2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission power stering pump problems

[CHorton]

I have just encountered a problem with the power steering pump in my 2001 2500 Ram. I started the truck and found I had no power in either my breaks or steering. I was able to narrow it down to the pump. When I checked the fluid I found the steering pump had engine oil in it. I can understand why, as the pump is bolted directly to the engine, and appears to be gear driven. However, I am concerned about failure while driving.



I had my truck towed to the local Dodge dealer. The dealership had the truck for 3 days and have not found a problem,according to them, even upon my showing them the steering fluid which was contaminated with engine oil.



I am concerned over this problem that the Dodge Dealer seems not to be taking care of because if the pump goes on the blink while being driven, it I loose both steering and breaks. I might be able to deal with it but I am concerned for my wife.



Has anyone else experience problems with their power steering pump.

 

[JL penner]

When I was taking my truck for a test drive when I first bought it I had the same problem. I started the truckup and there was no power steering or power brakes. The dealer was embarrassed so he tried showing me another truck. I popped the hood, checked the fluid (it was fine) and started it back up again. Problem just went away. I test drove the truck and loved it. Told the guy to have the power steering checked out and I would be back with a check. Haven't had any problems since. He told me that they could not find anything wrong with the power steering, and that they just replaced the fluid.

 

[Dave M]

When I checked the fluid I found the steering pump had engine oil in it

I'm no expert here but I'll give my 2 cents... and thats about all it's worth :-laf . I'm working on a replacing a leaking hyroboost unit in my 97. I'm sure you have the same thing. This type of assist unit uses the hydraulic pressure from the power steering system to provide a potent brake pedal assist instead of the pre 97 brake vacuum boost assist which used a vacuum boost unit. And with the hydroboost unit you still have the vacuum pump to supply vacuum to heater controls etc. . but vacuum lines are replaced by power steering pump fliud lines to the hydroboost unit version.



If you follow the power steering pump lines at least one will connect to the hydroboost unit which is mounted behind the brake master cylinder on one end and attaches to the firewall on the other end. No vacuum lines are needed to the hyrdoboost unit since it uses hydraulic power steering fluid instead.

the steering fluid which was contaminated with engine oil.

Are you saying you had oil in the power steering fluid or just that there is oil in the power steering pump? If you have oil in the power steering fluid, then you also have it in the hydroboost unit which probably isn't good for it and may/will effect your brakes, since that's what supply's the boost for the brakes. In fact the brake pedal is attached to the hydroboost unit and the hydroboost unit has a rod coming out of it into the master cylinder to supply your braking. A problem with power steering will effect the brakes IMHO.



So... is the hydroboost unit bad?



Dave