Im having a problem with 2002 ram 1500 4x4. I let my brother barrow it the other weekend and he called and told me that he was having some steering problems...i got home and took it for a drive wasnt to serious at first but when you turn the wheel it makes a load whinning nose, then it would go away, not it does it all the time, i checked the power steering fluid...maybe a little low but nothing serious...maybe im wrong on that aspect couldnt seem to get a good reading on the stick so maybe it is really low. if this isnt the problem anyone have any more ideas??

 

i dont think this has anything to do with it but my CEL came on and it pulled at 1491 code something about an ac condersor or fan relay??doubt that has **** to do with it but maybe?

 

Low fluid is of course the prime culprit to check for but from what I have read and experienced there is always some "whine" in the PS pump.
I get the most whine..and to some point a dip in rpm when turning the wheel at a dead stop. Obiviously lots of resistance from the tires sitting in place although according to the Dodge manual the Powertrain Control Module and Idle Air Control motor work to keep this from happening.

I cant stand a noisy PS pump and have actually started to consider replacing the stock pump with something better....what that is I dont know as I have not started to look yet.

From the error code and what you are experiencing could your ac compressor or fan be dragging the engine down...bad pulley?

Also check the following:
1) bad belt - if belt is slipping could be underpowering everything hence loss of pressure and rpm (could generate those codes)
2) leaking high pressure hose, ps pump reservoir leak, return hose leak.
3) contaminated fluid
4) power steering pressure switch is bad.

Hope you find it - dont want to have any steering issue when you really need it!

 

well i checked the fluid again and the stick said it had plenty in it...but i went out on a limb splurged on the power steering fluid, yes the whole 2.35 haha
but it fixed the problem sitll have to deduce the CEL, but everything seems to be working fine so i not 100% woried about it

 

That started happening to me the other day and i put fluid in it and it stoped for like 2 days and it started doing it again i dont know what to do if any body could hep it would be great!

 

Check the clamps.

If you put fluid into it and it stopped, then you have a leak somewhere. Need to find it, or if under warranty, let the dealer take care of it.

 

YEA MAN I JUST NOTICED THAT IT HAS BEEN LEAKING OIL THREW THE RACK N PINION I PUT STOP LEAK IN IT TO SEE IF IT WORKS IF NOT IM GOING TO HAVE TO REPLACE IT!

 

Where on the R&P was it leaking from?

 

Threw th balljoints

 

Your R&P was leaking through the balljoints?[sm=yikesomg.gif]