Hey everybody. I recently purchased a 2008 1500 mega cab. I purchased the vehicle with the condition that the power steering be fixed, so I'm not paying for repairs. The truck was sent to an OK Tire, as that's who has the contract for the used car dealer. I'll start by saying that the pump had failed (loud whine on startup/acceleration etc). After ordering 2 wrong aftermarket pumps, they opted for a factory dodge pump. After installing it, there is a growl coming from the steering, then a loud swish/hissing sound when turning in either direction. Initially they advised to drive it over the weekend to bleed the air out of the lines, however, after several days the noises remained. I returned it and they had the vehicle all day, advising that they purged all the lines, and bled the system, searched for leaks etc. But the sound remains. They said that the noise seems to be the loudest in the steering gear box. Is this likely? I Also just noticed that there is a tiny "dead" area at the top of the wheel. When I hold the steering wheel to the left or right I can feel a slight pulsing. I asked them to check the high pressure line to the pump for any blockages, and they tell me they've purged it and nothing came out. I can't operate this vehicle with this racket, please, does anybody have any idea what else it can be?

 

Video link::

http://i647.photobucket.com/albums/u...S/9bd6c123.mp4

 

If you send me the VIN I can check for any TSB's or recalls on this issue for you.

 

98,

I sent you a PM of the only recall that applied to your vehicle.

 

no idea what it could be off hand other than the pump. it takes only a few minutes or less to bleed the air out of the lines though. ive done mine several times and so has anyone else who did a body lift or cam swap and needed to pull out the radiator.

 

Me either, unless the new pump is faulty as well (I know it's been known to happen. Flow control valve perhaps?). They're going to be installing a new steering gear box on Monday. Is this a possible solution? There is a small amount of play at the top of the wheel, also the steering wheel doesn't always revert to the middle. There doesn't seem to be anything leaking out of the old gear box, but is it possible that it's taking in air from somewhere? I should also mention that there is a slight rattle underneath the front end. Unfortunately I'm not very mechanically inclined, but is it also possible that bad tie-rod/ball joint would cause the issue?

 

rattle could be anything. just gotta look at it more. with the steering wheel not always returning to center you have some suspension component issues. the rattle could be associated. take it by a shop that does work on front ends or alignments and let them check it out for free and tell you. then replace yourself as needed and take it back for the alignment

 

Sounds like fiasco I had way back when with my 03. First, if you replace either pump or rack and pinion the system must be thoroughly flushed. And after its been flushed, flush again. The smallest metal fragments with fudge the system. I found out hard way and my situation sounds just like yours. I ended up replacing pump and rack and pinion at same time. Solved issue!

 

Rack and pinion would have been my next guess. So we shall see how it goes with the gear box tomorrow. I'll update

 

Could the rattle be Fr