2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Hard Steering/ Ball joints

[BIngham]

I have been chasing steering problems for years. I've done Lukes links, DSS steering stabilizer, Thruen Track bar, Borgenson steering shaft, Agr steering box, alignment, and the truck is still hard to steer and wheels don't want to return to center. I found a Tsb for the ball joints saying to put a spring scale on the steering knuckle and slowly turn it and it should read 25 lbs. or less. Mine are 45 on drivers side and 40 on passenger side. All Joints are new. I've followed the tightening sequence from the TSB and it doesn't change. The only thing that works it over tightening the bottom and loosening the top. I drove for a while and it was wonderfull. Like a Cadillac. Now after a couple a days it's starting to tighten up again. I think this problem has caused a lot of my other steering parts to prematurely wear out. Any suggestions on the ball joints. Is their something I'm missing with some kind of pre-load adj. Thank you for any input. This truck has pushed my patients to the max and I'm thinking my next purchase might be a for sale sign.

 

[NVR FNSH]

What TSB are you referring to?



Brian

 

[BIngham]

DodgeRam. info > TSB's > 19-03-99



TSB 19-03-99

Steering Slow To Return To Center

Visit Geno's Garage

for Truck accessories.





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Date: May 7, 1999



THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 19-01-94, DATED JAN. 28,1994, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES AND NOTED IN THE 1994 TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN MANUAL



Models: 1994-1999 (BR/BE) Ram Truck



NOTE: THIS BULLETIN APPLIES TO 4X4 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A DANA MODEL 60 FRONT AXLE (SALES CODE DRD).



Symptoms:



The rate of steering return to center (after turning a corner) may be slower than normal or may require slight steering wheel correction while driving straight ahead.



Diagnosis:



1 . Remove the front tire and wheel assemblies.



2. Remove the steering linkage at the steering knuckle arms.



3. Position the front drive axle cardan joint so that one bearing cap is at the 12 O'clock position.



4. Using a spring scale at the tire rod hole in the steering knuckle arm, check the amount force required to turn each knuckle assembly (Figure 1). To achieve the most accurate reading, use a slow and constant pull when pulling the spring scale. If the force required is below 25 pounds, the condition is normal. If the force is above 25 pounds, perform the Repair Procedure.







Parts:



AR (1) 04897594AA Ball Joint Kit, Upper And Lower, 1994 - 1999 BR/BE Equipped With Dana 60 Axle



Repair:



1. Remove the caliper assembly and the ABS Wheel Speed Sensor (WSS) (if equipped).



2. Remove the hub and rotor assembly.



3. Remove the axle shaft.



CAUTION: CAREFULLY REMOVE THE AXLE SHAFT. DAMAGE TO THE AXLE SHAFT SEAL COULD RESULT IF THE SPLINES ARE ALLOWED TO TOUCH THE SEAL .



4 Remove the upper ball joint nut.



5. Remove the lower ball joint nut.



6. Remove the knuckle assembly from the axle yoke and move the ball joint stud to ensure that the ball joint is free in the socket. If the ball is not free, work the stud around in the socket to lubricate and free the ball.



7. Install the knuckle assembly into the axle yoke.



8. Lubricate the threads with penetrating oil such as Mopar General Purpose Lube, p/n - 04544926, and -install the lower baH joint nut finger tight.



9. Tighten the lower ball joint nut to 47. 5 Nom (35 ft. lbs. ) of torque.



10. Tighten the upper ball joint nut to 95 N-bm (70 ft. lbs. ) of torque, and then advance the nut to the next slot to line up with the hole in the ball joint stud. Install the cotter pin.



11. Re-tighten the lower ball joint nut to 190-215 Nom (140-160 ft. lbs. ) of torque.



12. Using a spring scale at the tire rod hole in the steering knuckle arm, check the amount force required to turn each knuckle assembly (Figure 1). To achieve the most accurate reading, use a slow and constant pull when pulling the spring scale. If the force required is below 25 pounds, the condition has been repaired. If the force is still above 25 pounds, replace the ball joints using p/n 04897594AA and perform the tightening sequence as described above. Refer to the appropriate Ram Truck Service Manual, Group 02 (1994/1995) or Group 3 (1996 - 1999) for Ball Joint Installation Procedures.



13. Install the axle shaft.



14. Verify that the lubricant in the front differential is at the proper level.



15. Install the hub and rotor assembly. Tighten the bolts to 170 N*m (125 ft. lbs. ) of torque.



16. Install the brake caliper and the WSS.



17. Connect the steering linkage at the steering knuckle arms. Tighten the tie rod nut to 88 N*m (65 ft. lbs. ) of torque.



18. Install the tire/wheel assembly. Tighten the lug nuts to the sequence and torque specified in the Appropriate Dodge Ram Service Manual Group 22.



notes:



POLICY. Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.



TIME ALLOWANCE:

Labor Operation No:

02-10-10-90 Perform Ball Joint Tightening Sequence 1. 7 Hrs.

02-10-10-91 Replace Ball Joints And Perform Ball Joint Tightening Sequence 3. 0 Hrs.



FAILURE CODE: 07 - Bind or Sticks





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Thanks to Bob Bergevin for supplying this TSB information



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