Steering Gear Box Output Shaft Broke
10-10-2014, 06:28 AM
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Steering Gear Box Output Shaft Broke
Help - Steering Gear Box Output/Pitman Shaft Broke
Does anyone know why this would occur, especially with a RedHead box?
After stopping for fuel yesterday I noticed my steering wheel off-centered by approximately 1/4 turn. I looked at the tie rod assembly & adjuster and everything looked tight. I continued home cautiously for the next 50 miles around some very sharp and high curves, without problem; however, as soon as I stopped to back in my driveway I heard a loud pop and then no steering. The steering gear box (RedHead) output/pitman shaft had completely broke. At closer inspection, judging by the discoloration, it appeared to have been partially cracked for some time. This could have been extremely serious, had it broken anywhere else. Why & how do we keep this from happening again? Thanks everyone ahead of time!!!
Does anyone know why this would occur, especially with a RedHead box?
After stopping for fuel yesterday I noticed my steering wheel off-centered by approximately 1/4 turn. I looked at the tie rod assembly & adjuster and everything looked tight. I continued home cautiously for the next 50 miles around some very sharp and high curves, without problem; however, as soon as I stopped to back in my driveway I heard a loud pop and then no steering. The steering gear box (RedHead) output/pitman shaft had completely broke. At closer inspection, judging by the discoloration, it appeared to have been partially cracked for some time. This could have been extremely serious, had it broken anywhere else. Why & how do we keep this from happening again? Thanks everyone ahead of time!!!
10-12-2014, 08:43 AM
#2
There is no G. There is no G. Repeat after me, THERE IS NO G!
That's interesting the output shaft broke. Usually it is tie rod ends that are the weak link. First thing I wonder if the metallurgy if the sector shaft was defective. Next thing I wonder is how much your steering linkage/axle is moving under there. Do you have a steering box stabilizer on the truck?
It makes sense though that a steering part failed at low/no speed. That is when parts are under the most pressure because the tires are not rotating to alleviate steering input pressure.
Have you called Redhead yet? What did they think about the break?
It makes sense though that a steering part failed at low/no speed. That is when parts are under the most pressure because the tires are not rotating to alleviate steering input pressure.
Have you called Redhead yet? What did they think about the break?
10-12-2014, 09:03 PM
#3
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Definitely call red head! I have never seen one of there sector shafts break. Take several GOOD pics of it and try to show the discoloration and ask if you can email them to them.
10-13-2014, 10:32 PM
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10-17-2014, 07:07 PM
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10-25-2014, 12:09 PM
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I saw a few boxes/shafts like this in the scrap bin at Steering Solutions, when I asked Randy he said that they (Dodge) had continued to upgrade the steering/steering box until the next weakest link goes. However the poor geometry which is really the cause was never corrected. I believe he said that they upgraded the sector shaft to 1.25" from 1" because of this problem. He knows his stuff! I have a Steering Solutions Box, which he built himself.
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11-01-2014, 10:37 AM
#9
There is no G. There is no G. Repeat after me, THERE IS NO G!
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