2500 4WD Steering

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Suffering steering wander. Took the truck to the dealer, they said they could find nothing wrong (of course). I asked for the factory rep. to dirve the truck. After driving the truck for 13 miles, he reported no problem. No one would take my $500 bet that they could not drive the truck over a stretch of interstate without running over lane dividers. Next, I called DC. I have been told that since the factory rep has driven the truck, their position is final and indisputable. Basically told me to take a flying leap. I told them that I could understand how the "new German mores" were costing DC over $150 Million per month. The customer service rep @ DC told me that DC has no objective criteria for evaluation of a sloppy steering complaint and that there is no expert, independent third party whose judgement they would consider.

A lot of verbage to pose a question. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what to do next?

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'01 Black extended cab 4X4 SLT+ 6 spd. Westin grille guard, nerf bars and bed rails. ISO Pro guages, Line-X bed liner, Westin kick out steps.

 

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Ah, the classic "it's normal" response. Don't believe it - it's not in your head. I had mine in several times for wander and excessive slop in the steering wheel - all before 6,000 miles on it. Here's what was done: alignment, new track bar, new steering box. The combination of the new track bar, new steering box, and proper tire inflation solved my problem.
So, where does that leave you? I'd go to a different dealer and see if you can find a good service manager that will agree with you that it doesn't steer right. I was lucky - my service manager has been great, and he was very responsive to trying to fix the problem.
They know there are problems with the steering box. In fact, they have gone through more than a couple of updated designs to try to get one that works. I (and other TDR members) finally got the right one (Delphi) and have found success. If I were you, I'd make a lot of noise until they respond to you. Keep climbing the ladder until you find someone that will help you. There are some good people at DC, but it seems to be hard to find them at times. There have been a lot of discussions on other TDR threads - do a search to see more. Good luck, and don't give up.

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2001 2500; SLT; 4x4; QC; LWB; Auto; 3. 54 LS; 265s; Camper; Tow; Sliding Rear Window; Travel Convenience Group; Cab Clearance Lamps; Forest Green

 

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Since a rep drove the truck and the outcome from that has DC under the position that "no problem exists" I wonder if the dealer or DC has made a note in the computer system stating this problem has been looked into and nothing is wrong and to disregard your complaints. You could find out no matter which dealer you go to may say the same thing if something has put in the computer. If DC headquarters has decided they are not going to pursue this any further, then dealers may also take the same attitude since they may not get reimbursed for parts or labor (just a guess on my part).

Another thing also to consider is the OEM parts are cheap and wear-out quickly, which puts you right back where you are now. You may be better off to take the truck to a good shop and pay to have the OEM parts replaced with high quality aftermarket parts, rather than putting yourself through the frustration of many times spent at service depts and all the typical BS DC does when they do not want to do warranty work.

I guess it boils down to how much BS you are willing to put-up with, how much travel expense you are willing to pay as you travel all over to different dealers, and how valuable your time is. I have read cases like yours and when all was said and done the truck owner realized they would have been better off going to a repair shop and paying for the repairs rather than going through all the DC hassle.

 

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I know this is not an "easy answer" to all your problems, but maybe it will help a little. It sounds to me as if your dealer and someone on the phone at DC are just verbally "blowing you off". You're right - they can't do that. Look through your owners manuals - there is a warranty booklet, which contains some detailed information on how to escalate this up the chain, up to and including arbitration with a third party. I have to concentrate and make a lot of steering corrections to control a mild wandering, so mine is a little loose, but if you gave me $500, yes, I could stay in my lane on the interstate. So if you can't, then you should be able to get satisfaction. But you can't do it just by verbally demanding that DC do the right thing - you will have to follow the process laid out in the book. Sincerely, Good Luck!
P. S. - Mine got a little better after I tightened the top nut as shown in the TSB on this issue - only takes a few minutes if you have the right hex key and a box wrench.

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2001 ETH, QC, LWB, 4WD, 3. 54, SPA Pyro & Boost, K&N RE-880 w/foam pre-cleaner, ARE Z-series Cab-high shell, Rear ARB locker, and all kinds of synthetic fluids...

 

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P. S. - Mine got a little better after I tightened the top nut as shown in the TSB on this issue - only takes a few minutes if you have the right hex key and a box wrench.

I went to the TSB link on the TDR homepage but there was not a listing for the 2001. Am I looking in the wrong place? Also, Does the Borgeson (sp) steering rod shown in the TDR publication do the same thing? Lastly, Fireman Dave mentioned aftermarket stuff that was better. What is a good suggestion and approximate cost? My steering wanders slightly but I do not want it to get out of control over time. Thanks



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Mark Schlueter
New Dodge and diesel owner. 2001, QC, 4x4, ETC, K&N, White sport package. Kodiak Sidewinder Steps. Mag Hytec rear dif cover. Wet Okole seat covers. Gauges on order. Mag Hytec Trans pan is next.