Power steering pump going out?
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Registered User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 22
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From: Ohio
Power steering pump going out?
I believe the power steering pump is going out on my ram. Here's what its doing.
There's a pretty evident whining sound under the hood when turning the wheel especially when pulling in and out of parking spots and it gets pretty stiff to where you have to use 2 hands to turn it. Sometimes it feels like the power steering is completely gone if its hotter outside and iv been driving it for awhile and the opposite result the colder it is. Seems like when i first start the truck and drive it the power steering feels much better but as it comes up to operating temp it gets tougher and tougher.
Just wanted to make my 95% a solid 100% that it is in fact the pump before i buy a new one. All feedback appreciated.
There's a pretty evident whining sound under the hood when turning the wheel especially when pulling in and out of parking spots and it gets pretty stiff to where you have to use 2 hands to turn it. Sometimes it feels like the power steering is completely gone if its hotter outside and iv been driving it for awhile and the opposite result the colder it is. Seems like when i first start the truck and drive it the power steering feels much better but as it comes up to operating temp it gets tougher and tougher.
Just wanted to make my 95% a solid 100% that it is in fact the pump before i buy a new one. All feedback appreciated.
Record Breaker
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,040
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warring do NOT use solvent or other thin fluids to flush the pump under power. it will wipe out the pump. do use reg pump fluid to flush the pump under power. dont know what to say about turning by hand.
Champion
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,891
Likes: 8
From: NorCal
I'd just put the front end up on jack stands. Get a 2nd person to help.
Route the return hose to a bucket. Have helper turning the wheels lock to lock about 20 times. Add fluid as it is being evacuated to the bucket.
Turn off.
Hook return hose back up.
Fill the PS reservoir and keep top off.
Repeat the lock to lock work 2x, adding fluid. This will bleed the system of air. At the end, if it's still whining...then replace the PS pump.
This is just an option.
Otherwise, if original, then just go ahead and replace the PS pump and do the above lock to lock method for bleeding system. This also assumes the lines are good still, also check your PS cooler, if equipped.
Route the return hose to a bucket. Have helper turning the wheels lock to lock about 20 times. Add fluid as it is being evacuated to the bucket.
Turn off.
Hook return hose back up.
Fill the PS reservoir and keep top off.
Repeat the lock to lock work 2x, adding fluid. This will bleed the system of air. At the end, if it's still whining...then replace the PS pump.
This is just an option.
Otherwise, if original, then just go ahead and replace the PS pump and do the above lock to lock method for bleeding system. This also assumes the lines are good still, also check your PS cooler, if equipped.
Thread Starter
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Registered User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 22
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From: Ohio
I checked the fluid back in december when i got the truck and it was a bit low so i topped it off with some autozone stuff. Not sure if there's a certain type of power steering fluid that i was supposed to use but topping it off with fluid didnt seem to really do anything besides give me peace of mind.
Thread Starter
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Registered User
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 22
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From: Ohio
White, not sure if its the original pump or not bc i bought it used back in december but the truck only has 95k on the clock. It's a 98 with the 318 in it and im not sure about a cooler. The method your talking about seems like a good idea but i dont have ramps or a jack big enough to get the thing up in the air.
If in fact i do just replace the pump where do you recommend to get one? Local parts store? I believe i saw them on ebay going for around $50-60? Just want to do it right one time and fix it for good. Thanks again.
If in fact i do just replace the pump where do you recommend to get one? Local parts store? I believe i saw them on ebay going for around $50-60? Just want to do it right one time and fix it for good. Thanks again.
Champion
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,891
Likes: 8
From: NorCal
Do you have a floor jack and wood?
or
Do you have a dirt/gravel place?
I'd get one from Napa, only b/c that is where I got mine. You give them yours as a core. If you don't have the tool to remove the pulley on the pump, then just take to a local mechanic....it should be free to remove.
Go to the DIY/FAQ subforum here. Find the thread, 2 of them, that contain the Factory Service Manual and the Parts Manual.
A cooler, if you have one, will be sitting on the lower part of the front clip. Main cross member just in above/near the steering gear box. It's like a 1x2" finned thingy.
Now off you go!!
or
Do you have a dirt/gravel place?
I'd get one from Napa, only b/c that is where I got mine. You give them yours as a core. If you don't have the tool to remove the pulley on the pump, then just take to a local mechanic....it should be free to remove.
Go to the DIY/FAQ subforum here. Find the thread, 2 of them, that contain the Factory Service Manual and the Parts Manual.
A cooler, if you have one, will be sitting on the lower part of the front clip. Main cross member just in above/near the steering gear box. It's like a 1x2" finned thingy.
Now off you go!!
