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2nd Gen Ram Tech1994-2001 Rams: This section is for TECHNICAL discussions only, that involve the 1994 through 2001 Rams. For any non-tech discussions, please direct your attention to the "General discussion/NON-tech" sub sections.
After reading around, sounds like guys have a lot of problems with these reman pumps like you were saying ^ . I've been lucky with P/S pumps so far, I guess. I've not really heard of guys having issues with coolers either, but was curious if maybe someone had bypassed yours for some reason since you were under the impression that it was from overheating.
Sorry but I don't believe that about the coolers. Most trucks never came with one unless they had the packages Heyyou mentioned. And there have been thousands of these trucks running 35s without issue. I believe we are all suffering from crappy 'rebuilt' pumps that all the stores carry. Good thing I kept my original pump since I have never liked the Napa one I got. Getting a little bigger cooler is not going to help. These pumps are just like the new ones on 3rd and 4th gens and they come with 33s factory and turn like a dream.
I know the pumps like PS fluid which is supposed to be the same as ATF from what I've been told, but Redhead says ATF so damned if do, damned if don't.
My last 3 trucks now have all come factory with p/s coolers, 2 of which did not have any of those options heyyou mentioned. Most cars don't come with power steering coolers but they are also only turning small tires. I don't recall the last time I've seen a truck without one. I work on a lot of vehicles usually mid 90s to newer. My 99 sport has one and with the stock tires the steering was smooth. Now I'm running 33s and at slower speeds and especially parking lot speeds the truck is a real bear to steer. It's fine when it's cold but once the fluid is warm that's when it happens. A lot of people have this issue but most people just deal with it because they'd rather run bigger tires. Newer trucks have higher pump output volumes and pressures than our trucks so not as much of an issue.
I've solved the same issue on other trucks by flushing the system, replacing the stock small cooler with a new/larger one and refilling with the recommended fluid. P/s fluid is the same as any other petroleum based fluid. If it gets too hot it burns up and becomes useless as a lubricant. That's why a cooler is pretty much necessary with larger tires. Look at what happens when trans fluid overheats; transmission doesn't last very long. Engine oil; it burns up and results in lost crank and rod bearings.
I agree with reman pumps being hit or miss. I always try to find a new oem pump.
If redhead said to use ATF+4 in his box then that's what I would use but the recommended fluid for our trucks is p/s fluid.
Lay down on your back with your head towards the rear of truck, facing up, UNDER the rad, on the crossmember the rad sits on, mounted on the engine bay side, iirc, should be about 8" long. Just follow the lines from the pump, lol.
If you've replaced a steering gear, you'll know if you have one or not. It's about the size of a box of matches (2"x5") and just has both lines going through. I would believe that if fluid comes through, its not clogged.
I had to run to the store yesterday (home sick) and my truck steered great when cold. But I can hear the pump making noises only when turning right. I also know that when it warms up is when I lose the feel/return. I either have a bad pump, or the oil is wrong and that means the Redhead should have ps fluid, not ATF as they say. I'll call them when I can talk again.
Last edited by Ramman18; Jan 11, 2017 at 10:46 AM.
When you replaced the PS pump, did it come with a new reservoir or did you use the old one. Some plastic reservoirs have fine mesh screens in them, that can plug with debris and limit amount of fluid flowing to pump. I had a jeep that lost it's power steering and was going to replace pump. I removed reservoir from pump and flushed it, then reinstalled pump and flushed system with new fluid (at return line connection to pump). PS now works good, slight noise from pump but always had a slight whine. I'm sure a new pump will eventually be needed. I did the work myself, mostly as an experiment. If you have to pay shop labor, A quality reman. pump is the way to go. As stated by others, make sure to use correct fluid for your system.
That post #17 above states "pre-98" trucks. Well, mine is 99. And Redhead says ATF so who knows?
The past two days my steering has suddenly felt way better. It is lighter, seems to want to return better, and driving down I-5 is a breeze. Not sure what happened over night . . . somebody been praying for a miracle?
Mark S. yes I replaced the reservoir with the rebuilt PS pump.
others respondents:
no cooler that I can see.
Would a cooler solve this?
Draining the ATF-4 and using PS fluids? I don't get a consensus in the responses of one vs the other. What brand of PS fluid is best recommended if I flush the system and switch out the ATF-4
I don't do the work myself. The one factor here in Panama is that labor costs are not that steep yet. Its getting the parts with shipping and duty.
from what I google about O/E P/S cooler on your truck, it shows the cooler being about 27" x 7". if it came with one that big, I would imagine they put it on there for a reason. a sure way to find out would be to call a dealer with your VIN and see what one you need ( get part # from him) and then cross reference that number for a cheaper one somewhere. looks like there are plenty of aftermarket options out there, but if its as simple as bolting it right up where its supposed to go, that would be easier.
on the fluid, I would make it easy and use what the manual tells you to. or at least use something that is compatible with the numbers on it.
Racefan, look at post #13. Looks to be about the size you mentioned (hot weather cooler?). Mine sure is not that big though. Mine is about 4x9 inches or so.
