I have a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. There is a loud ticking noise coming from the power steering pump. The ticking goes away when I'm turning the steering wheel in either direction. It also stops ticking when I turn the air conditioner off. I know its not the AC system because I've just about replaced the entire system including the AC compressor. I also did a test with a long screwdriver with my ear on one end while touching different parts and the power steering pump is where the loud ticking was coming from. Does anyone have any idea why the pump is ticking. Do I need to replace the pulley or the entire power steering pump.

 

Depends on what's ticking. If it stops with an additional load, (a/c coming on) it's hard tellin'. It might just be some dirt in the pulley, or a worn belt.