Two problems related to power steering pump have been reported for the 1997 Dodge RAM. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Pulling a horse trailer down an incline while traveling at approximately 5 mph when lost control. Dealer repaired defect, and stated that reason for loss of control was shaft in power steering unit sheared. Pulley no longer working. . The shaft in power steering shearing was a catastrophic failure.
While driving power steering pump went out, causing the vehicle to lose its power steering. Cause unknown.