has any one lost both at the same time.. especially while turning left in front of a tractor trailer and behind a soccer mom? checked p/s fluid clear and does not appear to be moving. No visible leaks and everything else seems to work. a little irritated because this could have been disastrous if i had the boat on. Which is where i was headed to pick up. Where do I start?
'99 3500 dually

 

it the belt still on and alternator charging? it occasionally happens that the tensioner(spring loaded) fails and allows most of the accessories to function somewhat normally, but the high load items(powersteering pump) will slip and not effectively turn the pulley. check the tension

 

Power steering pump on a Cummins is gear driven, no belts or pulley involved.
You didn't say if it did just once or continues to do it. If just once perhaps the pump some got a gulp of air.

 

I wish it was only a one time thing. This happened yesterday.. and it's still broken. I guess i was hoping for the dodge fairy to fix it overnight. I checked the belt first thing. I always carry a spare and was hoping it would be an easy fix. That's when i discovered it's not a belt driven thing. and how does the power steering have anything to do with the brakes?

 

not sure on the 99s but im pretty sure the new ones get their power brake hydraulicly thru the ps pump (as opposed thru vacuum like most cars)

 

hydraboost, power steering pump provides the power assist for the breaks hydraulically.

 

My guess then if it's out all the time now that the PS pump has gone south.
About the only other things that can fail on the hydraulic system result in a leak.
Don't even ask the dealer how much they want for one. Check here first, call him on the phone he's happy to talk about your problem. It might be a very simple fix.
www.fixinrams.com

 

the bad thing about hydroboost systems. You spring a leak or your pump goes bad you have no power steering and no brakes. Price you have to bay on diesels with no vacuum pumps.

 

[B]FOUND IT![B]Ears broke off of vacuum generator! no ears no pump drive.
p/s pump $100.00
vacuum generator $480.00
finally having a repair on my truck cost less than a grand....well, not exactly priceless

 

Dont know about your rig, but mine is belt driven. I had to go and check yesterday to confirm. Maybe the 3rd gens are different than the 2nds?

 

Exactly.
I was answering to the original poster who has an '01

 

but you said powersteering on a cummins is gear driven, you didnt specify.
nevermind.