I have a 99 dodge 2500 cummins. I just had the engine replaced and only had it back about a week and noticed I still had leaks under my engine block. I took it back and they said it was power steering fluid coming from the seal. I thought power steering fluid would be more of a reddish color..but the fluid under the cab is more of a dark color/blackish looking. I don't know much about power steering so any help would be appreciated! I do have some play in my steering wheel and so far no noises when I turn the wheel. The mechanic that looked at it said the power steering resivor was almost empty. Of course they recommended that I replace the power steering pump, seal and the vacuum. I just dropped little over $7,000 on the engine swap so trying to make this as affordable as possible.

 

The fluid will fill up with particles from wear and become darker. Seals are cheap and easy to replace when you get the steering rack out.

Are you sure the play is in the rack itself?

 

There was a gasket that buttons up to the bell housing unit and vacuum pump that needed to be replaced. The dealership fixed it and the engine is running good now. I just got it back from the shop and when I was driving home I noticed that when I first push the gas pedal, it blows out black smoke but when I get to third, fourth, and fifth gear it blows out black smoke then it turns into a grey/white smoke? I'm no mechanic but isn't that usually a bad sign?