Possible PS pump going bad

[SlvrSnake]

Reason for post is I am thinking my power steering pump might be going. List of symptoms below to see what you guys think. Except for low speed turning the issue is intermittent. Thanks for any input.

After washing (sometimes) the truck after initial startup I get a whine from the belts, not the usual wet belt squeal. Sounds like you just ran over a cat, only lasts for about a second. I am attributing this to some water going through the hood scoop and onto the belt. I checked the belt and it seems ok. I also checked the crankshaft pulley bolts and they are tight.

Also, (no water involved) from time to time on initial startup and slow moving turns (consistent) the truck is hard to steer. Virtually no power assist from the PS pump. If the truck is idling and moving trying the turn the wheel quickly will result the in PS pretty much going away. Like I mentioned before on initial startup, especially when cold out, I back the truck out and the first turn out of the driveway is with little to no power assist, then it goes away and steers normally. I have almost hit parked cars and had to jump on the brakes because I could not steer the truck quickly enough when the steering temporarily dies.

 

[FlyingLow]

Mine did that for a while exactly as you described. It was more prevalent on mornings when there was a lot of dew or after washing/rain. That being said my pump just quit on Sunday. If you are still under warranty I would go to the dealer if not I would just ride it out.

 

[SlvrSnake]

Mine did that for a while exactly as you described. It was more prevalent on mornings when there was a lot of dew or after washing/rain. That being said my pump just quit on Sunday. If you are still under warranty I would go to the dealer if not I would just ride it out.

Thanks for input. I am still under the 3/36 until 11/09. Gota get the extended soon. Too much crap breaks on these things. I saw your post about how Marty saved you. Not many people would do that. Got me thinking about the PS pump and inspired me to post the question.

 

[Ram From Hell]

Anything having to do with moisture might indicate belt slippage, and if the pump is having issues it may be adding to the belt load as well.

Even dry I've noticed mine will act up once in awhile, especially at low speed (or perhaps that's just when it's most obvious).

 

[Chuck B]

Id check fluid level first but when my pump went it started with hard turning at idle and just off idle. Dodge uses the same type (connection) of high pressure line that is used for the oil cooler/exchanger. I upgraded my line to braided steel since I was replacing the pump and steering gear.

 

[SlvrSnake]

Id check fluid level first but when my pump went it started with hard turning at idle and just off idle. Dodge uses the same type (connection) of high pressure line that is used for the oil cooler/exchanger. I upgraded my line to braided steel since I was replacing the pump and steering gear.

I will check the fluid but did not notice any leaks. So are you saying the next best thing to expect is the pump going ka-boom?

 

[Chuck B]

I will check the fluid but did not notice any leaks. So are you saying the next best thing to expect is the pump going ka-boom?

Yup....if you are still under warranty make sure they replace the steering rack as well. Generally when the pump finally fails it dumps metal and such throughout the system. My dealer, going beyond normal service, agreed to replaced both pump and steering rack prior to this occurring as I took it in as soon as it began showing signs of failure. No metal was in my fluids but he agreed to replace the steering rack just in case.

 

[Westxsrt10]

I believe the two main reasons for power steering pump failure is..
1. The PS pump has a factory "Duty Cycle" (est.28%), the power steering pump drives the cooling fan and aftermarket performance tuner programs over tax this cycle trying to promote more cooling run time to the fan.
2. Most people don't change the PS fluid often enough (ATF4), keeping the fluid in new condition will make the seals last longer. :top:

 

[Dom426]

my guess would be its the power steering pump or yet another sct related issue

 

[Chuck B]

I believe the two main reasons for power steering pump failure is..
1. The PS pump has a factory "Duty Cycle" (est.28%), the power steering pump drives the cooling fan and aftermarket performance tuner programs over tax this cycle trying to promote more cooling run time to the fan.
2. Most people don't change the PS fluid often enough (ATF4), keeping the fluid in new condition will make the seals last longer. :top:

Agree that this is a fluid that is quite often overlooked, however, I don't follow your explanation of a duty cycle with our PS pump. Its not like an AC pump that cycles on/off. It is on and pumping/building pressure from the moment the engine is running. Much like our water pump. Water Pump doesn't care if we connect 3 radiators to it at the same time; it will develop pressure and move fluid throughout. Having an SCT tune cycle the fan on more will not increase wear of our PS pump. If I'm wrong please explain....

 

[Westxsrt10]

Agree that this is a fluid that is quite often overlooked, however, I don't follow your explanation of a duty cycle with our PS pump. Its not like an AC pump that cycles on/off. It is on and pumping/building pressure from the moment the engine is running. Much like our water pump. Water Pump doesn't care if we connect 3 radiators to it at the same time; it will develop pressure and move fluid throughout. Having an SCT tune cycle the fan on more will not increase wear of our PS pump. If I'm wrong please explain....

I talked with Dave @ B&G Chrylser about this issue sometime back, the power steering pump basically only pumps when there is a demand not unlike the AC compressor. Open the reservoir cap and you will see this...turning the steering wheel opens the valving and then drives the pump and circulates the fluid. Dave warned me about increasing the fan Duty Cycle and the risk of burning up the PS pump before he tuned my PCM. He raised my fan cycle about 18% over the stock setting.
I added 2 non shrouded electric fans with an adjustable thermostat along with a manual override switch at the dash.

 

[FlyingLow]

Open the reservoir cap and you will see this...turning the steering wheel opens the valving and then drives the pump and circulates the fluid.

I think the pump is always pumping, just the valve is closed sometimes. On our helicopter the pump is always pumping even though the servos or pilot valves are closed. The truck could be different but I would think you need the pressure in the system to be consant for when you need to turn.