Quick question, power steering was working fine on the old ’97 RAM, then literally making a turn, BAM, quit working. I’m thinking it’s most likely the pump, just find it odd, that there had not been ANY noises, whines, or indications that it was going out. I checked the fluid, it looks clean, has plenty in there.

Just curious, if there are any tests I can perform to make sure it’s the pump before pulling it (ok, going to make my 15 yo son who this will become pull it) and replacing it. Not sure if there is a line I can disconnect, try and turn see squirting fluid, etc…

Thanks,
AJ

 

You have to put a T in the pressure line and hook up a pressure gauge. Look in the DIY section, you can download a factory repair manual.

 

Mine did that too..... My problem was, the little shaft that actually drives the pump sheered off inside, so, everything *looked* right, but, when I pulled the belt off, the pulley basically fell out of the pump. Sure explained a lot.

Try driving it that way 50 miles, pulling a 12" Vermeer chipper..... that was fun..... NOT!

 

Is it driven by the serpentine or a separate belt? Check the belt.

 

Mine did the same thing couple months ago havnt had the chance to sit with it cause of a deployment let me know what the solution turns out to be

 

Yup, it was the pump, replaced the power steering pump with a 30% coupon from Advanced Auto coupon they had going on, showed the 15 year old how to replace it, and it's working like a champ now!

 

What brand pump did you get, Cardone? Any whining at all with the new pump?

 

Yeah, went with the Cardone from Advanced Auto Parts w/reservoir. The first day there was a little whine on start-up, but I think the lines were still flushing some bubbles out. Everything has been working super smooth and no noise at all anymore.