"Knocking" feel in steering wheel

[LBrock]

I have a 2001 2500 QC 4x4 that was delivered May 24th with 1,800 miles. It has 8,700 miles on it now. When I'm going slow, like through a parking lot I can feel a knocking or thumping in the steering wheel, almost like the steering shaft is loose. I don't notice the thumping at higher speeds (above 20 mph). I am a mechanic and have check all the front end parts and steering linkage, everything is fine. It hasn't got any worse since I got the truck. Haven't had a chance to take it back to the dealer yet, just wondering if anyone else has or had a similar problem.

 

[MidwestMotorman]

lots of causes

Check:



steering box mounting bolts

wiggle steering shaft at base of column for play

wiggle steering wheel at 90* to center

check tightness of bolts at top bar of radiator support

check tightness of bolts at brace on back of upper rad support bar

lube (WD40) steering shaft at boot between steering coupler and column

have someone gently rock steering wheel back and forth while you watch steering output shaft on steering box for lateral movement



This is all I can think of for the moment. Good luck

 

[Morphious]

I bet that your trackbar is out. I am getting ready to install my 6th one in about 120,000 miles. When your front end starts poping, that is the tale tale sign that the track bar is out.



Morph.

 

[o_mccarroll]

My truck is doing the exact same thing.



Morphious- what do you mean by track bar is "out"?

 

[Morphious]

The trackbar is the rod that connects the frame to the front diff. , it connects at the frame on the drivers side by a ball joint, and by a heim joint on the passanger side of the differential. It is what keeps the front end "tracking" in line with the rest of the truck. The ball joint is the weak link. There is a lukes link kit you can put in, I have not gone that route yet. The last one i put in was a Moog with a lifetime replacement warranty, so I am out time only from now on. I have had to replace mine every 20-30k miles.



Morph.

 

[MidwestMotorman]

max play

I think the dealers will only replace the track bar if it has more than . 070 play (seventy thousandths). I might be wrong here, but someone will post the correct one.

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Morphious, I don't think the track bar is what these guys are having troulbe with. I have a 2wd with the exact same problem, it is with the cheap stock steering shaft like Nathan was talking about. I have put some lube on mine and it helps for awhile. I've thought of going with the Borgeson but have heard even these can have problems. I also remember a post long ago where someone installed a bearing or support for the lower end of the primary steering shaft (the one attached to the steering wheel itself) which gave it better support.



I haven't come up with a fix for mine, it seems to keep getting worse (47,500 miles now).



Vaughn

 

[Morphious]

I know that the trackbar has been my nightmare since I have owned the truck. I know to replace it whenever the frontend starts popping. This popping occurs when corning. You can feel the pop in the truck when it occurs. I don't know about the steering shaft, for some ungodly reason, that is one problem I have not had so far... .



Morph.

 

[Steve Campbell]

Be careful about using WD-40 as a long term lube. I read on this board that it stands for water dispersant attempt # 40. I does not have lube properties for long. Spray silicone or other aerosol lube would be better.

 

[MidwestMotorman]

spray silicone

The reason I mentioned WD-40 is that silicone is dangerous stuff, coming from a body man. If you get too wild with it, count on not being able to paint anything on the truck, whether it is under the hood or the outer body. I prefer spray penetrants first, then use a lube if desired. WD-40 works nice, cleans up nice, and does not harm the wiring, electronics, plastic, and paint finishes.

 

[Steve M]

All three of my Dodge trucks have done this. The first one bugged me. The second two are just characteristic of the truck. I ignore it. You can check your steering shaft ends for tightness. I snugged mine up on my first one and got rid of most of it. The Borgesen (sp?) unit is alittle too pricy for me.

 

[Muleskinner]

Steering wheel clunk

My truck, 2001 4X4 with 16,000 miles now has the same clunking feeling in the steering wheel going around bumpy corners at slow speeds. I had the wife rock the steering wheel left and right ever so slightly and noticed the sector shaft in the steering gear box seems to have side play like a loose bearing. Have you found a fix for your truck? If so, what fixed it? I have heard of folks having problems with bad steering geras.



E-mail me at DNMMTRS@AOL. COM



Dennis

 

[MidwestMotorman]

please note...

I do not believe there is a fix for it except for a new box. When taking it to the dealership please say "The truck has excessive steering play. " That will get your box fixed and will allow them to work on anything from the steering box up.

 

[David_VT]

trackbar, steering box or what???

I've just noticed today that my truck's steering is feeling like it is tugging / pulling to the left.



What is weird is that it does not seem to occur when the clutch is pushed in. (When the clutch is out, I am using 2wd)



Anyone think of something that would cause a cyclical tug on the wheel when the drivetrain is in the loop and not otherwise??



I am puzzled and not convinced I am in the trackbar problem group yet...

 

[MidwestMotorman]

bushing flex

I would suspect something is the suspension system is flexing under load, and returns to normal when unloaded (clutch in). I would look to the spring bushings on the rear leaf springs.