steering issues

[Spinalguy]

Turning left and right, the steering feels like its 'ratchety'. Left is worse than right.
Power steer fluid is full.
Belts are good.
Does it seem like my pump is going?
If i replace the pump, i have heard that replacing the reservoir should also be done at the same time.
What say you, oh wise CJA mechanics?

[Pookapotamus]

what vehicle?

[Spinalguy]

i didn't mention vehicle because the issue is not vehicle specific.
Its my Ram2500

[SwampSinger]

I'm no mechanic but that does not sound like the pump Tom. May be your steering box is shot. There's gears in  it...

Usually if your pump would be going, it would scream one way or the other (similar noise as when you crank your steering to the max but louder)...

I would go and see the guys at Hydra steer behind the Gear Center...They did a great job for me numerous times. Show your CJA card... they will put your invoice on the CJA cash account and you'll get a deal.

I hope this help

Cheers

[Hi Lo Silver]

wrong vehicle....deleted

[cLAY]

Nice guys at Hydra Steer but I've never had any luck there. First time they ordered me the wrong steering shaft for my 2003 Ram 3500. 2nd time I got a rebuilt power steering box from them and it leaked straight out of the side of the body thru the casting( known to happen on that era of Dodge rams).

The third time is what REALLY PO'd me.  Took a steering pump to them from a heavy truck at work for testing as the vehicle was slow and hard to turn. THey said it was ok. So I had them rebuild the box. Still slow. After messing around for a whole day I finally swapped another pump on and viloa! the thing steers. I pulled the box off and had it rebuilt for NOTHING! Boss not impressed....

Is it a 2nd gen diesel truck(yes it does matter), if so then the brake system is a hydra boost design and the power steering pump provides brake boost as well. The pump is gear driven off of the the back of the engine timing cover)actually off of the back of the vacuum pump which is mounted on the timing cover).  So as you can see, in your case, its VERY vehicle specific. A problem in the brake boost can cause problems in the steering. IS the problem more noticable when braking? Any problems with vacuum actuated accerssories(heat, cruise, 4wd)?

I would post your question on these VEHICLE SPECIFIC sites, they know even more about this than I do:   

http://abdiesels.com/forum/index.php?act=idx
http://www.dieseltruckresource.com/dev/index.php

[Spinalguy]

geez...i thought the vehicle would not matter. :doh:
i did have the crank seal and timing cover gasket replaced very recently.
Clay, do you think something was not hooked up right?
or
i do notice that the brake fluid is not at max but also not at Min (in between).

Thanks Dom.

[cLAY]

I doubt it. Shouldn't have to mess with that stuff for the timing cover.

The hydraulic brake system is separate from the brake boost system so the fluid level shouldn't affect anything.

If the brake feel hasn't changed lately and they are pulsating then the pump is most likely ok. Might have to start looking at the mechanicals, box, steering shaft(Dodge never could seem to build a decent steering shaft) or perhaps a ball joint? Watch the wheels moving while someone steers the wheel back and forth, are the wheels physically jumping when they move or are they moving smoothly?

[Spinalguy]

new ball joints so we can rule that out.
Damn...steer box and stuff.

[Spinalguy]

no difference if i am on the brakes turning.
A better way to describe it is the steering wheel feels like it pulsates tiny increments against the direction i am turning.
i know i could check out dodge forums but i am on too many as it is, i don't need yet another forum, lol.
Besides, there is so much knowledge mechanically on this site, i thought i would ask here.
Thanks!

[Immortal]

Hey Tom, just for S & Giggles.... have you checked the wheel lugs? I had a (new to me) work truck that was steering in "jerky increments" the first time I drove it. Half of the lugs were loose on the 4 tires. They had just had a tire rotation done. I tightened them all up, and it solved the issue.

[Bnine]

Does it stick when returning to center after a corner Tom?

A ujoin in the steering shaft, or even a worn steering colum can have that effect. Couplt more things to check...................

[Spinalguy]

i will check lugs. i have checked them twice after i got the new rims/tires and a couple lugs needed torque. i will check again.

it does not stick, it really is a pulsating feeling that pulses against the way i am turning. It is subtle but noticeable.
i will check the ujoint on the shaft. Actually, i do remember once my jeep did that and it was that ujoint in the shaft.
Thanks again everyone.