The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. No accident occurred in either instance, but very difficult to drive a truck home when you are still 400 miles from there with no power steering on a Sunday. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized and could not be turned left. The loss of power steering on a vehicle this size, especially if towing a large load, could be, and probably would be very dangerous. The vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. I was offered a free oil change and was told because the truck was out of warranty they would;D not offer any assistance.
My father is also a mechanic, and he gave me this instruction. Possible signs of low power steering fluid include a whining, squealing, or clunking noise when steering. It is recommended changing out the brake fluid in these trucks every 30,000 miles or 24 months. It terrifies me to think what may happen if this unit was to fail while I was navigating these roads. Changing it, if needed, is a no-brainer process that'll pay off in the long run with the extended life of your Ram. Turning the wheel back and forth a few times will help remove any air bubbles from the power steering system. The manufacturer was notified of the failure.
This video shows you how to fix minor power steering fluid leaks in your 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. The power steering pump draws fluid in. The failure mileage was 54,300. I was just told by an auto repair man that my 2002 olds alero's power steering fluid can only be accessed and therefor filled by the dealer because of a special tool needed to open the compartment. The contact stated that while driving in reverse, she turned the steering wheel and heard an abnormal squeaking noise. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed the steering shaft connecting to the steering box had fractured. Please take action to force Dodge to correct this design flaw before someone dies.
The mechanic diagnosed that there was a pinion nut failure. In addition, the contact stated that the wipers were activated but failed to function. I had the dealer fix the rack and pinion both times. Further investigation reveled a large puddle of power steering fluid on my garage floor. At the time the truck had 62000 kms and 3 months past it's warranty and has not been driven off road. Tires wore out at 27,000 miles.
This simple maintenance operation will keep your power steering running efficiently and quietly for years to come. The failure mileage was 60,000. . Here's how to tighten it back up again. Step 6 — Turn wheels all the way left and right again Be sure your truck is not running! This article applies to the Dodge Ram 2009-present. The approximate failure mileage was 156,000. This article applies to the Dodge Ram 1500 2007-2013.
The contact noticed that there was also fluid leaking from the vehicle. By - July 29, 2015 This article applies to the Dodge Ram 1500 1994-2008. Very dangerous situation in traffic. The next day I brought it to the dealer and had it looked at. Standard Metric Fluid Spec Note Air Cond Refrigerant 5.
Remove additional fluid that has appeared from the steering wheel turn. If the vent is blocked, you could possibly blow a pressure hose! What I had read was to do all this, then start the car and turn the steering lock-to-lock at least once, until you get more or less clear fluid out. The contact also stated that the power steering fluid leaked continuously. All Dodge 2002 pickup have problems with steering. Do not re-center the wheel. Looking online there are numerous complains of the this part having to be changed out many times in the course of the trucks life. Power steering fluid is typically clear, pink or red in color and is oily to the touch.
Inquires on the web led me to this site, and proved that this is definitly not an isolated incident. Checking your power steering fluid regularly is the easiest way to maintain your power steering system. Shaking is so violent that the driver is bounced around in the seat, momentarily airborne and itesm in the truck fly around. It is recommended changing out the brake fluid in these trucks every 30,000 miles or 24 months. I hope it can be fixed. Sounds like Chrysler should be buying these trucks back so all there customers dont have to risk there lives driving down the road in a poor designed vehicle the produced.
Pro Tip Your power steering fill cap is vented, so while you have it, why not give it a good scrubbing with soap and hot water to be certain the vent hole isn't clogged? I have been sucking out 6 oz or so at a time and then refilling. Go on online to autozone and put your Chrysler 300 in the your vehicle section, and when you go to power steering fluid, they will tell you exactly what your car uses. Step 2 — Check the condition of your fluid This is a simple operation. A funnel and paper towels help keep things neat and reduce smoking, as spilled fluids burn off the block. A major accident is on the horizon for this poor design.