OT- Dodge Power Steering

G6 at Snook, TX · Dec 15, 2013

I have a 2004 Dodge 2500 4x4 and the Cummins. The power steering is howling like a panther and went out for a few moment yesterday while driving. It went back to work again.

Is that the pump? And if so, is this something I need to take to a mechanic or is it something I can replace in my garage? Finally, if a mechanic, what is the likely cost for me to do that?

Thanks.

Roger in Iowa · Dec 15, 2013

Is the fluid level okay?

Bill in IN · Dec 15, 2013

Sounds like it might be pump cavitating. Some have a screen or filter arrangement between reservoir and pump that may need to be cleaned. Happened to me when the reservoir was full. I drew out all I could, clean the screen up and replaced with new. Quite a few miles and no recurrence.

M w J · Dec 15, 2013

Was it cold When mine was new they had to put in
synthetic oil in mine it would make noise foam and
run over when cold And it has never did it since
then.

Richard G. · Dec 15, 2013

Went through that several years ago. Get some synthetic power steering fluid. Take your wife's baster and suck out all the fluid you can from the pump. Replace with synthetic fluid and it will be OK. In a couple of years, you will have to do it again. Very common on the Dodge Cummins.
Wash the baster and get it back in the kitchen before she misses it.
Hondas use the same fluid.
Richard in NW SC

DENNIS MIN · Dec 15, 2013

G6,

Look into the hose recalls. I had one hose which had an inner lining that created a hum in cold weather.

It really was an inner sleeve, which was separate from the hose itself.

I do believe there were some bulletins regarding such.

D.

G6 at Snook, TX · Dec 15, 2013

Thanks for the tips. I headed to NAPA to get a little ATF+4 for the power steering, and I checked my fluid and it was low. It is a 10 year old truck with 127000 on it so it could be that the pump is going but has been helped along by the low fluid. We shall see.

It appears to be a booger to get to without a lift. Like most modern vehicles, there is no room to work on it.

evilboweivel · Dec 16, 2013

if low on fluid check the hoses
one probably is leaking
think it is the pressure hose from the pump
anyway put an extra clamp on the leaking hose, should stop the leak
don't add Lucas Power Steering Fluid to stop the leak
your pump will really carry on when cold and will be extremly hard to steer until the steering wheel is turned all the way to both sides, leak doesn't stop either, slows down doesn't stop

timcasbolt · Dec 16, 2013

Since they sell turkey basters in the dollar store, I picked one up for my toolbox to avoid potential problems with SWMBO.

Jiles · Dec 17, 2013

I do not recommend "snake oil additives" However, I do not consider any Lucas Products to be SOA.
Having said that, I have had great success with PS problems by using Lucas Power Steering Stop Leak and Conditioner.
Least expensive fix???-- I can think of.

OT- Dodge Power Steering

G6 at Snook, TX

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Roger in Iowa

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Bill in IN

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M w J

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Richard G.

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DENNIS MIN

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G6 at Snook, TX

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evilboweivel

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timcasbolt

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Jiles

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