I have an 03 5.7 4wd ram. Recently it developed a weird noise that has gotten progressively worse. When turning the steering wheel (left or right) it makes a whining noise. The noise only occurs when the wheels are in motion. Listening to the engine compartment it sounded like the power steering pump. The noise was much lower from under the truck so i doubt the was the rack and pinion. From this and from the fact that the PS pump fluid had gotten really low, I figured it was the pump. So, I replaced the pump, (yes I used ATF+4 and bled it well) but the noise hasnt changed at all. COuld it be the ujoint on the steering rod as it goes to the rack? Or maybe a balljoint or something? The truck is to damn loud for me to hear much of anything when it is running so I am hoping someone can give me a suggestion about what to replace next.

This s the problem with being a backyard mechanic, you save money only if you replace the right damn part first!

 

Sounds like a bad rack.. a bad rack can wreck a pump and vice versa. When I was buying mine, a test drove a silver one that was so loud people stared at you when you went to turn right.... To me it always sounds like its coming from the pump, even when its the rack. Bad valves, ect.

 

Why not have someone with you turn the wheels while you are under the hood and listen? That would help you decide if it is the pump or rack. If it does it only when moving then its something else

 

Having a similar problem w/ my '02 2wd 4.7. It seems to me like it is coming more from the suspension but not sure. Noise seems too mainly be on the driver’s side but when I jack the driver’s side front up the squeak goes away while working the wheel. Possible bushing gone bad is what I am thinking, since it does not squeak w/ no load on the suspension. The front bushing on the upper A arm does look like it is bulged or something.

 

It makes the noise when the wheels are off the ground and while on the ground no difference. I am beginning to think it sounds like the damn steering rack. Looks like a weekend under the truck!

 

i accidently turned to sharp and now it squeals really bad and on the way home the pump went bad, i was wondering if the ebay $160 racks are good or if there is a place to get a cheap one