Three problems related to power steering pump have been reported for the 2000 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Power steering pump went out while driving my 2000 Dodge Dakota with only 60,000 miles. Apparently the main seal blew out and all fluid leaked out causing difficult steering. Required that the entire pump be replaced.
The power steering pump failed (with no warning), causing me to lose control of my truck as it went around a corner. I lost control of the vehicle momentarily, due to the unexpected heavyness of the streeing and the low speed (about 10 mph). I did regain regained control and avoided hitting the cars in the oncoming lanes. I made it home, parked the truck until I could bring it in for service. The truck was not drivable around town with the power steering broken. I took it to the dealer and they replaced the power steering pump unit (part #52106253af). I believe I disposed of the unit. My truck is a 2000 Dodge Dakota quad cab 4x4 with the 4. 7 and automatic. The mileage on the truck was only 32,501, but the dealer told me the in service date of 23 June 2000 put the truck out of the warrantee period. Cost of the repair was $501. 23. The truck has not seen any off-road abuse and is responsibly driven.
Power steering pump went bad, causing a major leak of power steering fluid to be sprayed throughout the engine compartment, causing both the power steering to fail while driving and causing the drive train belt to begin slipping.