I went to take out my truck yesterday (04 ram 1500 5.7) and the power steering was making alot of noise. I went to look at the fluid leval and there was nothing in there (the truck only has 26,000 miles). My questions are why i would loose the fluid so fast? and do i need to use the dodge brand power steering fluid?

(There were no signs of any leaks)

thanks

 

It could be just leaking onto other components so you're not seeing much for signs on the ground. My first suggestion would be to replace the poor excuse for hose clamps they use to worm/ring gear type. It's what myself and a lot of others have done and it's solved the leak problem. I think you can use anything that's ATF+4 but someone should chime in and correct me if I'm wrong. It should say in your owners manual as well.

 

It could be a few different things, but the most likely explanation is a leaking hose. The fluid leaves the pump under high pressure through a heavy dutyhose, and returns to the pump under low pressure. Fill the pump with fluid and run the engine, checking for leaks in the hoses and hose connections. If it's really greasy and dirty around there it may help to clean it up with degreaser to help you see the leak.

I use Amsoil synthetic ATF for power steering fluid. It's expensive, but keeps everything quiet and well lubricated. I think you can use any ATF+4 as power steering fluid. There is no need to buy those little bottles labeled 'Power Steering Fluid,' they are a waste of money.

I have a 2000 Chrysler 300M with 99K miles on it. A year ago the power steering was making a groaning noise when the steering wheel was turned. I brought it into a shop thathas a BG power steering flushing machine. I gave them five quarts of the Amsoil ATF, they flushed out the system, and now it sounds like it should.