetsmart** · 01-06-2009

Cool thank you!

The tranny line looks dirty on the line because of the smudge around the bottom of the motor, I think. The fluid in the tranny looks nice and red when I check the dipstick though. I guess it is that line leaking from the tranny to the radiator. Do you think that is fixable myself? Or should it be done at a shop? I have a garage and the tools to do alot (I just changed the starter in my wife's HEMI Cherokee last weekend) so I am hoping I can do it. Of course, I need to try and find a guide or directions online!

Have a good one,

**SyntheticShield** · 01-06-2009

Is it leaking from the tranny line? If so, what part of the line is it leaking from?

**streetsmart** · 01-06-2009

I will have to take a closer look. I notice the build up on the bottom of the line up under the front of the motor (closer to the radiator.) I need to drive it up the ramps and look closer......I will let you know what I see.

Do you know of/recommend any GM user/repair manuals? Maybe there are some on ebay?

Thx

**streetsmart** · 01-09-2009

i took a look and sure enough its a tranny cooling line. there are two lines starting out of the radiator on the passenger side:

- one comes out of the middle of the radiator
- the second comes from the lower portion of the radiator

they both come out and are metal tubing and they come together and run parallel to the tranny. there both have a portion of rubber hosing and then turn back into metal hosing. the lower tubing is leaking from one end where it meets the rubber and metal. my questions are:

- can the rubber portion be replaced or do i need the whole new line (rubber AND metal)?
- how hard is this to do? has anyone done this?

thanks!

mike

**98SilvermistGTP** · 01-10-2009

You could probably get some rubber hose the same size at the parts store and just change the hose and put some new worm gear clamps on it. Inspect the metal part of the line and make sure it is not split or in a bind. I would imagine that whole line from the dealer would be very expensive.

**SyntheticShield** · 01-10-2009

You could probably contact Ed Morad (used parts dealer) or Trannyman95 (4T65E transmission builder) and see if either one have something for ya. Short of that, you will have to either buy a new line or repair the existing one.

I just got finished doing this on my wifes Jeep.

In order to do it correctly, you'll have to get some new transmission rubber line, I believe its 3/8" and get a piece long enough to cover the distance the existing rubber line stretches.

You'll also need a mini pipe cutter and a double flaring tubing tool. You'll have to cut out the existing rubber section, flare the ends of the hard lines (though not much or you wont get the new rubber line over the flaring) then install the new rubber line, clamp it down and you'll be good to go.

The flaring will keep the rubber line from working itself off. If you just cut the line and slip on the rubber line, even if you clamp it down, theres a chance the fluid pressure with either leak or force the rubber line off eventually and that would be disastrous.

And for Christs sake, dont forget to debur the inside of the hard lines when you cut them.

Now, if all of this seems like a lot, its really not, but if it seems that way your best bet would be to get in touch with Ed Morad, Trannyman95 or visit the dealership. Oh, and if your transmission fluid is brownish in color, its long overdue for a flush. Tranny fluid should be a bright reddish color.

If it were warmer here, I would go out and do a write up on how to do this, but no offense, its just too cold to go out and do anything like that. I might see if I can get some stuff cleaned up enough to bring it inside and do it that way, but no promises.

**streetsmart** · 01-12-2009

Thank you for the replies. That's funny your wifes Jeep is doing that as well. On Saturday I was under my wifes 05 Grand Cherokee, and sure enough, a similar line is leaking. I am going to try and just do what you said; it seems easier than buying a whole new line.....

The fluid is in fact red in the tranny; when it trails down the tube it mixes with smut on the runner hose, causing the darker color.....

Thanks again, and if you think of anything else please let me know!

Mike

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