@font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } My steering is increasingly becoming more and more difficult to steer, so I think I’m going to replace the steering pump. And in doing so, it sounds like from what I’ve read, that I should also replace the vacuum pump seal at the same time, although I don’t think mine is leaking. I guess my questions are: is it most likely the steering pump that is causing the difficult steering, if so, is the OEM pump a better pump and worth the extra cost? And it looks like a can get a Cummins vacuum seal on ebay for $20, is that a smart move?? Should I do hoses ??

thanx

 

I had a similar problem, replaced the steering pump only to find out it was the steering gear box...not the pump! Double check yours so you don't wind up buying both like I did! Chances are your pump is just fine...

Also, it would help if you listed your truck details so others can respond as well.

 

im sorry: 2005, 3500 5.9 6 speed

 

Odds are it is the steering gear box. Assuming you are feeling the same thing I had, steering felt at times like there was no power steering and the steering wheel would sorta lock up. These are known to fail as a result of the dreaded death wobble hammering, and I had lots of it!

When I went to the local rip off shop (dodge dealer) to order one, they could not find any available anywhere in their system...what does that tell you, must be a popular item! Fortunately aftermarket parts houses (CarQuest in my case) had access to rebuilt ones that carry a one year warranty.

 

The dealers are experiencing a national back-order on the steering gear boxes at this time. However; if you purchase one at a local auto parts store, the re-manufactured boxes are hit and miss and may not last as long as you would expect it to. If you want a quality product that provides a better steering feel and response over a basic rebuild.,Contact RedHead for the gear box.

http://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/