[KATOOM]

Today I happen to notice this larger puddle of oil under the truck. Looking underneath it was coming from the PS pump and dripping at a rate of a drop every 30 seconds or so. But why...? The engine had been off for a day and no one was ever in the truck at any time doing anything like trying to turn the steering wheel or touching the brakes. Thinking a hose let go, I eventually came to the conclusion that for whatever reason the PS fluid level raised up high enough to spill out the top and make a mess...with the engine off no less. Yes, the fluid level was very high.

Then an hour later when I was parking the 5th wheel back in its spot I felt this weird bump in the brake pedal when pushing on the brakes quickly. Not every time but every couple times I pressed the pedal it would that weird feedback bump and the other times would be smooth pedal action. The only way I can describe how it felt was if the pedal was slightly hanging up on something giving this slight initial bump in the pedals movement.

Could both of these be related? The strange phenomenon of PS fluid deciding to climb up and out of the reservoir while the trucks sitting parked, and a brake pedal hiccup.

And just to clarify, the brakes work great and the steering feels fine with no noise...

 

[bigfish95971]

No way for extra fluid to get in there unless you put it there. It is probably low when running. So for some reason it must be draining out of the hydroboost. Why?? no clue. Check return line for cracks.
Maybe air leaking back in like the fuel system. If it was pressure side it would probably spray all over.

 

[KATOOM]

The fluid hasnt been touched in a year so whatever is in there was and has been in there. But your point about back draining is interesting... I'll have to check into that one.

 

[Massuh_Nate]

Is your hydroboost leaking? See if the frame rail is wet under the hydroboost

 

[KATOOM]

OK, so I got home from work and did some checking. I dont see any leaking from the hydroboost. Its not clean and the bottom of it is sort of oily but its been like that forever. Meaning, nothing new and excessive.

The pump is oily and again dripping. So obviously there's a leak somewhere allowing the fluid upstream to flow back down into the pump. Things are pretty oily and wet around the pump so its hard to distinguish where or what could be leaking in addition to whats spilling out the lid.

Then I checked pedal feel with the engine off. When I pressed on the pedal the movement had some chatter, not smooth. Even if I pumped the pedal a few times the chatter would remain.

Then I started the engine with my foot on the pedal and nothing happened. The pedal did not push back against my foot and if I held my foot pressure against it, the pedal would drop to the floor and I could hear a slight hiss. I didnt move the truck either, and just shut it down.

So all that said, I guess I'm looking at three options?
1) There's a leak in the system. Likely a hose or something I cant see.
2) The PS pump outlet is plugged up and not providing the hydroboost with adequate fluid pressure.
3) The hydroboost is toast.

Any suggestions before I start throwing parts at it?

 

[Junkman]

The ends of my return line were old and cracked. They leaked just enough to keep everything wet. Cut the ends off and reinstall.

 

[KATOOM]

The ends of my return line were old and cracked. They leaked just enough to keep everything wet. Cut the ends off and reinstall.

Great suggestion... I'm going to give that a try first. My only hope is the shudder I feel in the peddle is air in the system.

I may flush out the system again too just to be sure the screen filter isnt plugging up with debris. :thumbup: