'98 Dakota 2wd, V-6 5-speed.....
I bought this truck a while back for a song, knowing that the power steering was weak. At idle it had next to nothing, but as soon as you revved it up it would feel fine. The fluid was overfilled by the previous owner (apparent effort to cure the problem) but it doesn't seem to leak.
A couple weeks ago I noticed it getting worse, then a few days ago I lost all power steering. Through all of this it has not been howling or whining noticeably. So, my big question is whether or not I need to worry about replacing both the pump AND the rack & pinion (recommended by a mechanic friend who has a bigger budget than I do), or is it most likely just the pump? Or, is it likely just the rack? My thought is that the pump is gone but I don't want to start throwing money at it.

Thanks!

 

Is the fluid red or black?

My pump sounded like a pig hung by it's tail for a couple months before it went all the way out. Changed it, no problems since.

I'm going to put an educated guess on the rack.

 

Start with a new pump.

First I recomend flushing the system with some seafoam trans tune it will clean out the rack and lines.

Flush before new pump

How to use http://www.seafoamsales.com/how-to-use-trans-tune.html
Before installing a new rack and pinion or power steering pump, most manufacturers require you to flush the system first. This process removes aluminum shavings and other contaminants in the old power steering fluid that could damage the new parts. Flushing with power steering fluid alone removes contaminants that are suspended in the fluid but leaves behind any contaminants that are trapped in old power steering fluid residue deposits.

 

magnethead may be correct but unless the pump looks new I think both may need replacing.

There is a sludge buildup in those lines like you can’t believe

 

Since one preludes the other, and the pump is cheaper of the two, might as well...

 

May as well start with the cheapest and easy fix first unless the pump looks new.

 

No, the pump does not look new by any means, and although the fluid level does not change as I originally posted, it is indeed wet on the outside. After buying ball joints & control arm bushings on this truck and our Suburban over the last week, and shocks and alignment on the Dak, my funds are running quite slim. REALLY hope it's not the rack.

 

link to info at rock auto on power steering http://cardone.com/English/club/members/customer/ecat_brands/imageinfo.asp?PARTNUM=96-7853