Bad power steering pump or bad rack and pinion?

[Harry Paratestes]

Is there any easy way to tell whether I have a bad rack or power steering pump in my newly bought 04 Ram 4x4?
No leaks and i took out fluid from pump and put new atf+4, jacked up front wheels and turned wheel left to right about 15 times then did it with it running to try bleed air. Power steering works when giving it gas and when moving. No noise really. Has a remanufactured pump on it but no idea how old.
Doesnt shake when driving. Is there an easy way to tell if its the rack or pump thats bad?

 

[Dean2]

If it gives proper assist at higher RPM, it is the pump or hydraulic system, not the rack. It is possible the power steering fluid line has an issue constricting fluid flow or you have air in the system still. Other than that, the pump is not pumping enough pressure at idle.

 

[Harry Paratestes]

If it gives proper assist at higher RPM, it is the pump or hydraulic system, not the rack. It is possible the power steering fluid line has an issue constricting fluid flow or you have air in the system still. Other than that, the pump is not pumping enough pressure at idle.

Awesome. Thank you! Ill try getting all the fluid out again and bleeding the system again

 

[Dean2]

Awesome. Thank you! Ill try getting all the fluid out again and bleeding the system again

Taking the fluid out just puts more air in that you have to get out. Work on get any air out. If there is no air or bubbles coming to the top while some one moves the wheel lock to lock slowly, then check that you don't have a collapsed, or partly blocked, high pressure or return hose.

Beyond that, time for a new pump.

 

[Harry Paratestes]

Taking the fluid out just puts more air in that you have to get out. Work on get any air out. If there is no air or bubbles coming to the top while some one moves the wheel lock to lock slowly, then check that you don't have a collapsed, or partly blocked, high pressure or return hose.

Beyond that, time for a new pump.

Im suspecting the previous owner may have not used atf+4 that these call for. Just judging by his poor maintenance practices. I figured if i drain all fluid ( i already used a baster to take out the fluid in reservoir and added new atf+4)
When i do the air bleeding i thought I read to put front wheels in air and do 15 back and fourths with the truck not running and then do the same with it running. This is the correct procedure, right?

 

[Harry Paratestes]

Taking the fluid out just puts more air in that you have to get out. Work on get any air out. If there is no air or bubbles coming to the top while some one moves the wheel lock to lock slowly, then check that you don't have a collapsed, or partly blocked, high pressure or return hose.

Beyond that, time for a new pump.

I also dont have anyone to turn the wheel while i look in the reservoir so not sure how i can tell if it has air in it?

 

[Dean2]

I also dont have anyone to turn the wheel while i look in the reservoir so not sure how i can tell if it has air in it?

Well, the only way to know for sure is to look. You need to get the kid next door, a work buddy to give ylu a hand. The other option, put your phone on video and film the resevoir while you turn the wheel. Just need to rig up something to hold it in place while filming.

If you still have the wrong fluid in it, then yes you should drain it all and put the right fluid in. Your purge air method is correct but it can take more than 15 cycles.

 

[Harry Paratestes]

Well, the only way to know for sure is to look. You need to get the kid next door, a work buddy to give ylu a hand. The other option, put your phone on video and film the resevoir while you turn the wheel. Just need to rig up something to hold it in place while filming.

If you still have the wrong fluid in it, then yes you should drain it all and put the riggt fluid in.

I dont have a job and my neighbors are all old single ladies that wouldnt even be able to get into my truck lol
Ill have to try to figure out how to rig up something to film from my phone