2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering Column Clunking and Cracking

[InThinAir]

It is starting to get real bad, I know that the plastic bearing has gone bad in the column. Has anyone fixed this problem themselves? I don't want to pay $1k for a dealership to work on it... Anyone done something to minimize the popping noise coming from the column? Can it be rebuilt? Who would do that kind of work?



---Doug

 

[KIseminger]

Doug-



I have the same problem with my 02. As far as I can tell the only way to fix it is replace the steering column. You can get it online for $600. I was thinking about calling or looking around in Denver for a used one and installing it myself. I can't justify spending that much on a part.



I know this doesn't entirely answer your question but I hope it helps.



-Kyle

 

[InThinAir]

Yeah, I can't justify that much either. There has to be a way to rebuild it. It is real annoyance but not 600 bucks annoying!!





----Doug

 

[Stark_Ent9802]

I have Kinda the same problem on my 02 Ram 2500 Diesel , its got the same sounds, I have gotten over 3 opinions they say Bad ball joints? ever consider them?

 

[KIseminger]

Originally posted by Dodge_Plowguy

I have gotten over 3 opinions they say Bad ball joints? ever consider them?

Probably not, I actually have a couple bad joints and there is a definate difference. The ball joints have more of dampened feel to them & coincide with turning the steering wheel and the steering column sounds can be reproduced by grabbing the steering wheel and moving it up and down or side to side.



That's what I have noticed... ... .

 

[InThinAir]

Mine started as a clicking sound in one spot in turning. Now it sounds like a loud egg shell clicking breaking noise all the time when turning the wheel.



What is sad is that right now the truck is driving better then ever, very little wander and pretty responsive steering. I installed a DSS about a month ago and just put my summer tires on and it drives fanatastic. I have the original Trac Bar and all original front end components. I am at 85K miles and have an extended warranty which by the way doesn't cover the steering column.



I took mine in to a dealership for a leaking oil pan gasket and they said the trac bar was bad was causing the noise. My trac bar is real close to being finished but this noise is coming directly from the column.



---Doug

 

[Gregg Mig]

Doug my 02 is doing the same thing,it make the truck feel cheap when I'm driving. My truck has only16,000 miles and it started this about a year and a half ago at about 4,000 miles. I brought it back to the dealer ,they put in a new lower steering column which did not solve the problem. I read somewhere that there is a bushing that you can replace but don't remember where. Also if I have the dealer replace the column what's going to guarantee that I won't have to replace it regularly. Gregg