Hello everyone.

Recently my 2001 Ram started having stiff steering, and a noticable whine with pressure on the brake pedel. Now I've pretty much lost power steering and brakes both and am noticing a leak. PS fluid looks like foamy chocolate milk.

Where should I start, and what is the worst case senerio dollar wise. I've had this truck a 1.5yrs and it's been killing me in repair costs.

Thanks

 

First thing I would do is flush the system and put some synthetic PS fluid back in. Go to Autozone and get an inline PS system filter to put on it also. Maybe this is all you need and will be the cheapest thing to try first.

 

There is a flow piston inside the pressure port on the back side of the pump. It is about a 1 inch fitting. Remove the hose, the fitting, the piston and the spring. Pay attention to the direction and the order. If I remember correctly the spring should be just over 1 1/2 inches long. Disassembling the piston requires a vice, the nut is very tight. Clean the screen with brake cleaner. Flushing can be done using a turkey baster. Refill, run the engine turning the wheel from lock to lock a few times. It is best to jack the tires off the ground to keep from breaking a belt. Repeat the baster/refill thing about 6 times and most of the fluid will then be new. It should be fairly clear.

Could someone tell me how to insert a picture, rather than a thumbnail?