power steering problem.. need advise
#1
power steering problem.. need advise
hey everbody im new to the forum here figured it be a good place to get some help. i have a 2000 ram off road and it gives little no no assist at idle. i broke the shaft of the previous power steering pump (by my own doing) so i replaced it with a remanufacured unit. the problem with the steering did not go away. im curious to whether the factory pump is just underpowered for my slighty larger tires 285 70 17 or my gear is going out. theres no signs of air in the lines or leaking. kinda stumped. any help would be awesome
#2
#3
How long ago did you replace the pump? Anytime a new or remanufactured pump is installed on a truck, it will typically experience some air in the steering lines. I recently installed a new Borgeson power steering box and it took several lock to lock turns of the steering wheel to get the air out of the lines and for the steering to work properly. As was stated, larger tires (285/70/17) are not an issue for the power steering on these trucks. I'm running 285/75/16s with no issues whatsoever..
#4
i replaced the pump in mid january, i left the cap off of the reservoir and bumped it back and forth up against the stops and have done so a few times since then so i dont think there is any air in the lines it isnt making any noise either. I used atf 1 in it, and i thought the same thing ik ppl running much larger tires than me and the have no problems. im thinking its gotta be the gear getting weak but idk.. id hate to put in a new gear and it turns out not to be the problem
#5
#6
Steering gear sounds like it's on its way out.
#7
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#8
Since I plan to keep my truck for the long haul, I picked up a Borgeson unit and have been very happy with it. If you are tight on a buck, pick up a used steering gearbox at a pick and pay junkyard - that's likely the most cost-effective option, since installation will require no modifications.
#9
It's advice not advise... I see way too many people get that wrong.
Don't overlook binding steering components like ball joints, tie rods, steering shaft coupler. Check for low tire pressure or a loose belt. And it couldn't hurt to flush the system and put in the recommended power steering fluid. And it's not impossible that your reman'd pump is bad out of the box or the gearbox is leaking internally, a pressure test will tell you whats going on. Ask your local auto parts store if you can rent one.
If you want a gearbox that will last you the longest go for borgeson or redhead. If you want one that has a decent chance of leaking but is a lot cheaper, go reman'd or junkyard.
Don't overlook binding steering components like ball joints, tie rods, steering shaft coupler. Check for low tire pressure or a loose belt. And it couldn't hurt to flush the system and put in the recommended power steering fluid. And it's not impossible that your reman'd pump is bad out of the box or the gearbox is leaking internally, a pressure test will tell you whats going on. Ask your local auto parts store if you can rent one.
If you want a gearbox that will last you the longest go for borgeson or redhead. If you want one that has a decent chance of leaking but is a lot cheaper, go reman'd or junkyard.
Last edited by Matt Nickerson; 05-29-2013 at 12:31 AM.