Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Power steering

[jw3500Ram]

I was talking to someone yesterday who also has a 97 that is pushing fluid out of the ps pump and squealing until the fluid warms up then it is ok. No brake issues. Does anybody have any suggestions?

 

[JMcCoy]

Probably a pump going bad.

 

[Beck]

Power steering pump problem

Looks like a good tread to ask why my power steering is frozen up at the steering wheel on even slightly cold mornings, of course the pump is whining like a stuck pig and I hear this is called " Morning Sickness " the steering is fine once she warms up, the OEM pump was rebuilt rite when I bought the 98 Ram 3500 approx., 2 years ago, and the first winter there were no noises or frozen steering, obviously I need to rebuild again or my question would be, is there a pump on the market that is an upgrade from OEM ? It perplexes me as to why the pump is fine warm and not cold, and why it used to be fine cold and is still good warm ?

 

[JMcCoy]

Have you changed your fluid? Old or lower quality fluids will cause the noise. I change mine once a year. Mine made noise until I switched to synthetic fluid. Borgenson makes a high pressure pump that's supposed to be very good.

 

[Beck]

Have you changed your fluid? Old or lower quality fluids will cause the noise. I change mine once a year. Mine made noise until I switched to synthetic fluid. Borgenson makes a high pressure pump that's supposed to be very good.

Thanks a lot for the tip, I'll try the fluid first. I NEED TO CHECK THE MANUAL, PROB. HAS to be siphoned out

 

[Beck]

OK< replaced the fluid, now I'm getting lame power steering unless I rev the engine up, any comments, its prob time for a rebuild, I thought maybe my belt was loose but its got an auto tensioner and appears fine

 

[GAmes]

This thread used to have pictures.

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...ering-assist-fix?highlight=low power steering

Essentially you remove the pressure line from the pump. Behind the big nut that the line connects to is the regulator valve. You disassemble it and clean the screen. Don't lose the little ball bearing that is inside. The screen is 11mm and is a chore to remove. I clamped the valve in a vice and used a box end wrench.

My fluid of choice is Redline synthetic. I flush the system every other year.

 

[NIsaacs]

I thought maybe my belt was loose but its got an auto tensioner and appears fine

Your pump is gear driven, no belt. You might have air in the system.

Nick

 

[GAmes]

Added a picture.

 

[Beck]

ok, CLEANED MY ALREADY CLEAN SCREEN, STRETCHED THE SPRING TO 2 AND A QUARTER INCHES, FILLED WITH SYNTHETIC AND BLED THE SYSTEM AT THE HYDO BOOSTER, NO IMPROVEMENT, DOING SAME THING IT HAD BEEN, IM HOPING A NEW PUMP WILL CURE THE PROBLEM, I SAW A TREAD WERE SOMEONE COMMENTED THAT THE BORGESON HIGH OUTPUT PUMP WASNT WORTH THE MONEY, I GUESS ILL GO TO THE LOCAL PARTS STORE ORIELEY OR NAPA, DOES a rebuilt pump come with the regulator valve and and springs ? Any input would be appreciated, thanks guys

 

[gcorron]

Surprised no one pointed you to Geno's Garage. They have a Borgeson replacement.
http://www.genosgarage.com/category/power-steering-pump

I'm sure it's more expensive than just rebuilding, but sounds like you may need a replacement, not rebuild.

George

 

[GAmes]

You will get good at replacing pumps if you go with a box parts store one. Saginaw has been supplying pumps for all kinds of vehicles for decades, my '67 Chev has one. Because of that, there is no telling which pressure regulator you will get or how close to max specs the internals are. I replaced five lifetime warranty pumps in one year. One complaint about a Borgeson pump doesn't mean much to me. I have one now and am very satisfied with it. The only alternative, IMO, is a new pump from Dodge.

 

[JMcCoy]

I am happy with my Borgenson box and shaft. I imagine their pumps are equally as good.

 

[Beck]

That POS pump lasted less than 30 seconds before the shaft cracked, Geno's said Borgeson is 2 weeks out due to warehouse relocation, found one in Amazon, Mr. Gould at fixinrams taught me a lot thanks for the help gentleman