2004 Dodge Ram 3500 4x4 SRW QC - Steering

[onagadale]

Good Morning Fellow Ram Diesel owners, my discussion today is a little mundane but I didn't see a good thread that talked about this for my year Ram. I had a bunch of work done on my Ram Diesel a few months ago to include having the power steering pump replaced on it. I usually do a fair amount of my own mechanic work on my ride but this time I was having several things done that made me go to a reputable shop to have work done as I don't have a lift. My question is that I still notice a slight "whine" from my steering pump at idle and wondered if this is normal, and what might be a good preventive measure or two to keep things working nicely for many miles ? Filter ? New lines ? Steering box seems really good yet and I am about to replace the steering linkage to a MOOG DS800980A kit in the next few days. Just wanted to see if anyone had any recommendations on this subject.
Thanks,

 

[Bromiley99]

I had many problems with aftermarket power steering pumps from my local parts stores. Finally I just bought a new updated version, Mopar 68102457AA.
I believe it is the pump that came on 2008-09 model years. Anyway it solved all my problems!!

Sorry that was the old number this is the new one 68034326AB

 

[jghflys]

Did you use the Moog DS800980A kit? How did it go? I am thinking of doing the same.

 

[onagadale]

Yes, that is the MOOG kit I ordered through RockAuto. Yes, the install of the link and the steering stabilizer all went great, I chose not too change the Pitman arm as the original one that was still on truck looked great. I already had a Rancho steering stabilizer shock that I chose too use over the one in the kit. I had a friend help me install the new stuff and measure things so I could drive it to the shop to get an alignment. Also, made a few adjustments on the steering gearbox that seemed to tighten that up a little. I had previously installed one of the BD steering box stabilizer kits and attaches to the frame rails to make everything more rigid up front. Really, really happy with how all of those things completely helped tighten up the steering on my 2004 Ram 3500 SRW.

 

[AEdelheit]

Are you sure its the pump whining and not the line going into the hydroboost? Does it go away when you hit the brakes or turn? There is plastic liner in the high pressure line that is notorious for breaking off creating a restriction where it goes into the hydroboost and will cause a whine.

 

[ranger 393]

This may sound dumb.. but they did use ATF to refill after installing the new pump, and not powersteering fluid? Not sure what brand pump they installed,but the factory pump takes ATF..Just a thought

 

[AEdelheit]

Oem is ATF+4, that what I have always used and no problems.

 

[ranger 393]

Oem is ATF+4, that what I have always used and no problems.

Yes sir, I work with a guy who replaced his and asked me why his was making a noise. I had to remind him it didn't take power steering fluid , but ATF instead.

 

[AEdelheit]

Yes sir, I work with a guy who replaced his and asked me why his was making a noise. I had to remind him it didn't take power steering fluid , but ATF instead.

Sorry I miss read your post as thinking it took Power steering fluid not ATF!

 

[nibroc]

make sure ya use atf+4

 

[Buffalo]

Off topic but, that is a beautiful truck. Really nice color. I have a similar '03, 3500, 4X4 with a shell that I bought new. Nice truck, also.

 

[HOCummins04]

My 04.5 has gotten, at times, a little harder to turn when idling and turning, like in a parking lot backing up. Note that I have the 6 speed. I have 62k on the odometer. Thinking about replacing the fluid due to the age. So would replacing all the fluid with new ATF+4 improve turning power at idle? I typically use zero accelerator in such conditions.

Is there a preferred brand of ATF+4?

 

[SSage]

Vavoline ATF+4 is available at Walmart around here. Its probably all the same stuff in different bottles though, I've used the Advanced Auto house brand and the Walmart Turbo Tech brand, it all worked the same best I can tell.

 

[Ozymandias]

Every ATF+4 is exactly identical, like DEF the specs are very thight. There us no room for the manufacturer to ay arouns with the recipe.

 

[Darkbloodmon]

I still notice a slight "whine" from my steering pump at idle and wondered if this is normal, and what might be a good preventive measure or two to keep things working nicely for many miles ? Filter ? New lines ?

I replaced my pump with a new "CARDONE 9670268" from rock auto no noise post bleeding, I added a power steering filter using seafish's design. I'm really happy with the setup I still have my factory box at 230K just tightened it up.

 

[bighammer]

I seem to remember some truck I owned had a recall for power steering noise and all they did was replace a hose. It had a big weight surrounding it to dampen vibrations or something. My brain is foggy enough that I can't remember if it was my '03 or my '94.

 

[Ozymandias]

03, the weight is still there.

 

[crispyboy]

I replaced the hydroboost hose in my truck about 2 months ago. It started to hiss while on a camping trip - quite annoying. Couldn't find a mopar version so I put on whatever Geno's Garage sells. It is shaped a little different but the install was pretty straight forward. Problem fixed.