Dodge RAM 1500 1998 Owner's Manual page 1657

19 - 2 STEERING
STEERING (Continued)
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - POWER STEERING
SYSTEM
There is some noise in all power steering systems. One of the most common is a hissing sound evident at a
standstill parking. Or when the steering wheel is at the end of it's travel. Hiss is a high frequency noise similar
to that of a water tap being closed slowly. The noise is present in all valves that have a high velocity fluid passing
through an orifice. There is no relationship between this noise and steering performance.
CONDITION
OBJECTIONAL HISS OR
WHISTLE
RATTLE OR CLUNK
CHIRP OR SQUEAL
WHINE OR GROWL
SUCKING AIR SOUND
SCRUBBING OR
KNOCKING
STEERING NOISE
POSSIBLE CAUSES
1. Steering intermediate shaft to dash panel
seal.
2. Noisy valve in power steering gear.
1. Gear mounting bolts loose.
2. Loose or damaged suspension
components.
3. Internal gear noise.
4. Pressure hose in contact with other
components.
5. Loose or damaged intermediate shaft or
column.
1. Loose belt.
1. Low fluid level.
2. Pressure hose in contact with other
components.
3. Internal pump noise.
4. Air in fluid
1. Loose return line clamp.
2. O-ring missing or damaged on hose
fitting.
3. Low fluid level.
4. Air leak between pump and reservoir.
5. Reservoir cap not installed correctly.
1. Wrong tire size.
CORRECTION
1. Check and repair seal at dash
panel.
2. Replace steering gear.
1. Tighten bolts to specification.
2. Inspect and repair suspension.
3. Replace steering gear.
4. Reposition hose.
5. Inspect and repair or replace.
1. Adjust or replace.
1. Fill to proper level.
2. Reposition hose.
3. Replace pump.
4. Check for lekas, Evacuate air
from P/S system.
1. Replace clamp.
2. Replace o-ring.
3. Fill to proper level.
4. Repair as necessary.
5. Install reservoir cap correctly.
1. Verify tire size.
DR