2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Power Steering Pump grenaded....

[Rogue Ram]

Truck hasn't been driven in a week, last time I drove it it was fine. Went out to change oil in the wifes car and saw BIG puddle of oil under the Ram. ?!?! Crawled under, and what appears to be PS fluid is ALL over the place. Started truck, no steering nor brakes. Lift pump is also shot.



From a search it appears that the ps pump issue may be more rampant than the lift pump issue.



This is depressing.



RR

 

[HoleshotHolset]

I'd be willing to bet that it's just the pitman shaft seal.



When they leak, they usually leak at a good rate and get PS fluid all over the place.



It's a pretty easy fix... provided you have a really good pitman arm puller... . or a good warranty/replacement program on your tools.



Matt

 

[Rogue Ram]

????? The leak was from all around the pump... ... . there was so much crap all over the place, and since it was under ext warranty I didn't clean nor examine it super close since I wanted them to see exactly what was up. Guess I'll find out tomorrow! They are keeping it overnight for parts... ..... ? I'll let you know whats up... .....



RR

 

[HoleshotHolset]

RR:



These trucks also have a nasty habit of puking PS fluid all over the place if you crank the wheel with the engine/PS pump not running. This is probably not what happened to your truck... but when this sort of thing happens... it makes a HUGE mess.



Keep us updated... I'm curious to know what was/is wrong with it.



Matt

 

[Rogue Ram]

Final Verdict:



The PS pump somehow broke, to the point it was cracked or some such thing. Weird.



And..... the lift pump was shot, no codes or anything. Power had been lacking greatly, truck acting sluggish, etc. They checked it and it was bad.



The other thing was the kinked up intercooler hose. I saw it and decided to make them fix it as opposed to me doing anything. It was trashed, but don't ask me why or long it had been that way. Strange... ...



I get it back tomorrow... ... ... I'll edit this post to advise on the power.



RR

 

[MCummings]

Hey Matt,



Any Damage caused by doing that?



I've been concerned a few times when sneeking away from places, and I give the wheel a good turn, and see a thick trail of P/S fluid, or in my 12V, when moving it (it's broke 24/7), it pukes fluid out.



Why? Will it hurt it (refilling after it's barfed)



Merrick

 

[HoleshotHolset]

RR: Glad you got her all figured out.



Merrick: AFAIK, I have never heard of any issues with this anomaly - other than the mess it makes.



GM's don't have this problem... . just F*rd and Dodge trucks - withOUT rack-n-pinion steering.



I thought I read somewhere that when you turn the wheel with the PS pump not running, the reservoir is just overwhelmed with fluid and it pukes out of the fill cap... I've never seen it as it happens - I usually just see the aftermath consisting of a trail of PS fluid. I've done it at least a dozen times and never had any issues.



Matt

 

[Ramafid]

The ps pump does spill its guts when turning the wheels by hand. I found this out first hand when trying to replace my wheel bearings. ( still trying). I freaked at first because I thought I had ruptured something from all the beating I was doing on the hubs. Very happy to find out it was just coming from the cap.