Joined: Thu Jul 08 2010, 10:24PM
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
Posts: 415
The trials and tribulations continue. Walked out last week to drive the car and when running there was this subtle sound I heard. Past experience tells me check the power steering fluid. Sure enough the pump is totally empty. Look under the car and there is all the fluid courtesy the pressure hose.
Of course, there is no direct replacement for my hose just a universal to supposedly fit the car. With the hump at the steering unit turning towards the exhaust manifold and the metal tube bumping into the front end of the exhaust manifold by the pump makes them useless. Luckily the guys at the part store knew of a fellow down the street who can duplicate your hose. Took it to him and for double a useless hose ($33 vs. $66) made me a perfect pressure hose.
Just managed to get it in 2 hours ago right before it started to pour rain. So no driving today except for running it in place to check fluid level. Running it also brought up the fact that the original exhaust system needs to be replaced. Now I need to ponder whether I stay with single or go for dual exhaust just in case of future changes to the engine. Also found that the rear brakes don't want to let the car backup after releasing the emergency brake.
Go with the dual exhaust - even if you never upgrade anything else, this will make a nice difference in your low-mid range torque and drivability. Needless to say, the sound will be a lot better too! <span class='smallblacktext'>[ Edited Sun Mar 20 2011, 08:59PM ]</span>
Joined: Sat Oct 16 2010, 09:56PM
Location: Brandon, MB
Posts: 364
Definitely,definitely go with the duals while you have the opportunity. You wont regret it. It's sure nice to know that there are people around who can make up parts like your power steering hose. <span class='smallblacktext'>[ Edited Mon Mar 21 2011, 02:59PM ]</span>
Joined: Thu Jul 08 2010, 10:24PM
Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
Posts: 415
Was leaning towards duals myself. Interesting, in that Mopar doesn't use a crossover between the two pipes like my dual exhaust Fords do. Looking under the car last night I can see that whoever did the exhaust before couldn't get the muffler level. The front pipe, as it pass under that front crossmember with the notch for it, is way too low. Looks like it is 4" below instead of 1.12" as per the manual. Anyway managed to get 2 new exhaust pipe insulation mounts for the right and left side by the shocks.