hey folks!
Here's the scenario, I have a 2003 quad cab Ram with the 4.7
I had the truck in 4wd high and was basically doing donuts in an open mud field. After about 1 min, I started smelling something burning.
I thought it was my tires but what had happened was, all the power steering fluid had drained out and this grinding sound and burning
was coming from that area.
I drove it for a little while and the power steering was GONE and the wheel was shaking occasionally.
I filled the power steering fluid back up and the steering is back but the wheel still shakes and makes a whiny sound when I make sharp turns.

Any ideas?

I'm hoping it just my alignment but I fear it's something more...

thanks
Patrick

 

How did all the fluid drain out, and then how were you able to fill it back up again and have it function properly? I could just about assure you if that pump ran dry, there is meatl filings throughout your ps system. Some particles are normal. Remove your ps pump and check the magnet.

The whiny sound could be a slew of things:

Damage to the steering gear
Stones and grit compacted in a caliper
Mud and stones packed up against axle seals

There's a ton of things it could be. I would thuroughly inspect the ps pump, hoses, and steering gear.

Good luck.

 

Thanks for that info.. gives me something to look at tonight.

The steering wheel does shake, and that's what worries me. Maybe I bent the steering column?

anyway, thanks again

 

Sounds like you burnt the pump and steering system up. You probably also bent the tie rod ends and maybe even the connecting links. Get under the front end and check them out.