2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Clunking in steering

[Royk]

I posted about this problem a few years ago but can't find the old post. My steering makes a popping/clunking noise when steering slightly left or right from the 12 o'clock position. I had it fixed the first time under warranty and I believe the part was called an intermediate shaft coupling. Well it's time to replace it again now. Does anyone have any info on this part? Is it available aftermarket? Is it hard to replace?



Roy

 

[DBazley]

It could be the intermediate steering shaft, or it could be lower steering column bushing... ...



You might try disconnecting the intermediate shaft and then checking it's rotational play by attempting to turn it left and rightg by grasping it's upper u-joint (as your steering wheel does when driving).



As you do, of course, check to see how much movement occurs before the tires begin to move, or if you sense so much play that it may make this noise you describe under road forces.



If it's fairly tight, it may be the lower steering column bushing.

It usually manifests as a 'clunk' or 'rattle' that is both heard & felt, in both the steering wheel and usually at your feet in the pedals & floorboard.



Recently, I've been working on a fix for this, which is a much more affordable option than a 'new' column from Dodge that has the same problem.



Anyhow, just check the post (if you haven't already... ) on the thread index on the same topic, a few lines below this one, called "Steering wheel Clunk solved with bushing fix. "



Hope this is of help !



David Bazley

DBazley

www.RockSolidRamTruckSteering.com

 

[Royk]

If it's fairly tight, it may be the lower steering column bushing. It usually manifests as a 'clunk' or 'rattle' that is both heard & felt, in both the steering wheel and usually at your feet in the pedals & floorboard.

I forgot to mention that I can slightly feel it in the steering wheel, but not at all in the floorboard. The sound seems to come from within thee cab, perhaps within the interior column or under the dash. Also if I push/pull the top and bottom of the steering wheel, there is some movement. I'm not moving it up and down, but toward/away from the dash, so I don't think its slop in the tilt steering.



The last time this happened, dealer replaced just about everything in the steering before finally replacing this coupling. Where is the intermediate shaft coupling, under the dash or in the engine compartment. I don't know diddly about this truck's steering parts, so forgive the dumb questions.



Roy

 

[DBazley]

Yes, what GKarpen said is all corrrect.



I would only add that you can take loose the upper u-joint of the intermeediate (sliding) steering shaft [it connects DOWN to your Steering Box, and UP to the lower end of the Steering column] with one bolt - you must REMOVE it, not just loosen it, note.



Anyhow, slide your intermediate shaft down and check it for excessive play, try turning it left & right and see if there is a bunch of movement BEFORE the front wheels respond. If so, it's worn and needs replacment ($ 155 at Dodge parts, roughtly).



If fairly tight (say 1-3 degrees of rotational play, approx), then check for steering column lower bearing play by grabbing the end you just removed the intermeediate shaft from (it's got a spring fitted to it) and move the truck side to side with force.



{This is the part that pokes out from the Firewall, note }



If you feel much play - clicking, movement amounting to a 1/8 or more, that's probably the culprit.



It could be a combo of both, which is likely when our trucks age and get a few miles.



You can try rotating the spring a few times and this sometimes 'resets' the play and you can have a few miles of silence before it dis-lodges again, and the noise & play return.



Hope this helps. Our steering fix kit will replace the lower steering column bushing / bearing assy and 'tighten' things, if you determine that's your issue.



Best Regards,



David B.

www.RockSolidRamTruckSteering.com