In this video I fix a customers 2018 Dodge Journey that has a power steering leak. It appears to be a defective hose down on the rack. It is an easy fix though.
-Enjoy!
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Another day another Chevrolet we're gonna walk past that. get in this little Dodge Oh not this dodge. another white Dodge this little Dodge over here guys going the wrong way. This one's got a bit of a wine, my pumpkin and uh, it's bleeding by that I mean has a power steering 2018 Dodge Durango not a Durango I Don't even know what this thing is.

Don't listen to me anymore. It's a Dodge something and it's leaking power steering fluid I Looked at it for the lady yesterday and I got the part today 77 000 and some change on the Odo it's a Dodge Journey I guess it would be. This thing is super bizarre because it will only leak when it's Stone Cold which is really weird. this down quite low on fluid now.

I'll show you why this is just a bad hose. It's a return hose here that comes off the rack and pinion. It's leaking right out of this crimp. but we had this thing in here when it was because she she brought it in because it was making the scrolling noise or whatever.

So we check it outside of power steering fluid. we fill it up obviously had to go somewheres and Josh and I look over this saying I mean front to back. you can see every inch of line that the cooler, the pump and this thing is literally bone dry. I mean there is nothing nowhere and uh she said it had been this way for a while I was like wow, my species running it low for a long time.

but yeah, of course we filled it up, took forever to bleed the air out and you know Josh took it out and drove it. drove it for, you know, five ten minutes, brought back in, put on the lifted bone. freaking dry. Uh.

the next day however, got cold, started up and it's just literally dumping out of this hose. So just the most bizarre thing ever. You know why it was sealed up when we looked at it and then you know, let it sit overnight and then all of a sudden, you know, bang, it's leaking I don't know, but it was pretty wild. all right.

you can see on the floor. she left the snail Trail all the way in. It's not like this thing's you know, a rusty piece of junk out there for an 18. it's pretty dang clean to be honest with you.

Um, but yeah, it's just leaking right here. and only when it's cold. So we're gonna take it off the rack. we're gonna unbolt it from these boats and then just a clamp there.

It's a piece of cake to do, but oh, it's not. Bring it along. Anyways, let's see, can we reach out? There's one. Bolt There's two bolts, two lines here, pressure line, return line, and they are on different clamps.

Okay, fantastic. And then we've got our clamp here. We'll undo it. Give that a wiggle, get some good push against here.

Let's bring a pee out of this a little bit. There it is. She's peeing a little and then we will use foot of the crow. We'll reach up in here.

actually. I'm gonna use a little longer extension. almost too long. we'll reach way up in on the rack and once we crack this loose, hopefully I shall slip right out of there.
There we go. now. we should be able to retrain up here. I got you where you can't see, but it's not overly difficult here.

Clearly, you have to use your imagination and there it is. So take that baby out. I'm curious. Can we just pull this thing apart now? Yeah, we can.

Yeah boy. almost. I Mean you can pull the whole top half of the hose out of that crimp? Oh, ain't that some stuff? I Can't believe it wasn't leaking worse than this. because yeah, you can almost pull that whole hose right out of there.

It doesn't make sense to me, but whatever. Maybe it was sitting just right when we initially draw better or something? Who knows. But if I didn't see it moment, two eyes I wouldn't believe. Oh gosh, because looking at the thing the next day, it was pretty obvious where the problem was.

Get my grippers to work so we'll get these ones to work. Put that in our safe pile, clamp back on there, Put that back in there. The lady didn't say how long she was driving it, growling like it, was, but hopefully if not too long, the pump did quiet down after a while. Let's grab the glove, leave that kind of loose, Then we'll get this one fished up around here where it needs to be bucket through the hole, through that hole that right down the factory specs.

Oops. We put this on the opposite of the way it was when it came off. We can't live with that. Can we flip around that? It makes it different but personal preference.

You know we don't want anybody to know that we were here. so now we can line this back up exactly where it was like so. and then we can reach back up here and finish this little guy off. Tighten that down.

We'll go for the foot of the crow. I Wonder why they picked a crow without any other bird species? You know, why? Can't it be the blue jay foot? the robin foot, or some kind of wormware? you know? Nope. Crawl. and I don't know.

Let's clean off our mess and we're done. Don't break clean action. This can. looks like she must have fell off.

the box at the top is a little messy. Oh, and she's spraying a few different wet directions here. Yeah for an alarm. All right, good enough.

Wait, we need to get a new lid for that one. Well, they're up here. Got some of the ETF plus four I don't have much in here. We'll probably have to go get some more.

Uh, well, depends on how much it pulls it down. Right now, it's right at the max line now. let me fire it up. I bet we're gonna need more.

