Hard steering...

[Hill Country Ram]

My 2001 3/4 ton 4X4 is getting difficult to steer at low speeds and while the truck is not moving, it is also making an unpleasnt power steering 'groan'. The steering fluid level was a little low so I added some fluid, but the problem is still there. I am unable to find any leaks. I also have 2" spacers in the front springs, could the spacers be contributing to the problem, even though the spacers have been in over a year and the problem started last month?

Should I remove the spacers before I take the truck in for warranty work?



Thanks for your help-



Gary McDaniel

Spring Branch, TX

 

[Hill Country Ram]

I forgot to mention that the truck is a 6-speed w/ the HO Cummins.



Gary Mc

 

[Sasquash]

Hard Steering

I too had very hard steering at low speeds or when stopped. I ended up replacing my track bar with the DT adjustable length bar. Since replacing the track bar I haven't noticed the problem. It's worth checking the bar, some have posted on here that once they lifted their truck that the track bar wore very quickly. I also noticed that the truck drives much nicer now that the rear wheels are were they are supposed to be in relationship to the fronts. Dan

 

[mediccummin]

power steering pump

I have had multiple front end problems, My truck since new had a steering groan along with pull, wonder etc. My pump also screamed at full lock. Got the pull and wonder fixed and my power steering pump shaft broke just 2 weeks ago. My dealer told me this is a common problem because of poor quality pumps. My truck only has 17,000 miles on it, my Uncle's went out around the same. Since the new pump was installed I have no groan and much better and easier steering. Before at a stop it was real diffucult to turn with lots of groan, thought that was normal, but since new pump it turns with a finger no problems. Just a thought, well good luck.....

Oh I also have the spacers and the shop that aligned the truck correctly said they did not contribute to the problems.

 

[JTroiano]

It is the worst thing for a power steering pump to hold it against its stop. It is also not great to try and turn the wheel when not moving. It puts tremendouse (sp?) pressure on the pump. Try turning your steering wheel stopped and with the truck shut off. Its alot harder. The screaming noise is the pump asking for mercy. Actually it is a by-pass valve. Hope this helps. Always try to be rolling a little when turning the wheel.

The spacers actually make it easier to turn because it creates more negative caster.

Jon

 

[Hill Country Ram]

Thanks for the help. Will the dealer give me a hard time about the front end spacers? Or should I not worry about it and just take it in for service as is?

BTW, the truck has 34,000 miles on it.



Thanks again- Gary Mc

 

[legbert]

Steering Box Gakets

I too had problem with popping noise during turns and whentraveling at low speeds and trying to make lane changes. Come to find out that my power steering fluid was almost gone. Truck had 8,000 miles on it. Took into dealer the next day. They took a look and ended up having to order new gaskets for entire steering box unit. They said several gaskets were damaged. Not sure exactly what they replaced, but I asked if this apparent overpressurizing in the steering box would happen again. They have said no. Could have been faulty or hairline split gaskets from Dodge. I just hope I don't have same problem occur again. And if it does before I see 100K.



Louis

 

[JTroiano]

I wonder were the power steering fluid goes when the front seal goes out? Does it go into the engine oil, since the pump is bolted to the front of the engine.

Jon