1995 Dodge Neon Power Steering Bad Leak

1995 DODGE NEON
129,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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DJFRIKTION
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Ok I don't know much about cars however, I purchased my 95 Dodge Neon about 8 months ago. Just recently I noticed the power steering fluid has been leaking pretty badly. I fill it up and by time i drive to work which is only about 10 minutes away...the power steering fluid is drained and the wheel becomes real stiff....when I pull over to check under the hood there is smoke coming from that area. I get out of work and my power steering is empty. I had a family friend look at it...said there was no leak in the top hose.... what can the problem possibly be? Also can you give me a proper cost to fix something like this? I need my car to get to work and my funds are not too good being I am having hard like many others out there. what is the best solution?[img:8b3ac665c6]http://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/524235_mycar2_1.jpg[/img:8b3ac665c6]
May 4, 2010 at 9:41 PM
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BLUELIGHTNIN6
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well as far as the CHEAPEST solution, it would be to simply use a bypass drive belt and do without power steering for awhile..the most likely fault here is an internal failure of the power steering pump though, so the pump likely needs replaced. that would cost around $250 including labor and a brand new pump.
May 4, 2010 at 9:59 PM
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DJFRIKTION
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[quote:06b15fa00a="bluelightnin6"]well as far as the CHEAPEST solution, it would be to simply use a bypass drive belt and do without power steering for awhile..the most likely fault here is an internal failure of the power steering pump though, so the pump likely needs replaced. that would cost around $250 including labor and a brand new pump.[/quote:06b15fa00a]


Could it be possible that the rack & pinion be bad and have a leak? By the way the way thanks for replying :)
May 4, 2010 at 10:17 PM
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BLUELIGHTNIN6
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the rack could be leaking , yes but that would be easy to see as they leak externally, normally around the line connections.
May 4, 2010 at 10:21 PM