Excessive play in steering????

[Ken]

Noticed the other day that my steering wheel is moving a long ways before my wheels actually started turning, took a look at it today and it looks like the play is in my steering gearbox. My question is is there anytype of adjustment on these and if there isnt about how much does a new one cost Thanks

 

[Red Rocket]

Did you check the track bar? I know you think its the steering box, but make sure this is not the problem before you replace it.

 

[Lug-nut]

Yes there is an adjustment you can do on the stering gear. I have not done it, but if I remember correctly, there are some good instructions of Fritz's site. I will try to find the link and post it here.

 

[HomerDog]

Ken,

I know exactly what you mean. I have to turn my steering wheel 2-4inches to get it to turn. My front end is tight and I have installed Lukes Link, stabilizer, etc... I need help!! Is the next step steering box?? When my truck is turned off and the steering wheel is locked, there is still 3-4 inches of play--that seems like too much to me. This play is the same when I'm runnin as well...

 

[MAshley]

loose steering revisited

After 2 replacement dodge steering boxes and 1 replacement rebuilt unit I ponied up for a AGR unit and their tech support said I didn't need the super steering pump. WOW what a difference! It is smoother and has great transition from right to left . Should have done it from day one-They say it has an extra bearing in the output shaft for more stability. Of course I have upgraded the track bar, bushings, frozen ball joints , and steering column. I also have the 19. 5 tires and rims. They improved cornering but actually amplified the steering looseness. The front of my Dodge has driven my nuts for the last 100k miles but I finally think it is on the road to recovery. I look forward to any comments and will forward a complete history in a later issue of the TDR magazine .

 

[KRobinson]

Excessive play in steering

I just bought my 99 4WD and it has excessive play in steering wheel. (Keeps your attention traveling down narrow lanes. ) It had a broken steering damper shock and bad lower left ball joint which I had a local front end shop fix. But this problem remains. I am certain it is in the gearbox. I watched the shaft into the gearbox while I had a buddy turn the wheel back and forth without moving the tires and with the truck turned off. I could see the shaft into the gearbox move almost a quarter turn back and forth without moving the output side. Question, what is an AGR?

 

[Bigramguy]

What is an AGR ?

AGR is an aftermarket company who makes better steering boxes and PS pumps. Supposedly the AGR box is a big improvement for our Rams. They are available through www.summitracing.com or your can check them out at the website www.agrsteering.com

 

[JohnE]

Here's Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 19-10-97 titled<a href=http://dodgeram.org/tech/tsb/1997/19-10-97/19_10_97.htm target=_blank>Steering Wander</a>.

Our RAMS are not alone with this problem. I've adjusted the steering box on nearly every vehicle I've owned.



My only caution is to avoid overtightening any fix. The steering box is always loosest in the center position. If you get it nice & firm in he center position it will usually be over tight in a left or right turn position.



John