Yep, we need just a little bit more. Let me go get us a little bit. The one thing I noticed folks is this hose here is just like a you know, plain old rubber hose. I don't know what you would call it EPDM Rubber What it is, but it's just.

you know, plain old plain old feels like a plain old rubber hose. and then when you look at the new one, there's both of these are OEM the new one is a woven like hydraulic typos. It's much stiffer. Yeah, heads up that woven coating here on the outside.
Not that they would ever admit and say it's all. probably. maybe there were some vendor issues things so it wasn't a supply chain. Factor At least we didn't talk about it out loud I Don't know.

So this way he's gonna be happy. Why don't you make me happy by heading to that comment section. Questions: Comments: empty Facebook You guys know what to do and just remember viewers. If I can do it, you can do it.

Thanks for watching. All right.

99 thoughts on “Dodge journey: power steering return hose leaking”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Yawwee Shalimar says:

    It just melts my heart when "" Luna "" comes by and meows – Hi Dad, Love you !!!!! and scurry's off. 😺😻😽 ❤ Can a repair video get any shorter than this one ??????? The coffee just stopped dripping into the pot and the video is done !!!!! 😭

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars William T. Musil says:

    Hiya Eric

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lynn Miller says:

    That was a tough one

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Victor Bellan says:

    Nice to see you get an easier one !

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paul Ravitsky says:

    Imagine the "yellow bellied sap sucker" foot….

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Glasgow says:

    Interesting video. I would assume that when the hydraulic fluid heats up , it is more likely to leak. It proves never assume. As far as the crow, historically it was a bad luck symbol. Example. Murder of crows. I guess a fastener hard to get to would be bad luck or frustrating to get to.

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Brian Thompson says:

    Good catch!!

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars louis roman says:

    Thanks for sharing.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Larry Reagan says:

    There's another one… fixed a few with the same problem but haven't seen one in a while, evidently it's a factory issue. I've not looked for a service bulletin but I'd say there may be one, especially since it's usually a locally stocked part and not "special order" aka a geographical oddity (three weeks from everywhere) great video as always!

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars An Angryoldman says:

    A buddy and I changed out the high pressure hose on a 2008 Infiniti G37 last weekend. It took 'a bit longer' than this repair…

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Alesky Finis says:

    Wow

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Wade Taylor says:

    👍

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Roger Chevelle says:

    Gotta love a Dodge. Thanks Eric O

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mavic Aerials says:

    There's no car like a MOPAR!

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Bragg says:

    Warbler may be too hard to say for some mechanics? Jus sayin.

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mark H. says:

    Eric: Talking in all manly-man voice about the Dodges
    Luna: Crosses Eric's path
    Eric: Voice changes to all friendly-like "Hi, Pumpkin".

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Flight Forensics says:

    Great. Another guy copying Rainman. The guy in Florida who can't keep a job.

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Steve Kelly says:

    Eric ! You should know better. " I can't believe that the hose comes out of the crimp that easy ". What do you expect Eric ? They contract this job to some no name company. They in-turn pay the worker $10/hr. as a temp to crimp hoses all day. and the next morning they ask "What happened to ___ ? He must have quit/ found a better job" and the cycle repeats itself tomorrow (and the next day) (and the next….) AND nobody cares because it's cheap and THAT'S what matters the most !! There's your free – Tip O' the Day

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Life After Life says:

    How 'bout an Eagle? An Eagles foot? 'Merica….

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars mnb lkjh says:

    It’s called Chinese parts

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars mnb lkjh says:

    I’ve heard of the term cold water leak I’m sure it can still apply to hydraulics

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars George Gonzalez says:

    My son’s car was leaking PS fluid. Quickly. From the high-pressure hose. From four punctures. Like somebody punctured it in the most accessible places. Very suspicious! The hose was one with the pipe to the steering rack but it was mostly inaccessible along the back side of the subframe. Had to custom bend a wrench to reach the bolts. Lots of cussing aimed at the unknown assailant.

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hayden Dwire says:

    Seeing your can of brake clean glad it wasn’t just us. We had a case that about half were messed up like that. Sometimes you could change the top, others it didn’t matter. Sure was annoying. We get Macs brand from napper, they don’t sponsor us either.

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mark Mattioli says:

    Hi Eric I’m from the uk and I’m really struggling to get my hands on the NOCO OTC 3633 mini scope on a rope 😂 I’ve checked your linked Amazon page but can’t find it on there either. Any ideas where I may get one from? Thanks mr o! All the best mark.

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David Hollfelder says:

    Pwr Steering return line hosed.
    I bought my first crow foot set to replace a pwr steering line, hmm .. not a mystery why.

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars S. J. says:

    That can't be a upstate N.Y. car – there's virtually not rust at all. Could be Dodge is making rust proof cars?

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars S C says:

    2018, less than 80k, quality is job none.

    Put crap parts on the car at the factory, charge more for the replacement "upgraded" part, and people pay two to three time more for their car. Exactly why I no longer buy "American".

