2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 2001 3500 Steering Lock-Up

[TWatson]

I got into my truck one cold morning last week, started the Cummins up and heard a terrible growling noise from under the hood. Secured the engine, popped the hood and took a quick look. Didn't see anything so I started the engine again and took another look. No unusual noise this time and didn't see anything unusual. Got back in the truck, put in gear to back out of the driveway but the steering wheel wouldn't turn. I took a closer look under the hood and noticed steering fluid sprayed over various parts. I checked the fluid level in the steering pump and it was still at the full level. I figured I had either a steering pump problem or a steering gear problem.



Had the truck towed to the local Chrysler Dealer (mistake) for diagnostic. The service representative called later and said I needed 4 new hydraulic hoses (quoted $1, 200. 00 to renew these hoses!!). I told the service rep that there must be a mistake because I'd priced the hoses on line and the most expensive hose was only $26. 00. Figuring that I was being robbed, I informed the service rep that I would send a tow truck to retrieve the truck and replace the hoses myself. He informed me that a tow wouldn't be necessary as the steering was functional, so I picked the truck up and drove it home.



I have since checked the hoses carefully and do not see any evidence of leakage. The steering seems to be working fine now, but I'm a bit afraid of the unknown.



I'm prone to thinking that the problem is likely in the gearbox hydraulic valve, now. Anyone had a similar problem with their steering or seen this before?



Any info offered much appreciated.



Thanks!

 

[Joe Mc]

Interesting how they told you it needed $1200 worth of new hoses to fix the problem and then told you the steering works now? Sounds like a "free" ride to me?

I'm not sure if what I'm about to suggest is even possible w/steering, but here goes: is it possible there's a bad line? Like in a brake system when the inside rubber "flaps" and creates a check-valve so the fluid can't return? I guess it's possible but in the steering system doesn't the fluid flow out the pump and back into it?

Also, interesting that you noticed steering fluid sprayed all under the hood, but the level was fine? Where'd that fluid sprayed under the hood come from? Are your brakes working fine?

This one is interesting. I'm sure someone with a greater knowledge of the steering/breaking system will chime in soon. Can't wait to hear what they report.

 

[TWatson]

Thanks for weighing in Joe. The dealer was trying to get a free ride. These hoses are easily changed and there are only two hoses with shapped metal tube ends. The other two hoses are only return lines with no fittings.



At any rate, here's the latest... . asked my better-half to start the engine and turn the steering wheel while I observed under the hood. As soon as she turned the wheel I noticed a stream of steering fluid coming from the high pressure hose that goes from the steering pump to the power brake booster.



Since the steering pump is a positive displacement pump, if something blocks flow from the discharge side of the pump, something is gonna break!



Anyone know if the power brake booster can actually stop the flow of steering fluid to the steering gear box and return to pump? I'm trying to determine if I have a problem that caused the hose to blow or if the hose blowing is the only problem I have.

 

[GAmes]

Just the fact that the pressure hose is leaking doesn't mean there is a stoppage. To produce pressure there has to be a restriction somewhere, which is normal. I suggest you replace the hoses and see what happens. In addition, I offer this;



One morning I came out of a motel to find PS fluid all over the pavement under my truck. I refilled the reservoir and continued on. Several weeks later it happened again. With the help of TDR members I determined the blue canister on the brake booster was failing, so I replaced the booster asembly, which fixed that problem. So, the question is, did the fluid you saw on yours come from the hose or did it puke out the filler cap?



This would be a good time to flush the PS fluid and clean the pressure regulator screen. https://www.turbodieselregister.com...7-possible-low-power-steering-assist-fix.html

 

[GrantP]

I think the key here is "cold morning". Anything below freezing temps would cause my PS pump to howl and give very little assist until it warmed up. Flushing the fluid and replacing it with synthetic PS fluid fixed the issue for me.

Just last week I started the truck (not plugged in) at 1 below and it howled for a few seconds but it never happens in warmer temps.

Cheap fix before you start throwing parts at it...

 

[tgee43]

Have seen the line between the reservoir and pump go bad, collapses inside, causing the pump to cavitate and the fluid foams up and leaks out the filler cap. Might be the only line you need to change. Just a thought.