I have a "97 dually cummins 4X4SLT"and am having trouble with the power steering at low rpm's. Does this mean the pump needs to be replaced or is there another fix for this proplem? Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

 

Is it a hydroboost system? A 97 with hydroboost could very well have a fatigued pump. I love this site but,sometimes you'll read about guys who had a ps pump fail, or a ball jointthat had to be replaced,etc.One that had 180,000 miles on it....lol. If you end up having to replace your ps pump, let me suggest an AGR Performance "superpump". Higher pressures and more GPM flow rate. I added my own hydroboost, and then this AGR pump, and a new AGR superbox I steer gear.


When my original ps pump was in service,my steering would get firm when I stepped on the brake, or made a turn. Our pumps are rated for 1550 psi of operating pressure. The pump it'self doesn't really wear out. It's 2 inner seals, and the relief valve setup that wears out. It's a rotary vane, positive displacement pump.Pretty cool setup. Very efficient pump for what it has to do.

Oh well, I just ramble. You can remove the hp hose from your steer gear and direct the fluid into a catch basin to check that the pump is pumping at all. Get two guys and you can do a reservoir fluid change. You would need a gauge to check the pumps output pressure.

Good luck with your ride.