i have a 98 ram 2500 4x4, 5.9 24v. lately i hear a light grinding noise when i turn left or rignt. it seems fine driving stright ahead. has anyone else had this problem before or know what the problem is?

 

Are you using the brakes while turning? otherwise I'd guess a bad wheel bearing

 

i thought it might be the brakes also, but it still makes the noise without brakes applied. i don't notice it at high speeds.

 

it's probably U-joints starting to go out.

when you go straight U-joints turn in a straight arc vs when you turn wheel in either direction. now U-joins has to flex in a greater arc.

this also applies to CV joint shafts. fine when goes straight but crunches when turning.

 

that makes sense. have you replaced these before? if so, are they a b***h to replace?

 

If it's in the rear could need additive in the dif.

 

I would bet on Wheelhub assembly. Jack up the front end and try to move tire side to side. If it is to the point you are hearing a grinding noise you should be albe to feel some play. Also, just spin the wheel and you can check the noize against the other wheel as a ref. If you hear a difference then pretty sure you have a bearing out. I replaced both of mine in the last 2 years and the sympton was the same. wheel hub assembly from Napa is around $350-400 takes about 1.5 hrs to change.

 

do you feel it in the steering column? or is it a moving part velocity type of grinding? might be a bad column bushing
http://www.rocksolidramtrucksteering.com/

 

no i do not feel it at the wheel. it does have a lot of slack in the steering. could it be related?

 

Maybe steering box, Dodge's recirculating ***** ain't the best.

 

i was just reading about a clock spring. the guy said " you will know if your clock spring is out if you hear it rubbing when you turn and air bag light is on or cruise control doesn't work". my cruise has never worked well when i got the truck and stopped working around the time i started hearing the noise. what is a clock spring?

 

There was a recall out for the dealer to replace free of charge. The clock spring is a little arm/ contact that transmits elex pwr by rubbing against a disc plate. if it were to break it could cause a grinding noise if it was digging in to the plate. Check with he dealer to see if yours has been replaced.

 

i will do that, thanks.

 

i tried all of that, it all sounds and feels ok.

 

http://www.rocksolidramtrucksteering.com/