Last May I replaced my steering box and Power steering pump as the steering box failed and filled everything full of metal shavings. I installed a new pump and box and flushed out the system multiple times until it was all clean. Recently my steering has been getting worse and worse where it is impossible to back up my trailer. I thought it would be a simple power steering pump change so I changed it lastnight with a new one from Dodge. Smae issues still. Does anyone thing it would be the hydroboost or the steering box going again?? My brakes are ok but not the greatest. Any ideas or help would be greatly appreciated...

 

Anyone????

 

I checked all the other threads on this with no real good answer. Gonna start to spend some "maybe it's this" money....

 

dodgediesel,

I have replaced two steering boxes on my truck. I only have about 37K miles on it. I hate to say this, but I'll bet you're steering box is going out again. They must be a very poor design. Also, check your frame around the steering box carefully for cracks. Mine was cracked and the 2nd time they fixed it they found the cracks, welded them up, and no problems since.

Hope this helps.

 

Thanks so much for all the help. It's so weird that such a big steering box could be so poor. I have a 1980 Powerwagon on 40" Boggers with a steering box 1/2 the size and I can turn the wheel with my pinkie on any surface!!!

 

It was disappointing for me too. It just started getting harder and harder to steer (especially backing trailers while on pavement). Fortunately, I was under extended warranty for both of them.

I have an '09 Ford F150, and the steering gear box failed at just over 3K miles. They replaced it and no more problems yet. Up to this point, after owning probably a dozen trucks, these are the first 2 that I've ever had any problems with the steering gear boxes. I'm easy on stuff too, so it's just strange.

Good luck with your truck. BTW, that cracked frame on mine was found because I kept hearing a "popping" noise when I turned it at slow speeds. I forgot to mention that in my earlier post.

 

Yup, it has to be the steering box. Changed both the PS Pump and the Hydroboost, no difference!!!!

 

Maybe you'll get a good one this time. I don't know if there is a decent aftermarket box or not. I've been good on this 3rd one so far, but at the 1st sign of binding, I'm taking it back in (still on extended warranty).

Good luck.

 

red head steering gears. oversized bearings, better build than stock. i also put a magnefine in line filter to polish the atf fluid before it tears anything up.

 

I am having similar problems, along with an "growl" noise sometimes when turning. Does anyone know if the 07.5 gear box is a direct bolt in to my 03? I assume it is but the powersteering pump is different and I didn't want to get in the middle of the swap to find there is a different thread on the cooler line or something stupid. I have a good one from a 07.5 is why I ask.