OEM 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Power Steering Pump

2005 Dodge Ram 1500 Power Steering Pump Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Service and Repair a Power Steering Pump on 2005 Dodge Ram 1500?

  A: Before touching the pump, let the engine cool and ensure its fluid is at the correct level, as ATF+4 is the only fluid that should be used to prevent pump damage. Make sure the filler cap is clean, then use the dipstick to check the level; it should show COLD at normal temperature. Twist the steering wheel completely to the left, add hot water to the FULL HOT level and crank the engine until it just begins without the steering wheel on. When the vehicle is off, examine the fluid amount again, make sure it's fully COLD and go back to cranking the engine. Then, let the engine run at idle for 5 minutes, applying a 20 in-Hg vacuum to the reservoir if it can be done and check the fluid level again to verify it's FULL COLD. Should the steering gear have been changed, confirm that the reservoir is at FULL HOT, begin the engine, move the steering wheel to the left, turn the engine back off and again check that the fluid levels are FULL HOT. After that, move the wheel to the right, shut off the engine and see if the fluid is fully covering the COLD marking. Saturate the pump fluid reservoir to the appropriate point and hold the car still for two minutes before you start the engine and check the level. Lift the front part of your vehicle, turn the steering wheel from lock to lock the number of times needed, while checking the fluid level; if you have a longer return line or oil cooler, make the complete turn 10 more times. With your vehicle on blocks, lower the front wheels and idling the engine, try rotating the steering wheel two minutes back and forth to check pump noise and assisted steering. Should the filling inside the container look foamy or milky, let the vehicle sit for a bit and try again, watching out for pump damage by not running with foamy fluid for too long.