Alright, I have been here a while and never really encountered this. When i start the truck up, I hear a groaning sound then it does down. Then if I start to turn the steering wheel, there is a groaning.

It doesn't do this when my truck gets rolling for a few minutes.

NOTE: I hardly drive my truck since the weather is nice, I ride my HD. So this truck gets driven once or twice per week (only 54K miles).

I have an extended warranty, should i just bring it in? I would like to know what it could be. Because i would hate to have it diagnosed then come to find out that it "is not broke enough" for warranty work. ALso, diagnosis is the only thing i need to pay for.

NOTE 2: I had the power steering pump replaced 5K miles ago (Look at how shiny it is in the sig).

I am thinking this might be more of a "get out and drive her more" type of thing.

 

Did you check the power steering fluid level? Usually ps groaning is caused by low fluid

 

get a cheap turkey baster from walmart and one or two quarts of power steering fluid. suck the old fluid out of the reservoir and replace. note the old fluid's condition - clean, moderately dirty, nasty? drive it around the block. repeat 2 or 3 times until clean the fluid remains pretty clean.

 

Ok I will check the fluid. But Since the pump was replaced 5K ago, I would have thought that it was not necessary. However, that was a year ago.

 

ok, checked it:

Level: About 1/8 inch below the fill line
Condition: Brand new, clear amber.

I am doubtful that the fluid being a hair low is causing the problems, but I will go out and buy some more anyway.

has anyone ever heard of the pulley failing on a power steering pump? And how do you know the box is done.

 

If your power steering works the way you think it should (noise aside), then the pump is probably just fine.

Can you post a video so we can hear what its doing?

 

It is not very loud. Just sounds like the pump is working hard by means of more resistance at the pulley. I probably should have mentioned that the sound only happens when turning the wheel with the truck not moving.

Is it common for a power steering pump pulley to bind?

ALthough, maybe this is just NORMAL sounds from the power steering. Our rams really conduct engine compartment noise better than newer cars do. Maybe I am just paranoid. The steering is very good, no resistance or binding, very smooth. it is just a sound issue.

I am probably just being paranoid.

 

You are right. My 98 did that, and so does the 2000. If anything, it's the gear box getting worn.

 

I think so Cpt..... When you are turning while stopped, there IS a lot of stress on the pump, so, prolly what you are hearing is high pressure fluid going thru the flow control valve. Pretty normal. (just get a louder exhaust...... )

 

And just out of curiosity, what fluid are you using? Some people run ATF +4 in them.