2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission steering column popping sounds 97 3500

[kbraendel]

People,

I have a 97 Dodge 3500 5 speed with 180K that I've owned since new. Recently quite a few popping sounds have been coming out of the steering column - I think - when turning the wheels whether in a parking lot or going around a curve at 55 on the highway. It seems like there was always an occasional pop out of the steering column, but lately it has gotten annoying and makes me wonder if something is falling apart. The truck has a 2 year old borgeson steering shaft which didn't seem to change anything good or bad. I found a TSB 19-08-97 that referred to sounds in the steering column being repaired through the replacement of the steering intermediate shaft. Is this the same as the borgeson unit or is it the upper section within the truck cab? The sound seems to be coming from the upper area. Also, I can feel vibration in the steering wheel when I depress the clutch. The truck steers straight and perfect down the highway.

 

[Dave M]

People,

I have a 97 Dodge 3500 5 speed with 180K that I've owned since new. Recently quite a few popping sounds have been coming out of the steering column - I think - when turning the wheels whether in a parking lot or going around a curve at 55 on the highway. It seems like there was always an occasional pop out of the steering column, but lately it has gotten annoying and makes me wonder if something is falling apart. The truck has a 2 year old borgeson steering shaft which didn't seem to change anything good or bad. I found a TSB 19-08-97 that referred to sounds in the steering column being repaired through the replacement of the steering intermediate shaft. Is this the same as the borgeson unit or is it the upper section within the truck cab? The sound seems to be coming from the upper area. Also, I can feel vibration in the steering wheel when I depress the clutch. The truck steers straight and perfect down the highway.

There is a guy on the forum "DBazley" who sells a steering coulmn bushing to fix this. Here is his site:



'Rock Solid' Ram Truck Steering !



Here is an old thread that started it all:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com...l-clunk-rattle-solved-column-bushing-fix.html



I purchased one for my 97 3500 5spd but never installed it. I did not have a clunk but was being pro-active.





I don't know if it is still being used on this site but it was a couple years ago.



Good Luck,

Dave

 

[kbraendel]

Dave,
Thanks for the info, it sounds like "Rock Solid" has exactly what I need. In fact I tried to order the part immediately, but they are apparently on vacation until July 24th or thereabouts.
kbraendel