Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Bad Steering Pump or Bad Vacuum Pump?

[SBillinson]

I had a ticking noise coming from around the power steering pump in my '97 Ram (110,000 miles). The fluid level seemed a little low, so I added some but it kept ticking. I drove it for about 1000 miles and the ticking has gone away.



When I'm in drive with the brake on, I can feel a slight pulse in the steering wheel. Any thoughts?



Also, how long can I expect the vacuum pump to last? Are there any rebuild kits? How do I know if it is bad?



Any help would be greatly appreciated.



Steve

 

[Deezul1]

No rebuild kits and a new one is around $1200. Mine has 190,000 on it and works fine so far.