bigfoot

I seem to be developing a problem with the steering on my 02 3500. To describe the problem, sometimes the steering feels very loose (as in road walking or having to over steer).
Then at other times feels tight (as in move the wheel a little and turn a lot).
I have checked the tie rods, lug nuts, and all of the steering components but see nothing loose or worn.
The truck has 172000 on it. I have replaced the shocks and the upper and lower ball joints at 120000 and have had regular maintenance preformed.

Has anyone else had this problem and if so what was the cure.

TIMMY22

check your track bar.

cameroneod

Steering box could be wearing out. You have any leaks?

bigfoot

There is no slack in the steering box. I think it is ok.


The track bar, what is the procedure for checking it. Sorry to sound so dumb but have not had the need until now to know.

lews930

Sounds like your typical sorry dodge truck. The easiest fix is to spend a lot of money and wait for the next problem to arise

Have someone turn the steering wheel with engine off and carefully inspect the shaft of the steering box. My guess is you'll see play there just like my truck. I replace everything up front and still have a wander. that is what is causing my problem

lewis

Dartmouth 12V

The best way to check the entire front end is to have a friend turn the wheel while you lie under the truck. Make sure they turn it both ways because the loose items tend to show up when they go from turning it one way to turning it the other. On the steering box, you want to see whethere there is any delay between the input turning and the pitman turning. On the track bar, look at the frame end of it and see whether it moves at all when they turn the wheel back and forth. The track bar is tricky because even 1/4" of play can make the truck a real bear to steer.

CORed

I believe there are two adjustments on the steering gear. One on the input shaft side and another allen screw on top of the gear towards the front. If your input shaft turns when someone turns the wheel, but the output has a delay, start with the input gear side. There are instructions on how to do this somewhere. The little allen screw on top of the gear is for minor adjustments. I know someone on here can describe both better than me.

CORed

bigfoot

Thanks to all I new I would get good info and not a brand name slamming contest.
That is the beauty of this site .
I’ll try the things that have been listed and report back.

lews930

Lets face it. if Ford had a Cummins available you'd buy it. If it was a Yugo with a cummins you'd buy it. I was trying to make light of a situation that happens to every Dodge truck built. period.


good luck with your fix