alright, i am new to this. i have a 1999 ram 1500 quad cab short bed sport, automatic with the 360. has about 82,000 miles. one thing is for sure, my powersteering pump or maybe just the pulley is bad. either way i am replacing the whole thing. my bigger problem, hopefully little, is that in cold weather starts it has this loud grinding, vibration in the floorboard, mostly between 1,500 and 2,000 rpm when in park, neutral or accelerating. once the engine is warm it is back to normal although at higher speeds, like 60-70 mph, i feel it slightly but not enough to really notice. i guess i just notice it because i know its there. a little paranoid i guess. in warmer weather, no problem. just wondering if anyone might have any suggestions, comments, complaints. anything just please help. i have a little know-how on fixing stuff, mostly just figuring it out and fixing it because i'm cheap and it never hurts to learn, so maybe some tips on where and how and i'm good to go.

 

How do you know the pump or pulley is going bad? Only cold... then it may be a lubrication issue at cold temps. Generally meaning something is worn or a seal has shrunk. You're gonna have to start hunting around to see where it is coming from.

 

I have been having the same issue in the mornings when I start my truck. Griding at startup, let it warm up, no issues, and no noises when the temps are above 30F outside. Hoping its not too serious, but it sounds as if it may be.

 

how about the harmonic balancer... was changing my oil and noticed oil in between the oil pan and the balancer. no oil spots in driveway though. the oil seems to be oozing not leaking. could this be my problem.. either way thats gotta be fixed too.

 

i can actually see the PS pulley wobbling. took belt off today and spun pulleys and the water pump had some drag and then would actually get stuck at certain spots. so that is one problem. for the harmonic balancer, i;m going to take it to NAPA and get it re-sleeved. started the truck for a brief little bit without the belt and had no noise whatsoever. sounded like a brand new truck so all of my problems are accesseries thank God!

Remanufactured Water pump is $40 and gasket is $2 at O'Reilly
PS Pulley is $16 at Advanced and Pump is $40 if needed.
not sure about the HB resleeving yet but shouldn't be too bad.

I have 2 good friends: one went to NADC and the other just has the know how so i think i'm going to be alright.