Three times now the steering has slipped or caught at parking lot speed when turning sharply. It feels like the steering pump losses power for a second then it catches and is fine. Another way to describe it is it feels like a power steering belt slip on on old model vehicle. I can hear/feel a clunk also. Any experience with this from anyone else? Iwould like to diagnose and fix before it causes problems. Thanks for any help.

2005 dodge, 4x4,quadcab, 2" spacer kit, 38,440 miles on odem.

 

When you turn too quick at low speeds and the steering gets stiff for second........its a good indication that your pump is going out.

My 06 has had 2 pumps in 30k.

Mine got so bad I could barely turn the wheel driving to the dealer.

The PS pump also supports the booster for the brakes, so don't let it get bad.

.......Jim

 

Thanks for the reply. Does anyone on here know a good Dodge dealer mechanic that I could call to ask about this. Thanks for any help. LM

 

I wonder if it could be the nature of our front ends and the 4x4 system? Since the front driveshaft is always spinning even when you are in 2wd, when you turn the wheel at slow speeds it can cause the font axle and driveshaft to accelerate their rotation.

All of this would be driven off the power steering pump, so if it were getting weak it might magnify the effect of the weak pump?

 

Dealer has a PS pressure and flow tester that does good job of diagnoising. A slipping belt is also a possibility.

 

Mine has done this from time to time since new. I now have 76K miles on her. I'm gonna say nature of the beast.

 

I had a control valve in steering box causing similar problem. Would loose power assist on right turn at any speed. Brakes still worked fine.

 

How did you or the dealer fix that problem? New box or was it repaired? LM

 

Replaced the steering box. Had this same problem with two trucks. Replaced steering box on both trucks fixed problem. Had no power assist when turning right, left turns were ok. Was covered by warranty.