I have a 2009 ram 1500 4X4 5.7L that I just finished an engine install on. Prior to the engine install there were not issues with the steering system, but after I finished when I start the truck after letting it sit for an hour or more I have to crank the wheel both directions with no felt assist, after turning lock to lock (or close to it) the assist comes back and stays while I drive around. I left the pump attached to the lines and set it aside in the engine bay while performing the swap, so Im thinking I pinched a line or dislodged some dirt that went where it should not be. Cap stayed on but reservoir was upside down for awhile. Im hoping someone that knows more about this system can point me towards something that may have been affected. It seems like its just bleeding down while its sitting and needs to be "recharged" by sweeping the wheel each time I get in it.
Have not heard of this specific problem before. Hope you post what you find. I have hydroboost installed utilizing the power steering pump pressure with no issues.
After some more trips and trying different things I found I do not have to go lock to lock, I can go all the way one way, and a bit into the other direction and if I go slow enough the assist returns.... weird :facepalm:
It may be getting air locked. Odd that it would do that after being cleared one time out it’s possible. Two things you can try. Drain the tank by removing the rerun line or sucking it out then refill slowly and start truck and top off. Second thing get a vacuum pump and pull a vacuum on the system thru the cap location. This will pull all the air out of the system and should resolve the issue. Dodge has had a tab for air in power steering systems for awhile now. Some people have the issue others don’t.
I would create my own custom return setup to perform some diagnostics. Bypass the cooler by disconnecting the power steering lines at the cooler. Get yourself a 5 gallon bucket and pour a few quarts of ATF+4 in the bucket. Then I would extend my lines into the bucket with some vacuum unions and some ⅜" rubber hose. Zip tie the lines to the handle of the bucket to make sure they stay in the bucket once the engine is started.
With the return and pressure lines in the bucket and the engine running you will be able to see what is happening to the fluid. If there is an issue such as pump cavitation or foaming of the fluid you can see it in the bucket.
If you pull the cap off of the reservoir do you hear a gurgling sound or anything like that?
I have handled the power steering pumps just like you did for years and years. I pull the bolts and let it hang or lay on the ground. I've had them upside down for days on end and never experienced an issue like this.
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