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jimmy Mencer says:

    I'm the exact same way when it comes to any kind of hose. Got to put the clamp back exactly on the indentations that it left from before, or make sure the clamp is facing the same way on a new hose. Yep, you've got OCD just like me lol. That's a good thing when repairing something, you always make sure it's right. My dad calls me Mr. Perfect, I always say, " no dad, it's not perfect, it's correct. Thanks for the video. God bless the O. Family.

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ken DAVIS says:

    Much Nicer Replacement Hose. Good Job Chrysler….

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ken Gaydos says:

    Used to work in the wind industry. Had a couple hydraulic lines with bad crimps from factory. 260 bar (3770psi) found them quick…Lot messier inside closed hub area and brake clean was blacklisted…

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tsukki _ AMV says:

    I have no real comments or concerns. Just enjoy watching and learning.

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Nicholas Frediani says:

    Higher line pressure in the cold. Also could be related to some expansion or contraction of the materials from temp.

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Charles Schneiter says:

    Here in German speaking countries in Europe we call this tool a goat's foot 🤔😀

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Upallnight says:

    A decent truck parts store can install a new hose. and crimp for that line. Just an FYI.

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Stacy Dornan says:

    Blame the Canadian kid like all other

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Steve & Janet Bates says:

    EASY PEEASE !,, you probably wish every job went that well

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars George Bell says:

    👍

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars athhud says:

    Wow did they crimp it before the hose was shoved all of the way into the fitting or did something get hung on it while cruising down the road and yank it out? I’ve never seen a crimped hose fail like that…

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Todd Blumb says:

    I keep getting alerts or your videos and when I click on them I'm directed to another guys repair videos.just wanted to make you aware, Let me know if you want more details.

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Air says:

    Thanks for sharing

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DaBotGizmo says:

    The heat must cause it to expand and seal up.

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paul Linkins says:

    Why does that section need to be a hose in the first place? I understand that hoses are needed for flexibility in usage and/or installation, but that assembly connects to a hose (at the driver's side) and the assembly is fixed in place during operation. Every time a joint, crimp, or transition to a different material occurs there is an increased chance of failure. Couldn't that whole thing be one solid piece of metal?

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Albatross says:

    My 2006 GMC K2500 had a P/S leak that showed up on my garage floor. So I do what what you do and filled it and ran it looking for a leak. Nothin'. Next morning the floor is wet again. Repeat process, Nothin'. Came to realize that the input shaft seal was bad, but didn't leak while the truck was running and the box was under pressure. Had me scratchin my head for a couple days.

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars It's Just 2SXTs says:

    I'm still surprise they use hydraulic for power steering, I mean electric rack are as expensive as a whole hydraulic system is but less wait and less drag on engine… On my 14 charger it has the electro hydraulic system… why? they changed in 15 for electric rack. my old 04 malibu was already full electric, actually it was a manual rack, the electric motor was in the behind the steering wheel.

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars mimelio says:

    I hard from a couple other people that during COVID they had trouble with new appliances because of substituted parts during assembly

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars The Cuss says:

    Straightforward repair, but sad to have that happen on a relatively newer vehicle. Understand that few folks can fix this themselves these days, or want to. From comments it sounds like a faulty part. My guess is 1 hour labor plus cost of part.

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Roger Jones says:

    This is the first part replacement video that I actually believe I could do.

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars MBS says:

    Does driving without power steering fluid damage steering components? I mean, is the owner of the car probably going to have more issues with the steering system now?

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars K Kampy says:

    I can't believe that if the fluid was that low, she didn't have "Armstrong" power steering.

  50. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Timothy says:

    The heat from driving it expands the fitting so it will not leak until it cools and shrinks

  51. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars K Kampy says:

    It's a Journey to the parts store, or the poor house.

  52. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars uglysteve1 says:

    It surely doesn’t look much like the crow’s-feet around peoples’ eyes.😊Steve

  53. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeff Tepper says:

    Eric: Your power steering hose repair reminds me of a similar repair on my sister's Dodge Dart multiple decades ago. In her car the leak was at the junction of the rubber hose and the crimp fitting but the leak manifested itself as a fine stream that shot directly into the radiator fan. Needless to say the entire engine compartment looked like an animal was slaughtered there! Thanks for the memory Regards. Jeff

  54. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dan Hayes says:

    Very clean it will probably start rusting now you fixed the power steering leak lol

  55. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars fred martin says:

    Did you really fix anything, no scan tool, no probe light. No wiring diagram . Moving on up Eric. Great video.

  56. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Blovi8 says:

    It’s okay to have an easy job…thanks.

  57. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars mleindek says:

    Chevroley and Dodge, keeping mechanic shops open since forever.

  58. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars albert hall says:

    Why are those two hoses covered with the aluminium foil stuff?

