Went to go move the dump trailer last night and I could hear hissing noise when steering the wheel, not at full lock, simply steering.

About 2 mins later the steering was rock hard.

I had this issue before but in one direction only, i flushed the pump and my steering came back. I will try this again but I am nervous the pump took a dump.

Any suggestions on how to diagnosis the issue would be helpful.
Leaving for FL this week Thursday to deliver 2 cars for my father with no load yet coming back to WI.

Thanks
Scott

 

Do you still have brakes? If so, then it is likely the gear box.

 

So the actual "PUMP" you think has gone out?

 

This sound like the typical symptoms of a steering gear box on it's last legs.

 

So steering box - not the pump?

I flushed the system with 3 gallons of diesel fuel, then 3 qts of PS fluid, then refilled. Seemed better but still has the issues.

Where does one purchase a steering box at reasonable price?

 

http://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/

 

Not sure why you used diesel to clean up the power steering system. A good flush via the return line would of been sufficient. Just so you are aware, third generation Ram trucks spec. ATF+4 in the power steering reservoir, not power steering fluid. With that said, my concern would also be the condition of the power steering pump. I would replace the pump and steering box at the same time. Try Redhead as noted in the link provided by rjm022.

 

Don't think the seals in gear box are compatible with diesel fuel. atf+4 only in these power steering pumps. ATF+4 is synthetic fluid and diesel is petroleum base. Don't know what it would do to hydroboost but most likely cause the seals to swell up I would think.

 

I agree! Petroleum based products such as diesel will cause seals and o-rings to swell and deteriorate over a short period of time.

 

The purpose of using the diesel fuel was to "flush" the system as best as possible. I did drain the fuel out by flushing with ATF+4.

The "flush: did not cure my problem right away - seemed to get better but not 100% fix.

After 15 mins of sitting, the steering is now very good - still some hard spots. When the steering is hard, i can hear a hissing noise. Sometimes you hear a click / like a relief valve opening when going from hard to correct power assist steering.

The fluid coming out was pretty dark - I am thinking my system is dirty. If it was the steering gear, i can not see how it could go from not working to working most of the time.

 

The assist spool in the top end of the box is starting to hang up. This can be from poor metals, contamination, or any other combination thereof.

Earlier it was suggested to talk to Harvey at Redhead steering gear. Believe me, it is worth the time. I went through 5 reman boxes on the 05, before I went with Redhead. His boxes ARE that much better.

 

I understand that the fuel was used for a short time to flush the system;however, it's plausible that the ATF+4 used to rinse the fuel out did not remove all of it. As I am sure you are aware, the fuel acts as a solvent and loosens up any wear metals and contaminates. These contaminates can certainly cause wear and damage the components within the steering box. I myself, would also be concerned about seal and o-ring degradation to other components within the system created by the fuel.

The power steering fluid is often neglected by vehicle owners and typically only receives attention once issues such as you experience occurs. I would say there is a very good chance that the fluid is dirty again and you could try a return line flush or two with ATF+4 in order to clean it up. However, I do not believe it will serve as a long term fix and the steering box will require replacement.

 

Thank - I think I will try flushing again. The previous owner was religious on all dealer servicing but I think the PS was neglected.