'01 Ram 1500 4x4, power steering quit

Hey guys,

My power steering quit suddenly tonight. I expected to see a blown hose or broken serpentine belt, but a quick look with a flashlight everything looks good. Reservoir has fluid in it. Did my pump just go bad?

Grab the pulley and see if it slides out of the pump.

Okay, sounds like a plan.

Seemed tight by hand, but a slight twist of a pry bar between the pump and pulley and the shaft popped out. With the shaft snapping off, should the system be flushed before installing the new pump?

You could flush it. I am not sure why they snap like that. There are filter kits available. My experience is put a pump on and drive it. Years back we had some new jeeps and a few trucks that broke. Might just be a brittle shaft.

I tried to remove a sprocket off my old pump and it snapped off like that. I got a reman at napa and it's been a good pump even with oversize tires.

I went to the pick & pull and got one cheap for $17. Added a $12 pint of Lucas power steering "honey" and the system was smooth and quiet. Then added regular P/S fluid to top off the system, and now it hums and has occasional dead spots. Back on the road quickly, but not sure how long it will live. Next time NAPA.