Sometimes I hear my power steering pump growl as I try to turn at slow speeds like pulling out of driveway. I also feel a loss of power assist. I am full of fluid. The first time I noticed it was about 6 months ago and I was a little low on fluid so I topped it off and all seemed well for a few months. But now it is starting it again, and still full on the fluid. I do remember filling with power steering fluid and I just noticed in my service manual it says only to use ATF. could I have hurt the pump? Can I flush out the pump and install ATF and all be well? Or am I looking at buying a new pump? And also probably the hydroboost assembly? Is this common?

 

You might just have a bum pump. My pump squeaks at idle-if you look hard enough you'll find enough people have problems with these pumps that it could probably be considered a somewhat-common problem. You SHOULD only use Mopar ATF +4 in the power steering pump-that's what the whole system is filled with, so that's what you should use-mixing isn't a good idea. The other problem could be your steering gearbox. You might have a leaking fitting at the box, or a blown sector shaft seal at the bottom of the steering gear so that the system doesn't hold pressure. Either way, sounds like your steering system needs a close look to see what the problem is. Are there any visible leaks? Look at the hoses that go from the pump, to the hydroboost, and the steering gear. Then look at the sector shaft-the shaft that comes out of the steering gearbox along the frame that the pitman arm attaches to. Any leakage there? Any leakage around the gearbox means you need a new gearbox.

If it makes you feel any better, I've replaced virtually every steering component in my 2006 3/4 ton (and it only has 58K miles on it) except the pump-and that's next because it's squeaking. There's a lot of weight on these front ends because of the motor, and considering your mods-it's not unthinkable that your steering system is near the end of it's useful life

Look at it this way-it's another chance to spend $ on your truck

 

no leaks anywhere. I think I'll just get a new pump on the way, and hope it does the trick.