Heavy Steering

[Giachino]

Ok guys, been in AUS for 5 weeks driving small rental cars (on the wrong side of the road), get back and drive my truck for the first time and the steering feels heavy as hell. I know it's gonna be heavier than a falcon, but it still doesnt seem right. I have stock 265's, and no lift. When I turn at slow speed, it seems heavy and wants to continue the turn, and on the freeway, it doesnt appear to hold a line, wanders in the direction of any corrections I make... . not sure if I'm loosing it or not??



Dealer says next appointment is next friday, so screw them... . what can I check on my own? PS Fluid Level Looks good. is there a fuse to the ps system? Could it be any of the suspension components? Any thoughts appreciated.



Thanks, Jason

 

[mberry]

Jason,



You're not losing it! It's called "new car steering" and is just like everything else; it needs to loosen up a bit.

 

[Giachino]

Yeah, but I've had the car for 6 months and its never done it before... drove it again, maybe this is a better description..... when I turn the wheel, it wont return to dead center at all..... like the stabilizer shock is stuck and wont release..... had a neighbor with the same truck 05, drive it back to back with his... . it's definately a problem. Checked power steering fluid, there was air trapped in there as I could hear it release..... found out theres no fuse, so thats not it... . anyone think of anything else I could check?

 

[mberry]

Ok then. Definitely check your steering stabilizer for binding. The other thing you could check is the air pressure in the front tires. Beyond that, I won't be much help and I would definitely have the dealer check it out.



Mark.

 

[JHardwick]

I know it's gonna be heavier than a falcon, but it still doesnt seem right.

Thanks, Jason

They still drive Falcons in Australia? 2 door with a 302 I hope

 

[Giachino]

yep, new models came out, rentals only have the v6 and auto, so not that much fun... . drove that and a Land Cruiser UTE with the old 2. 8 diesel (notice i didnt say turbo diesel)... . think could barley hold 90km, but it was damn good at offroad..... especially as it had 400k on the clock!



Will check the stabilizer... . front tires at 45 psi... too much or too little?



JG

 

[rbattelle]

Here is what my 2003 factory manual says under "Insufficient assist or poor return to center"



Condition 1: Hard turning or momentary increase in turning effort.

Possible causes:

1. Tire pressure

2. Low fluid level

3. Loose belt

4. Low pump pressure

5. Internal gear leak



Condition 2: Steering wheel does not want to return to center.

Possible causes:

1. Tire pressure

2. Wheel alignment

3. Lack of lubrication

4. High friction in steering gear



If it were me, I'd check the power steering pump pressure (I don't know how to do that... I'd probably go searching for a tool). If the pressure's good, then it's probably a problem with the steering gear. Manual says replace the gear. If I had a gear go bad, I'd buy a new one from these guys (who I swear just a few days ago had a steering gear listed for 2003 applications).



-Ryan

 

[Giachino]

Just an FYI, they replaced the steering gears/box..... funny thing is there was another 05 in at the same time for the same issue... . talked to the guy and he said it was the second time he'd brought it in for that problem..... asked the dealer about it and he said they'd never seen the issue before..... anyone else have this problem?

 

[Cochran]

After I put the toyo 325/60 a/t on my truck I started to notice the same thing, stiff steering, and not returning to centerline. The truck will actually hold a pretty good turn, and it is difficult to drive straight on freeway at speed. I took it back to 4wheelparts to have them check the alignment and they say it is fine. One day driving in extreme heat 117deg, steering box started to make a creeking noise with short turns back and forth. it made the same noise with engine off, forcing the steering back and forth. I checked the fluid it is fine and there are no metal particles. It is good to know that others with stock setups are having the same problem so I can go to the dealer with some ammo. when i took it there the first time they told me that It was caused by the lift and wouldn't touch it.

 

[Got HO?]

Binding ball joints can also cause a poor centering action... ... ... .....

 

[Giachino]

After I put the toyo 325/60 a/t on my truck I started to notice the same thing, stiff steering, and not returning to centerline. The truck will actually hold a pretty good turn, and it is difficult to drive straight on freeway at speed. I took it back to 4wheelparts to have them check the alignment and they say it is fine. One day driving in extreme heat 117deg, steering box started to make a creeking noise with short turns back and forth. it made the same noise with engine off, forcing the steering back and forth. I checked the fluid it is fine and there are no metal particles. It is good to know that others with stock setups are having the same problem so I can go to the dealer with some ammo. when i took it there the first time they told me that It was caused by the lift and wouldn't touch it.

Yeah, they're full of it... . it's obviously happened before... . want me to send a fax of my dodge work order? or try another dealer... .

 

[tpuig]

Same thing here...

I have just started experiencing the same problem. Steering is a lot tougher, and won't return to center. I've got 66k on it, and the problem just started in the last month. Coincidentally, this is just after a 60k service from the dealer.

At first I though I was imagining it, but it seems to be getting worse. I checked the power steering fluid level and it was fine. No leaks anywhere. The only other thing I could think of was that they adjusted the caster when doing the alignment. I'm calling today to make a follow up appt, so we'll see.

For those of you that had the gear replaced, what exactly did the work order say. Love to see that. Thanks

TP

 

[Rocky in KC]

I have steeriing problem also

I have 05 dually 4x4 standered, thought it was just me!!! (I was having to drive with 2 hands),Took to dealer, they sent me to front -end shop--shop took it for test drive---said (I see what ya mean) you got something wrong in the gear-box--back to dealer, mech. drove it---came back, told the parts person to order a gear. It will be worked on this Tuesday.

I will keep you posted on this!!