1999 dodge ram 3500 5.9 24v steering

[john pavao]

can some one tell me why the truck that i got last year the steering wheel keeps turning after you just bump it even just stopped in one place and you can steer with your finger nail and yes wheels do turn thanks

 

[john pavao]

ok now changed power steering pump and still same thing i really don't understand how wheel keeps turning after you let go of steering wheel and truck not moving motor running i do have a brake hydro boost could that have anything to do with the steering

 

[sag2]

If I understand your symptoms, you turn or slightly move the wheel and the front wheels continue to move in that direction after you let go of the wheel? It also does it sitting still vs. driving down the road? What does it do with the front wheels off the ground?
If the symptoms I described above are correct it has the be the steering gear. The pump and Hydroboost only provide the pressure, and do not care what direction you are turning.

 

[john pavao]

yes the wheel turns and steering wheel keeps moving in the direction that you turn along with ground wheels

 

[petersonj]

The directional control valve in the steering gear box is likely the problem. It may be sticking because of contamination or it is just worn out. You could try a power steering flush. The power steering pump provides flow to the brake booster and to the steering gear box and, as mentioned by @sag2, the pump has no control over the direction of steering.

- John

 

[john pavao]

The directional control valve in the steering gear box is likely the problem. It may be sticking because of contamination or it is just worn out. You could try a power steering flush. The power steering pump provides flow to the brake booster and to the steering gear box and, as mentioned by @sag2, the pump has no control over the direction of steering.

- John

ok i will try that thanks will keep you posted thanks

 

[Joe Mc]

Not sure if this applies to our trucks or not, but on older (say 77-ish and down) power boxes the lines from and to the pump connect to a bolt on (2 bolts to the box) unit. If there was a situation as you describe the correction would be loosen the two bolts (slightly) so the unit can be tapped lightly to move side to side. With both wheels off the ground start engine (there may be a bit of leakage at the base of the unit) if the wheel turns to the left tap the bolt on unit to the right a bit. Keep this up, left or right, until the wheels stay centered. I think the unit I'm referring to is a valve of sorts that when the steering wheel is turned it send pressure to the side the wheel is being turned.

Like I first indicated I'm not sure if this applies to our trucks or not.

 

[DavidC]

Not sure if this applies to our trucks or not, but on older (say 77-ish and down) power boxes the lines from and to the pump connect to a bolt on (2 bolts to the box) unit. If there was a situation as you describe the correction would be loosen the two bolts (slightly) so the unit can be tapped lightly to move side to side. With both wheels off the ground start engine (there may be a bit of leakage at the base of the unit) if the wheel turns to the left tap the bolt on unit to the right a bit. Keep this up, left or right, until the wheels stay centered. I think the unit I'm referring to is a valve of sorts that when the steering wheel is turned it send pressure to the side the wheel is being turned.

Like I first indicated I'm not sure if this applies to our trucks or not.

I know of what you speak Joe. I just went through the FSM and is a no go on that valve. It does not state anything of the problem the OP is having either with the box or the pump. Maybe leakage inside the box ?.

 

[DavidC]

I should state it gives a torque adjustment with the allen bolt on the box which details the center then off center values. Maybe that adjustment would keep it from floating ?.

 

[john pavao]

I should state it gives a torque adjustment with the allen bolt on the box which details the center then off center values. Maybe that adjustment would keep it from floating ?.

i have tried and no change in the wheel and has no play from wheel to gear box and gear box to tires it just keeps going also turn motor off and wheels still turn for a little bit

 

[john pavao]

well i did change gear box and the problem is gone thanks for input

 

[DavidC]

Good news. Maybe like I stated an internal leak.

 

[Joe Mc]

What box did you get?

 

[john pavao]

What box did you get?

steering box

 

[john pavao]

steering box

regular from advance

 

[Joe Mc]

Cool. Hope it works well for you.