Power steering question

Discussion in 'Dodge 2nd Gen Cummins 5.9 (24v)' started by helicop1, Jan 4, 2006.

  1. helicop1

    helicop1 Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2005
    Posts:
    28
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Are there any known issues with the power steering pump in my 2001 Ram 2500 being weak?

    I just wonder because I notice the PS is jerky when I make some quick inputs like during a 3 point turn...(mostly when the truck is cold... I dont think it happens as frequent when warmed).

    I thought I checked the level properly, but I will re-check.

    Anyone experience this?
     
    helicop1, Jan 4, 2006
    #1
  2. 4054x4

    4054x4 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2005
    Posts:
    587
    Media:
    29
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Canoga Park, CA
    Mine does the same thing... it kinda craps out when the engine is at idle. If you rev the engine a bit, it works fine. I'll bet it's just some dodge defect that all the trucks have.:rolleyes:
     
    4054x4, Jan 4, 2006
    #2
  3. RJF's Red Cummins

    RJF's Red Cummins TRC Staff Moderator

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2005
    Posts:
    2,853
    Media:
    68
    Albums:
    4
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    I live in Modesto California
    I haven't really experienced this with my automatic because the idle never drops below 900RPM's. I have with my dad's manual '02 and it's just a lack of PSI from the pump to power the steering box due to the pulley not turning enough RPM's. Our Chevy gas truck with a 5spd does it too at very low RPM's letting out on the clutch, thats all normal from what I know.

    I haven't really heard of the pumps in the Dodges being weak. I would find it wierd for an auto truck to do it, but definantly a manual truck trying to turn and taking off at the same time.
     
    RJF's Red Cummins, Jan 4, 2006
    #3
  4. willyswanter

    willyswanter Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2005
    Posts:
    408
    Media:
    7
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Bakersfield, CA
    My truck doesn't have any problems. I can steer as fast as I want right after starting on a cold morning or in the afternoon when it's 109*...
     
    willyswanter, Jan 4, 2006
    #4
  5. helicop1

    helicop1 Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 26, 2005
    Posts:
    28
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Long Island, NY
    Well thanks, I'll re-check the fluid level... I have the auto tranny.
     
    helicop1, Jan 5, 2006
    #5
  6. Carlos

    Carlos Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2006
    Posts:
    10
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Phoenix, AZ
    Have you checked the belts for glazing problems, and to see that they have the proper tension? I've seen a lot of vehicles do this, usually when the belts are glazed over and lose traction (especially when cold).
     
    Carlos, Jan 6, 2006
    #6
  7. DWitcher

    DWitcher Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2005
    Posts:
    395
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Bakersfield CA.
    The Dodge with the Cummins engine does not use a belt driven power steering pump. They are driven from the back side of the gear housing at the front of the engine that is also coupled to the vacuum pump.
    Check the rubber hoses for swelling and change the fluid with new.
    Jack up the front end and try to turn the front wheels left to right by hand and listen for possably a dry ball joint or tie rod end. Also make sure you have the proper type of fluid in the power steering resivor.
     
    DWitcher, Jan 8, 2006
    #7
  8. grouchrc

    grouchrc Active Member

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2005
    Posts:
    38
    Likes Received:
    0
    If the PS fluid is over 3 yrs old you might try and change it to a good synthetic fluid like Valvoline puts out.
     
    grouchrc, Jan 11, 2006
    #8

Share This Page