Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Help.. Lost Power to Steering and Brakes

[KBrennan]

I parked the truck last week and the power steering was making a sound like it was low on fluid. i checked the level and it was ok. It was cold out (18 Deg F) and I also noticed that when I applied the brakes it would make the same sound. Today when I got in and started to drive I had no power to the brakes or steering. Does anyone have an idea at what the problem is and what to do to fix it. the truck is a 99 with 150,000 miles.

 

[DFerverda]

Sounds like your low on fluid. Sometimes the piston can stick inside the valve on the ps pump, that will give you NO ps or brakes(just real hard peddle).
You can pull the line to the boost, it will be the one that goes into the Big nut on the back of the power steering pump, Take a long flat tipped punch and push it in the hole in the big nut. The piston has a spring in front of it and if it moves in and out it is not stuck.
I had to swat the pump with my hand a couple times and it popped back (the piston) and it worked ok then.
Here is a thread on the subject. Good luck
https://www.turbodieselregister.com...2-possible-low-power-steering-assist-fix.html

Here is another.
powersteering
Dirk

 

[KBrennan]

Fluid is good and there is no nosie comming from it anymore and still now power. I have a NAPA Truck center near by and they do a lot of work on these trucks. The Dodge seems more popular with the ranch types here in Edgewood NM.

 

[KBrennan]

Pump was shot. NAPA Truck Center replaced it for $327. 00 pats and labor. The sad thing is the mechanich feels the vacuum pump is on it's way out.