2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Annoying Steering Clunk

[EBottema]

Hey-



I've got this annoy clunk that has been going on for a while. Yes, i know our trucks have steering problems. But, this seems different. I had it before i lifted the truck too. Only happens at low speeds going over speed bumps or driveways, something that puts load of the front end. Almost feels like a little pop in the steering column. Anyone felt this before too?



Thanks

Erik

 

[Dalehacker]

My 97 3500 has the same clunk. The bearing at the lower end of the steering column is wore out. The only way to fix it is to replace the complete column. Grab the end of the column shaft as it exits the firewall and if it has side to side play this is your problem. In my opinion this has also added to the road wondering my truck does.

 

[jtwcummins]

This is the TSB and it applies to early 97s also.





Steering Column/Wheel - Clunk/Rattle



NO: 19-08-97



GROUP: Steering



DATE: May 30, 1997



SUBJECT:

Clunk/Rattle Felt In Steering Column/Wheel



THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 19-01-96, DATED FEB. 09, 1996, FOR 1996 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES. PLEASE NOTE THIS INFORMATION IN THE 1996 TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN MANUAL (PUBLICATION NO. 81-699-97010. THE BULLETIN HAS BEEN COMPLETELY REVISED AND INCLUDES 1997 MODEL YEAR VEHICLES.



MODELS:

1996 - 1997 (BR) Ram Truck



NOTE:

THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO ALL VEHICLES BUILT IN THE UNITED STATES (FIRST DIGIT OF VIN = 1) AND VEHICLES BUILT IN MEXICO (FIRST DIGIT OF VIN = 3) BEFORE MAR. 3, 1997 (MDH 0303XX).



SYMPTOM/CONDITION:



A clunk or rattle may be felt in the steering wheel/column during slow turns, rough road driving, and stops.



DIAGNOSIS:



Perform inspection of front suspension and steering components, including a check of all fasteners for proper torque as specified in the appropriate Service Manual. Test drive the vehicle on a rough or bumpy road. With both hands on the steering wheel, feel for a clunk or listen for a rattling type noise. If felt or heard, follow the repair procedure.

















PARTS REQUIRED:



POLICY: Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.



TIME ALLOWANCE:



Labor Operation No:

19-20-12-94 0. 3 Hrs.

Replace Steering Column Intermediate shaft (Mexico Built).



19-20-12-95 1. 1 Hrs.

Replace Steering Column Intermediate Shaft and

Brake lines - Gas Engines - Without Four Wheel ABS



19-20-12-96 1. 2 Hrs.

Replace Steering Column Intermediate Shaft and

Brake lines - Gas Engines - With Four Wheel ABS



19-20-12-97 1. 2 Hrs.

Replace Steering Column Intermediate Shaft and

Brake lines - Diesel Engines - Without Four Wheel ABS

19-20-12-98 1. 3 Hrs.

Replace Steering Column Intermediate Shaft and

Brake lines -Diesel Engines - With Four Wheel ABS



FAILURE CODE: P8 - New Part

 

[EBottema]

Okay, replace the steering column and also replace the brake lines? No im wondering if they mean the steel lines or just rubber ones? I don't know what the lines have to do with it. maybe a bad vibration from defective lines. .



erik

Obviously the stock shaft is junk , how does anyone like the aftermarket one?

 

[jtwcummins]

That is the location in the manual for the intermediate shaft replacement and labor charge time. I had this problem and replaceing the shaft fixed it, now have Borgenson. During the copy some of the graphics didn't copy. This is from Alldata DIY which is worht the money if you don't have the printed manual.

 

[Hummin Cummins]

Might want to pull the intermediate shaft out and make sure it's not froze up. I had the same clunk. I took the shaft out, which was very difficult because where the two pieces are supposed to slide, it was froze up. After some heat, lotsa PB blaster and some tapping, it finally started to slide. Got it apart and greased it up good and the clunk was gone. If those two sections wont slide when they need to, it puts the forces of the bump right through to the steering wheel.



Just something free to try.



Chris