OT Dodge weak power steering

fixerupper · Nov 1, 2009

98 Dodge Cummins heavy 1 ton power steering seems weak. It doesn't matter if it's heavy loaded of empty, the steering seems slow and hard. I almost try to avoid jockeying around on a cement surface cause it takes so much effort to turn the wheel. Driving down the road isn't bad but it seems like it should be a little easier. Is anybody out there an expert on this subject. Automotive power steering is something I've never been involved in much. Yes I do have a book.Jim

ScottyHOMeY · Nov 1, 2009

I'm assuming you've checked it but if not, do. My '03 w/Cummins got stiff. The cap had fallen of the P/S reservoir and the fluid was down. I paid a scandalous price for a new cap and found the source of the trouble. There is no positive latch for the cap. There's a spot where there's some downward tension on it, but there is no point that it latches in. 40k miles later, same deal, new cap.

fixerupper · Nov 1, 2009

It does leak fluid and it gets noisy if it's low. I have to re-fill every five thousand miles or so. There's roughly 300,000 miles on it and I assume it's the steering that was on it from the factory. I would think if this problem was caused by worn parts the steering would get progessively worse as the fluid warmed up but it's this way all the time, hot or cold. The first thing that comes to my mind is a weak relief valve somewhere. Can this be a cause? Jim

oj · Nov 1, 2009

My 98 3/4 ton has gone through 3 pumps in the last 5 years, the first signs of failure have been a lack of steering on start-up when it"s cold outside, then it gets worse... are your brakes working OK? the power steering pump also powers the power brakes, once my pump got bad the brakes didn"t want to work when the oil was cold either. Not a big job to change the pump, just fiddly... Could also be the valve gear in the steering box not working right, having re-read your post that sound like it might be the problem... good luck, oj

fixerupper · Nov 1, 2009

Brakes work OK all the time. I'm beginning to get the idea it's in the valving. Now that I think back, if my memory serves me right, I do notice a little jump in the steering the first time I step on the brakes in the morning. Thanks for the ideas so far.Jim

OT Dodge weak power steering

fixerupper

Well-known Member

ScottyHOMeY

Well-known Member

fixerupper

Well-known Member

oj

Member

fixerupper

Well-known Member

Similar threads