Hello,

I have a 2003 3500 CTD 2WD. Power steering started acting up last week. When I checked the fluid level it was full and there was a noticeable “pop” like I had released a vacuum when I removed the filler cap.

It’s been getting worst as time goes by. I was about to buy a new pump & pulley today when a coworker mentioned that when he had his 3500 he had a similar problem. He said he pulled the hoses from the pump and found a clogged screen. After cleaning and servicing the system, he said all was fine.

Can anyone expand on this?

Thanks
Vic

 

The "pop" when you open the cap is from poor venting or possibly clogged vent in the cap. The pressure build up typically causes fluid leaks though not performance problems. The gray "dip stick" part comes of the black top of the cap and you can check the small vent passage isnt clogged or there are several threads on here discussing how to modify the cap to vent better.

Need more details on how your steering is acting up to be sure....but i would say the steering gear is a more likely suspect than the pump. Do you have any loss of power in the brakes? hydroboost for brakes is driven by ps pump also so problems with the pump will usually show up in the brakes also.
Gear boxes are pretty undersized for these trucks with weak azz sector shaft,etc. There are some options if its the gear box, either rebuilt from redhead steering gear, or the new burly azz mopar box for the new trucks.

 

So I get home and see that now, in one day, the fluid is very low. Wasn't low when all this started. Topped it off, had the wife start the truck while I watched underneath. Steady stream of fluid from the pump.

Two hours and a new pump later. All better. Just got out of the shower and will test drive it shortly but it seamed fine after a good bleeding.

Didn't want to get the leather seats all dirty.

I cleaned the cap but did not check the vent. Will follow up with that this weekend.

Thanks

Vic