Bad steering boxes-How many?

[MegaRocks]

How many of you have had your steering boxes go bad on your third gen?



My 04. 5' and now my 06' with only 17k miles had the box go out. My dealer replaced it, but with a little bit of drama.



Is there a TSB on this?

 

[DonFitzwater]

My 06 2500 4x4 is going in on the 30th of this month for a steering box and a track bar... ... ... ... . due to clunking in the steering wheel when coming to a stop. I think they're going to put in a steering shaft too. The track bar bushing rubber is falling apart. This is the first 3rd gen that I have had any front end issues with as I usually never put 15000 miles on one in 8 months. I chased lots of problems on my 2nd gen like everyone else and am a little surpised about this new truck needing so much work with so little mileage on it. I do use a plow but not too much and I don't make it a habit of driving around with the plow on when it's not needed.

 

[RVanWagnen]

does a leaky box and a "loose" front end count as a bad box? or is there more wrong with my truck...

 

[LaxCummins]

Had my leaky steering box replaced at about 36,000 miles. Dealer acted like they were doing me a BIG favor...



LAXCummins

 

[JLehman]

does a clunk clunk click click count??? only 32000 mile dealer says its normal ha ha ha

 

[DonFitzwater]

I would have to say be a P. I. T. A. when it comes to getting service work. Clunking and clicking in the front end is not normal. I am not very well liked at my local dealership because I tend to make grown men do their jobs. :{ I usually try and have my issue diagnosed prior to my appointment as this tends to open everyones eyes and eliminate the "This guy doesn't know what he's talking about" syndrome. It sucks that you have to do the troubleshooting for them, but if you don't you know your not likely to get the issue resolved unless the part falls off of the truck.

 

[Wdoucet]

Changed mine at 16K Kilometers (Canada eh!), dealer warrantied unit no fuse.

 

[JohnCooper]

Had mine replaced at about 6K miles. It started getting really tight and wouldn't return to center when you let go of the steering wheel.

 

[Rocky in KC]

steering box replacment

Had mine replaced at about 6K miles. It started getting really tight and wouldn't return to center when you let go of the steering wheel.

Mine had the exact same problems with about 15,000 miles!

 

[JCasper]

Had mine replaced at about 6K miles. It started getting really tight and wouldn't return to center when you let go of the steering wheel.

A friend of mine had the same problem on his 04 with around 30K on it.



I have an extra steering box off of a 3rd gen that came off of a truck at the dealer. I am keeping it around just in case I have problems. I am hoping I can have it rebuilt and just swap if the time arises.

 

[WhiteSheep]

Bad box on 04.5

My box was replace at about 16k miles with no issues from my dealer. Before I had it replaced, I had to top off the box every day. The dealer had to order the part as they are very popular . The new one is working fine (knock on wood).

 

[JStrasser]

Me too?

Friday I had my '06 in for oil change, etc and asked that they check out the front end. I am feeling a light "clunk"(?) through the steering wheel when I go over various size bumps. They replaced the upper right ball joint under warranty.

Yesterday after driving 600 miles round trip to take our daughter back to college- mostly highway- I felt the old familiar clunk on the last few miles which are slower bumpy two lane roads. It seems slightly WORSE now and I think I now even feel it through my right foot too (on the "go" pedal).



Is it possible that it might be my steering box?



Anything that I should look for or a way to further diagnose the problem?



I don't have a lot of faith in the dealer's Dx abilities.



Thanks

 

[MegaRocks]

Well, for an update, the new steering box did not fix my clunk problem. I have already replaced the inner tie rod days before. Could it be the track bar???

 

[fireman717]

I had mine replaced around 3000 miles,it was leaking alot

 

[Rhinohd]

mine was replaced at 40k miles for leaking...

 

[APersondek]

both the power steering pump and steering box were replaced at about 68k miles on my truck b/c they found metal in both. truck now has 72. 5K and everything is fine.



it tooks almost a 1000 miles for the new pump and box to loosen up.

 

[Spunkys Ram]

How many of you have had your steering boxes go bad on your third gen?



My 04. 5' and now my 06' with only 17k miles had the box go out. My dealer replaced it, but with a little bit of drama.



Is there a TSB on this?

I'm pretty sure it's driver error.