When the temp started to drop I noticed that when i started my truck the power steering pump would whine , when I turned the wheel or stepped on the brake pedal. But it would go away when everything warmed up. Now It whines all the time, I checked the dip stick and the oil was really foamy. Do any of you guys have any suggestions. I need HELP.

 

Change the fluid, put in a good synthetic power steering fluid. The old stuff is worn out.

 

Is this a common problem, after a phone call I heard that these trucks are prone to this

 

you could have water in it as well.

get your wifes turkey baster and suck out as much as you can. then refill.

 

My brother said take off the return line and dump it into a bucket as I keep dumping in new fluid. sound like it could be I challeng but I like being able to steer.

 

Either way will work. When I use a pump to suck out the contents of the reservoir, I will do it 3 or 4 times. Empty the reservoir and refill, drive the truck for a day, then repeat. It really is amazing what fresh synthetic PS fluid will do!

 

Well I don't know about on a 98,,,,but power steering fluid took out my pump on my 04. It calls for ATF+4 on the later model's. Might want to check on that.

 

The manual says not to use ATF. I flushed it this morn, and put fresh stuff in, what came out of that pump looked like a foamy oil/water mix that was dark brown. I also cut some off the return hose end and looped it behind the supply hose so it won't be higher than the resivior. Mechanic at dodge said to do it, and it shouldnt be a problem again.

 

No wonder it was making noise!

 

I might be having problems with my power steering too. Where is this pump located?

 

Low on the driver's side of the engine, near the front.