My 2000 dakota's steering feels like I have no power steering. There is lots of fluid and no obvious sounds that would typically come from power steering problems. Could this be the power steering pump? any ideas?

 

It could be the rack and pinion itself. If it is not whining, that is what i would lean towards.

 

Try oiling the intermediate shaft ujoints with a penetrant, like PB Blaster. The ujoints get gummed up with grit and can make it feel like power steering has been lost.

 

on my truck.....

when i first start it up the steering works fine and no sounds....

but when its at a temp of 70 degrees or more outside and i drive more then 20 mins. or soo...it whines and screams like a lil bithc........and with my 20" rims its damn near impossible to turn the wheel at a dead stop......and ideas??

 

for arie:


CONDITION: DIFFICULT TO TURN WHEEL STICKS OR BINDS

POSSIBLE CAUSE / CORRECTION
1. Low fluid level. / 1. Fill to proper level.
2. Tire pressure. / 2. Adjust tire pressure.
3. Steering components (ball joints/tie rod ends). / 3 Inspect and repair as necessary.
4. Loose belt. / 4. Adjust or replace.
5. Low pump pressure. / 5. Pressure test and replace if necessary.
6. Column shaft coupler binding. / 6. Replace coupler.
7. Steering gear worn. / 7. Replace gear.

 

loud pedal:

CONDITION: OBJECTIONAL HISS OR WHISTLE

POSSIBLE CAUSES / CORRECTION
1. Steering intermediate shaft to dash panel seal. / 1. Check and repair seal at dash panel.
2. Noisy valve in power steering gear. / 2. Replace steering gear.

:CHIRP OR SQUEAL

1. Loose belt. / 1. Adjust or replace.

:WHINE OR GROWL
1. Low fluid level. / 1. Fill to proper level.
2. Pressure hose in contact with other components. / 2. Reposition hose.
3. Internal pump noise. / 3. Replace pump.

remember, as the temperature rises, metals expand and soften.