Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Loose Steering Wheel

[WDPhillips]

Folks:



My 97 3500 has developed a “loose steering wheel”. Not that the steering itself is loose but the wheel actually has play in it up and down if you pull it towards you. If I was a big man weighing 250 lbs. (I am only 165) I would say maybe I should not have grabbed that wheel when climbing in the truck. It is also making some rubbing noises when the wheel is turned.



Has anyone seen this before? I did a quick search of the forum and did not find any reference.



wd

 

[TStetson]

Mine is also doing the samething. I would be interested in some fixes.

 

[rjones]

IS IT LOOSE WHERE IT PIVOTS AT THE TILT JOINT? IF SO THERE U-BOLTS THAT LOOSEN UP,WHEN YOU TIGHTEN THEM IT SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM... ... ... RICK

 

[WDPhillips]

I just got my truck back from the shop, trying to head off the "death wobble"! New shocks, front brakes, new steering stabalizers and a front end alignment coming on Monday.



While in there, I had them look at the steering wheel. The source of the problem was the spring clip, it had popped loose.



Hope this might help others who might have the problem.



wd

 

[grtescpa]

Originally posted by Phillips

Folks:



My 97 3500 has developed a “loose steering wheel”. Not that the steering itself is loose but the wheel actually has play in it up and down if you pull it towards you. If I was a big man weighing 250 lbs. (I am only 165) I would say maybe I should not have grabbed that wheel when climbing in the truck. It is also making some rubbing noises when the wheel is turned.



Has anyone seen this before? I did a quick search of the forum and did not find any reference.



wd

Its probably your steering columb. I went through 3 of them in 77k. They are junk columbs with sealed bearings that are not serviceable. My steering wheel did the same thing after about 20k each time. Buy the after market columb advertised in the turbo register.

 

[drice]

steering

I agree with grtescpa I took my apart to find that I had to get a new steering colum it is a pain put they have up graded them sop you will have to replace to strreing linkage as well.