I have an 01 Ram 1500 4x4 Sport (5.2l) a few days ago a really loud whining sound started to come from the front. It starts as soon as i turn my truck on and gets worse when i drive. It sound like the whine from the power steering when your wheel is turned the whole way. Although it is alot louder, the sound never stops. It is quiet when im idleing and gets louder as i accelerate but when i turn it gets really loud. I havent had a chance to look under the hood yet but i will have time later today, i figured i would come on here first and see if someone could help me out with what it might be. Im assuming its something with the power steering but not sure. It has snowed alot here recently so ive been in 4wd alot, maybe that has something to do with it to? Thanks for the help.

 

Check and see if your power steering pump reservoir is empty. Sounds an awful lot like a failing pump though.

 

+1 on checking the power steering pump reservoir. i have never really know dodge to have loud power steering pumps unless they are low unlike fords which tend to be loud even if they are full.

 

thanks guys, will do

 

Check the belt and the tensioner too(make sure it has full travel. Remove the belt and check all the pulley's.

 

Im at school til the weekend so i wont have the tools to do that, but i checked the fluid levels and it was about bone dry, so im gonna fill that back up and go from there