  59. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Chris V says:

    sounds like a classic case of shrinkage "the pool was cold"

  60. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gary Angelstad says:

    We had a steam boiler that would only leak in the summer when it was off ( cold) dried right up jn the heating season

  61. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars bob Manzi77 says:

    great stuff thanks

  62. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Nik Mitchell says:

    those hard line to rubber crimps seem to be a terrible design – just made to fail? Ooof. Loved the crowfoot in action, btw!

  63. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars allenm00 says:

    I suppose a crow was good enough for a mechanic back in the day. 😂

  64. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Matt R says:

    My theory…. leaked when cold because the fluid was cold and the rubber hose shrunk. Drive it for 5-10 minutes and heat up that fluid, the rubber expanded just enough to seal it off.

  65. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sarge Freedom says:

    Makes it look easy

  66. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Victor Mendoza says:

    Was that the easiest power steering hose you"ve changed?

  67. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bart Goins says:

    Another great video. Thanks Eric.

  68. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gary Inman says:

    I had a cold only leak from an oil filter adapter on a 93 mercury, As soon as it git up to temp it stoped leaking, lost about a 1/8 of a quart of oil on every cold start but not a drop after warming up.

  69. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike Egan says:

    Nothing like a simple job.

  70. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Morrow says:

    Should be called the raptor claw. Sounds badass
    "Apprentice get me a 19mm raptor claw"😂

  71. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars JT Jones says:

    If I had been the tool guy naming my new socket type wrench fitting, I would probably have called it a "Hawks Foot" instead of a "Crows Foot", but maybe that's just me.

  72. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeff Winter says:

    A bunch of Dodges at a repair facility?! 🤔😂

  73. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Louise Brown says:

    It’s nice to get a easy one Eric enjoy the videos

  74. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Charlie Fox says:

    when the hose assembly got hot, it expanded and sealed off the leak?🦊

  75. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paul Vernon says:

    Just an fyi, some hoses are manufactured on a mandrel then wrapped with a Kevlar tape and then cured in an autoclave, this results in the finish of the tape being moulded into the outside of the rubber hose, so often what appears to be a weave in the hose is just an imprint. Sometimes fabric is used in the construction of the hose, but not always, depending on pressure, wear properties and if it's a vacuum or pressure hose.

  76. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars cwstout1 says:

    The crow is a very intelligent bird and can use it's foot to loosen nuts, hence crows foot.

  77. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Andrew Cunningham says:

    its because its a dodge

  78. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ben Capps says:

    THE RED BIRD WRENCH!!

  79. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars john whan says:

    You must love the quick jobs. Great job on that caddy motor by the way. Customer happy with the engine? You mentioned possible low compression.

  80. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jackie may says:

    if the ratchet slipped you may have a blue tit wrench (bruised)

  81. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David Smith says:

    All hail the mighty algorithm! May her ones and zeroes bestow copious attention and ad revenue upon you. Thanks for the videos. Always entertaining. Isn't another shooting video with Mrs O due soon? Stay safe out there.

  82. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bruce Schmidt says:

    Eagle hook 👍🏻

  83. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars thomas m. tordel jr. says:

    1 drop at a time

  84. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars bryan latimer-davies says:

    You use a crowsfoot wrench to fix your 4WD when it does not crow hop on lock

  85. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars MARTIN A1 says:

    The pipe had an internal flap hole. When hot or under pressure it pushed the flap closed….when cold and therefore no pressure the flap no longer sealed shut hence leak. 800/900 psi when in use and less when hot.

  86. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jonny rockets says:

    We like to see the easy ones as well. Keep them coming. Thanks a million

  87. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ice44567 says:

    It's not about the destination, it's about the Journey…to your wallet lmao

  88. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Charles Martell says:

    Parts made in china by a guy who makes 50 cents per hour, if that, what do you expect .

  89. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars K B says:

    Dodge: finding new ways to make their cars junk since the beginning of time (or at least since the early 1980s).

  90. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Adam Trombino says:

    Chrysler has several TSBs on p/s hose failures when cold. I wonder if this car falls under them..?

  91. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sean Slater says:

    I wonder which is more likey: they accidentally used the wrong style of hose to make the line OR they ran out of the correct hose so they used what they had.

  92. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tin601 says:

    So that's what's wrong with my Journey!

  93. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Posh panda says:

    when you hit an ice – block the lorries have left. Not a good place…

  94. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Midcoast Tractor Service says:

    Why can't it be a Robster craw?

  95. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Scott Hill says:

    Chicken Paw

  96. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jerry c says:

    👍

  97. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Bluejay Outpost says:

    Really bluejay foot would be ah good name 😎

  98. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hurricaneatp 1 says:

    The names of video sections 🤣🤣 killed me 🤣

  99. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars jocool562 says:

    W.U.W. soon??

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