Power Steering Irritation

[hammersley]

I have the wierdest situation happen twice - only twice, and I can't seem to have the car do it again. When I'm stopped, the powersteering appears to not work at all - kind'a like having an old 1942 5 ton 6 X 6. Both times I moved the truck straignt ahead and then it was fine. It hasn't happened again. I told the dealer about it once, and guess what - he couldn't find anything wrong. And since one couldn't easily duplicate the problem, I understand. What do you think??? I have 34,000 mikes on this rig - 2001, 2500 QC 4X4, Auto.

 

[JKloppe]

I have had this problem too. Put your truck in neutral and let off the brakes, the steering will work. I think what is happening is related to the brakes. When on the brakes it is not letting the wheels rotate the little they need to turn. Just a thought.

Jordan

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·1999 2500 QC LB Auto 3. 55 4x4
·Armorthane Bed liner, A-pillar gauges, RE-0880, EZ, 275's, Husky mats, strait pipe

 

[Whitmore]

I have the same thing happen now and again I dont think it is hurting anything,like mentioned above its related to the brake booster,if you give it a little on the go peddle you will get your steering back,I think the pump is overcome and is cavitating but its no big deal Kevin #ad


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2001 eth dee,qc,lwb,3. 55,camper and tow pkg,driftwood,cummins e-brake,jardine 4" exhaust,dz alum checker run boards,bed rail,tailgate protector,better built alum checker toolbox with home made fuel tank under box,"CUMN" licence plates and captain vol fire dept plate too

 

[hammersley]

Thanks guys-I was hoping others had the same experience. I'll be sure to try these "fixes" when it happens again.

 

[TXRam]

Yeah, I have this happen alot. Mostly when pulling down my street, then going from drive to reverse to back in my driveway with my foot on the brake - let off the brake and it does fine.

 

[jolyman]

Just got my '96 truck and am going to start the fluid changes. I read the posts but the startin makes me SOOO nervous!!! #ad


Going to start with the easy ones... Power stering and brake bleed. I understand the brake flush but I want to make sure that the Valvoline synthetic is realy compatable with the system and any fluid I don't get out. #ad

 

[KWIKKURT]

MHO is that the PS pump is not strong enough.
I lower my tire pressure atleast twice a week. (towing tourists cars, trucks and even Diesel pusher motorhomes out of sand and out of the ocean)
When I am on pavement (low tire pressure)the steering wheel will not move when the truck is stopped and the pump will get hot when driving at slow speeds when turning. Our CTD's are Very heavy on the front axle. The pumps are close to their max capability and it is easy to overwork the pump. I am willing to bet that DC will upgrade the pumps in the near future.
My $. 02 pesos

PS: Add some air to your tires and your steering greatly improves.

[This message has been edited by KWIKKURT (edited 04-25-2001). ]

 

[willyslover]

Kurt. . do you run an onboard air pump. . if so what type/brand ?
ps . . good to see ya back posting

 

[NVR FNSH]

I was going to post about the same little 'problem'. I run 315/75R16s and assumed that they are the majority of the problem. I've tried giving it throttle/no brakes and it doesn't seem to help. Has anybody tried a higher output PS pump from AGR or others?

I can picture it now -
"Mr. DC Service Mgr my power steering doesn't seem to be performing correctly. "

"Mr. Customer your truck has oversize aftermarket tires (stock alum wheels) - sorry but you've voided your warranty on the entire vehicle. "

Brian

 

[NVR FNSH]

Anybody tried a high output PS from AGR or others?

I have the same problem on my '00 but I run 315/75R16s on the stock alum wheels and figured that they were the major part of problem.

My CJ-7 with 33x12. 50x5s will try to turn the wheels even when up against a curb... . all it succeeds in doing is moving the front end sideways #ad


Brian

Brian

 

[EMDDIESEL]

This will sound odd, but i had a similar problem in my 96' Impala SS where the power steering would suddenly dissapear for a second then come back, you really did'nt notice it when you were on the highway, it was mainly when i was stopped at a light or driving around town when i noticed it. What it turned out to be was the water pump shaft was leaking and antifreeze would get on the pulley and it would cause the serpintine belt to slip sometimes causing the power steering to stop. I had somebody sit in the car and turn the wheel and i watched the belt and sure enough it stopped a few times, ony for a second. Just thought i would bring it up in the unlikeley event maybe that is what is happening to your Ram.
By the way, just to speak of Chevys reliability, i had my Impala for 3 years and 60 thousand miles and in that time i had to replace the water pump 5 times! (that is not an exxageration) once within 2 thousand miles of the previous water pump change. I sure dont miss GM

 

[KWIKKURT]

WILLYSLOVER... . QUE PASA? - Your new Truck been dirty yet #ad


I used to carry a High Volume Truck tire style that you can find at some of the auto parts stores. it will cost around $60 or more. . They are much faster than the cheaper ones and fills the tires much faster with out overheating. Which is what kills the most of the 12v portables.

Now days since most of the local roads in and out of town are dirt / sand I justleave my tires low and keep my speed down or take the beach to get out to a work area 15 miles out of town(30 miles by road). I air them up at the gas station north of town if I am headed up to the Good OL' U. S. A. (once a week)

The compressor that I carry now is a CamphelHaulsfield?. It is not high volume But has a rechargeable battery so it does not have to be plugged in. A GREAT feature -just grab it and walk up to wherever you need air. One feature that I will not give up! It also has a 12V outlet that you can power lights, cell phones, laptops ETC. It will charge back up in 3 hrs plugged in to the truck (12V) or Longer plugged into 110V It comes with a long cord so you can still run the compressor if the Batt runs out. . About $40 at Harbor Freight Tools or Home Depot. Enough Info? #ad
Later Kurt

 

[KWIKKURT]

EMDDIESEL... A loose belt or slow idle will also act the same.

The PS pump on our Cummins is gear driven and the Idle speed is well controlled.

I would think that the Pump is fairly HD already. . but who knows??

Brian M if you find a stronger pump that fits please post!

Maybe we should ask Cummins I am sure there is a Truck PS or Hydraulic pump that would work...

The problem could also be in the steering gear size and strength...

 

[BC]

A question. How often should the power steering fluid be changed?

Bill Cook

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'98, 3500, 112,000 miles, 12 valve, 4x4, QCab, SLT, auto, 3. 54, tow pkg, Pro-Loc TC, TST #8 plate (230/605), BD exhaust brake-presure lock-torque lock, heavy duty valve springs, Mag-Hitech trannie and diff. covers, transmission and pyro gauges pillar mounted, K&N filter, 14k 36' fifth wheel, 12k Sooner 4horse gooseneck, 13K (when loaded), 24ft gooseneck flat bed.