2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Brake Booster Hoses from PS Pump are Pulsating & Noisy

[DieselDave]

Hello, I am relatively new to TDR & need some troubleshooting support that my local Dodge dealer just can't seem to provide.



The hoses leading from the power steering pump to the brake booster are pulsating & noisy at idle & low engine speeds. Mostly when I apply the brakes but sometimes even after I release them. I can clearly feel the pulsation vibration in the floorboard and through the steering column. Oddly enough, I am not noticing any operational issues with the power steering or the brakes. I am not sure if I have a problem with the power steering pump or potentially with the brake booster system. The PS fluid level is good and there are no leaks anywhere in the system. My truck has 216K on it with the original PS & brake fluids still intact. Could the PS oil be breaking down somehow causing this problem or does this sound like more of a hardware/failing component problem? The condition has been getting worse over time and the local dealer just wants to start replacing very expensive parts without solid troubleshooting justification.

Happy New Year and thanks in advance for any guidance and/or recommendations that you can offer me.

 

[B.G. Smith]

Probably the presshure regulating valve in the power steering pump chattering. Go to this thread for more info. bg https://www.turbodieselregister.com...7-possible-low-power-steering-assist-fix.html

 

[Stark_Ent9802]

maybe this tsb will help ... . mine went on my 02 2500 at 45000k

TSB 19-003-02

 

[ChrisWilliams]

Don't forget to change to synthetic PS fluid when you put it back together. It will help your pump and booster last longer. The booster on these trucks gets pretty hot and will really work on conventional PS fluid. I had a different problem and had to change my booster at 20K, the PS fluid looked bad. BTW, if you ever have to change the booster, don't get it from the dealer.

 

[DieselDave]

I am embarrased that it took me so long to post this solution - I really thought that I had done this already - oh well here is the problem solved.

I pulled the PS pump (easy job) emptied it of oil which looked to be old and brown in color. I then removed checked and cleaned the pressure regulating valve at the bottom rear of the pump. It was not found to be dirty or with any metal particles in the area. I reinstalled the pump and then filled it with Valvoline SynPower synthetic blend PS fluid. Problem gone! The PS fluid was really the issue, at over 200K miles that stuff just does not last forever. Thanks for all of your guidance guys.