I have a 2001 dakota(4wd 4.7 slt). I am the second owner and when I got it it had about 15000 miles on it. I used it as a service truck for about 125000 miles. It has about 160000 now. Awhile ago maybe 50000 it developed a tap. But it ran fine. My friend who is a mechanic said it is common for my truck and not to worry about it. The tap would go away after I changed the oil and would come back with in the next 100 miles. Eventually I was driving down the road and heard a noise. I pulled over and found the power steering cap to be off. I replaced it and got to the nearest store and topped it off. The steering eventually got worse and I decided to replace the pump. For the next few weeks I would suck out the fluid and replace it till the fluid seemed alright as far as smell and color(I realize it was a mistake). It turned fine for a bit and then got worse. To the point I could not drive it safely. I had another truck and it was not a priority to fix so I let it sit. On an occasion I would take it around the block just to make sure it still ran. I finally have a place I can work on it and would like to get it back on the road. In my opinion which means nothing I would say it needs another pump and a rack but am not sure if that is correct. How do I determine if this is correct or if it is something else. Would also like to hear any thoughts on the tap.

 

I would say it's lifter ticking and a rack...

 

does the lifter tick (i am assuming is what you men) go away after a few minutes? if it does than it is relatively normal (mine ticks for a couple min then goes away, and always has) and you shouldnt worry about it

 

It could be from a gummed up lifter spring. My 93 Dak used to do it occasionally on start ups and then eventually work its way out. I wouldnt neccessarily say its "normal", its not uncommon, but you get my drift. Try running some Rislone through a few oil change intervals. It'll clean all the gummed up varnish out and the tap shouldn't come back. As far as the steering goes, it sounds like a rack... good luck

 

The lifter ticking sounds right. It never goes away. How do I determine if I need a new pump as well, or should I replace both. My soul is invested in the truck but everyone has a price. If someone else fixes it I am looking at about $1500. It needs an inspection too. If I do it, it is obviously less than that to get it on the road. I would say by half. I have people who will help too. I just don't wanna spend more than I have too. Any opinions?

 

If you do it yourself make sure it's bled properly.