2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Help!! lower steering column movement

[GA Nightcrawler]

I really need some assistance; can't afford a visit to the stealer!! I have a popping noise coming inside the cab from movement in the lower steering column. I checked, and there is a lot of movement where the column comes through the fire wall to the engine compartment. Does anyone have a service manual showing what is going on under that toe plate? Could I have a bad bushing or carrier bearing where the column leaves the cab? I'm pretty sure the popping is resulting from the inner column rubbing against the outer mesh "sleeve". Can the lower column be tightend up? Is this possibly a repair I could make myself? Any and all help is greatly appreciated.



2001 2500 4x4 automatic w/ all the bells and whistles, 45,000mi.

 

[grtescpa]

Originally posted by GA Nightcrawler

I really need some assistance; can't afford a visit to the stealer!! I have a popping noise coming inside the cab from movement in the lower steering column. I checked, and there is a lot of movement where the column comes through the fire wall to the engine compartment. Does anyone have a service manual showing what is going on under that toe plate? Could I have a bad bushing or carrier bearing where the column leaves the cab? I'm pretty sure the popping is resulting from the inner column rubbing against the outer mesh "sleeve". Can the lower column be tightend up? Is this possibly a repair I could make myself? Any and all help is greatly appreciated.



2001 2500 4x4 automatic w/ all the bells and whistles, 45,000mi.

I don't know if your columb is the same as mine. My 97 had the columb replaced 3 times. Its a sealed unit and is not serviceable. Your better off buying the after market columb. Dodge makes junk steering columbs, track bars, brakes, etc. Its a crime that us hard working stiff's paid over 30 grand for a truck that has to be rebuilt with after market parts to make it last.

 

[Texas Diesel]

Where can you buy an aftermarket steering column? Both my trucks (98 & 01) have the same problem.



Can you buy an aftermarket body and interior to put my CTD and driveline in? (a little sarcasim... )

 

[grtescpa]

Steering columb

Originally posted by Tejas Deezul

Where can you buy an aftermarket steering column? Both my trucks (98 & 01) have the same problem.



Can you buy an aftermarket body and interior to put my CTD and driveline in? (a little sarcasim... )

Borgue warner makes an excellent product. Check the Adds in the TDR for steering columbs. They had a big add in the last issue.

 

[otis]

I had mine replaced today and the trucks only six months old, hopefully this won't be ongoing.

 

[grtescpa]

After market columb

Originally posted by Tejas Deezul

Where can you buy an aftermarket steering column? Both my trucks (98 & 01) have the same problem.



Can you buy an aftermarket body and interior to put my CTD and driveline in? (a little sarcasim... )

Here is where you can order a new columb for your dodge ram...



Borgeson Universal co. Inc

Torrington CT. 06790

PH# 860-482-8283

 

[Texas Diesel]

Thanks for the info.

 

[GA Nightcrawler]

All I saw were steering SHAFTS manufactured by Borgeson. My problem is with the steering column that runs from the steering wheel to the steering shaft. . Am I mistaken?

 

[grtescpa]

Steering Columb

Originally posted by GA Nightcrawler

All I saw were steering SHAFTS manufactured by Borgeson. My problem is with the steering column that runs from the steering wheel to the steering shaft. . Am I mistaken?

Did you call the number? From what I have read you can replace the whole columb. The shaft comes with it. It is suppose to fix the problem with bad columb bearings.

 

[pathaymond]

Night Crawler

I replaced my shaft with Borgeson. helped some but from there it sounds like we have the same situation going I would love to fix mine better. I did not know Borgeson had more than just the shaft. Do you have anyone that can do the removal and replace of the column? Maybe we could get a 2 truck Deal Lol . I am afraid to tear into the column. But I am not afraid to work. I will make a call to see what is offered.

Patrick

 

[monkfarm]

how are those borgeson shafts/ columns?? Worthwhile?? I was thinking about getting one alsol

 

[Josparkz]

These guys make whole columns . You would probably have to call them.



http://flamingriver.com

 

[GA Nightcrawler]

After looking closely at the column, and driving around with my head under the dash , I don't really think my column is going bad. At least I hope not. There is a mesh type screen around the lower part of the column inside the cab. This "screen" is "pinched" around the base of the column just before it exits the cab. The screen seems to be flexing with stops and hard acceleration causing it to creek. It's very odd because the sound is not consistent, yet very, very annoying. I sprayed some lithium grease around the pinched section, it seemed to help a little. However, the shaft inside the column does seem to be loose where it exits the firewall in the engine compartment. Patrick, I live in Valdosta, and I have not checked on a good column guy. Might help to get together. Has anyone else noticed this type of problem with their truck? Thanks for all the help thus far-

 

[pathaymond]

Night Crawler

Is it warm In Valdosta?

If So I am on my way. LOL

I experience the same as you describe.

The Borgeson did lesson my woes But I still think something is not right.

I am still looking and asking with no definitive answer.

Keep me posted as I will You

Thanks Patrick

 

[GA Nightcrawler]

Patrick,

I can reach down while driving and feel the lower column sleeve flex when I hit bumps and such and it creaks. Don't know if this is the direct problem or perhaps indirectly coming from somewhere in the chain. I do know its driven me nuts and I don't see a solution in sight



Still searchin'



Brett

 

[Mamboalaska]

steering wheel movement

check out this web site it might be of some help.

mine was TSB 19-13-97



http://dodgeram. info/tsb/group_19.htm

 

[#2DSL]

I remember a post a month back about a member had some noise in steering column inside truck. He said that the gear shift linkage in column was making the noise. My truck had noise in column too. When driving truck the noise started I shifted out of drive to next gear and noise went away. Maybe check shifter linkage in column. I have'nt had time to look at mine but maybe this will give you another place to look.