03 dakota qc awd 4.7 auto. Last night it came a snow storm here in nc so of course I had to go play. the truck did excellent in 8+ inches of snow however I was cutting donuts in a big empty lot and I heard a clicking noise from the front end. So I quit donuts and there was no power steering. Ever since my p/s is intermittent. Also check engine light is on saying bank 1 sensor 2 o2 sensor. Also at 1 point I did drive through a shallow wide stream so stuff could have gotten wet but the p/s pulley is dry..

 

You might have overheated, boiled, the p/s fluid and now have air in the system. Check the fluid level to make sure it is full. Then, jack the front of the truck and with the truck NOT running, turn the wheel lock to lock 20-40 times. If there is any air this will work it out. Again, you do not want the truck running for this. Make sure the reservoir stays full.

Then lower the truck, start it and let it idle for 2 minutes. Make sure it stays full again. Then check for proper operation.

Bank 1 sensor 2 is the drivers side downstream. Check for oil in the connector. It can come from a bad power steering pressure switch.

 

Ok thank you very much I'll try and do that after work.. Any idea what the clicking noise was. I was afraid it was the transfer case or axles since it's an awd but front wheels still have power to them

 

It might be a cv joint. Is it worse turning in a particular direction?

 

Not that I've noticed and I haven't heard it since

 

Just talked to someone who seems to think it's the rack and pinion. The pump usually hums when it's bad right? There's no noise coming from mine

 

Are you referring to the loss of the power steering or the click?

It's worth trying to "bleed" the system as I posted earlier. If that doesn't work then yes, you probably fried the rack.

 

I can't find it on here what kind of fluid did they use in 03?

 

ok so i did exactly what you asked to bleed the pump and nothing changed.. It seems to be very intermediate. when I start it up ps works fine then a few minutes later theres none. most of the time while im driving it seems to be fine also. then when i stop there's none what so ever. It doesn't favor one direction or the other and theres no slop at all in the steering therefore I don't think it is the rack.

Did you mean that the ps switch will throw an o2 code? Will a bad switch cause these issues?

I cant afford to start throwing parts at it therefore Any and all input is very appreciated..

 

Sounds like a slipping belt to me especially the on off working thing

Old belt or weak belt tensioner