Steering Problem...At the dealer now..

[larryq]

Just the other day, after a 600 mile trip, I noticed that when making a sharp left or right turn at slow speed, when the wheel comes back to center it "Surges" and doesn't come back to center smoothly.

It sort of feels like when you are in 4WD on dry pavement and make a turn, the front wheels can't compensate for the inside wheel turning slower than the outside.

It even sort of rocks the truck.

Well I thought it must be the wheel U joints or some other such suspension issue.

Took it to the dealer this morning and they just called me back.

Everything looks good, and their procedures say that the power steering pump needs to be replaced with a new heavier duty pump assy. (1500 Bucks!)

They are going to try a steering system flush, but it that doesn't fix it, they are telling me to change the pump.

Now, If that's the problem, and it fixes the issue, I'm fine with paying...Even though the truck only has 52.000 on it (2010 Model)

I asked them, "Ok...If I take your word, and pay to have the pump replaced, and that doesn't solve the problem, What is Chrysler going to do to get this resolved after I spent 1500 on a solution that didn't work?

Any thoughts on how to proceed here??

Thanks
Larry

 

[rrl989]

Without an extended OEM warranty, seems to me that the repair is a private matter between you and the dealer?
I'd get a second opinion from a local experienced shop if I was out of warranty.

 

[larryq]

Without an extended OEM warranty, seems to me that the repair is a private matter between you and the dealer?
I'd get a second opinion from a local experienced shop if I was out of warranty.

I spoke to the service manager.
Seems very fair.

They did a flush on the existing pump, and it got better.

While it did not fix the issue, it does seem they may be on to the problem.

Service manager said he was confident it was the pump, and if the new one doesn't fix the problem, he will "make it right and take care of me"

I did buy the truck from this dealer, so I think they want to do what is right.

Larry

 

[MattandLana]

Sounds promising. But I'd ask the dealer to clarify what they mean by "make it right" and "take care of" you. It's funny how often these reassurances are forgotten or get diluted when things go wrong and it's shaping to cost them real money.

I'd also contrive to get that answer in writing. Easy to do these days, without having to be confrontational about it: just start an email/SMS discussion and keep their replies.

Good luck and hope the fix works, so the above just-in-case measures turn out not to have been needed.

 

[seafish]

Sounds promising. But I'd ask the dealer to clarify what they mean by "make it right" and "take care of" you. It's funny how often these reassurances are forgotten or get diluted when things go wrong and it's shaping to cost them real money.

I'd also contrive to get that answer in writing. Easy to do these days, without having to be confrontational about it: just start an email/SMS discussion and keep their replies.

Good luck and hope the fix works, so the above just-in-case measures turn out not to have been needed.

GOOD advice....I was thinking the exact same thing when I read the dealer's response!!

 

[larryq]

Just called and checked on the truck and guess what.....???
They replaced the pump and the problem persists!
They are going to re-bleed the system, and test again, but It looks like they need to start looking elsewhere.

I asked them if they checked the :

Steering box
Ball joints
Wheel U joints
Front driveshaft U Joints
Front Diff.

All before letting them go ahead and change the steering pump, and was told that everything was checked and found good.

Going to stop there tonight to have a face to face with the service manager after work.

3 days now without my truck...and I'm sure the $$$$$$$ are adding up fast!

Larry

 

[Kirwin]

I'm not sure you really have a problem. All 4 X 4 trucks do this to some degree as the u joint in the knuckle puts unequal force on the wheel as the wheel rotates in a tight turn. This is amplified by the steering gear ratio and if the steering wheel is let return without any input from the driver, it will result in this "surge" type feeling as the wheel returns to center in sort of steps as the u-joint" binds and loosens" while the tire rotates in a tight turn. It is really noticeable when a front knuckle u-joint is froze up. These joints don't routinely turn at much of an angle unless you make tight turns regularly so they get kind of lazy. Just my $0.02. Ken Irwin

 

[larryq]

I'm not sure you really have a problem. All 4 X 4 trucks do this to some degree as the u joint in the knuckle puts unequal force on the wheel as the wheel rotates in a tight turn. This is amplified by the steering gear ratio and if the steering wheel is let return without any input from the driver, it will result in this "surge" type feeling as the wheel returns to center in sort of steps as the u-joint" binds and loosens" while the tire rotates in a tight turn. It is really noticeable when a front knuckle u-joint is froze up. These joints don't routinely turn at much of an angle unless you make tight turns regularly so they get kind of lazy. Just my $0.02. Ken Irwin

Dealer has admitted something is definitely wrong with the steering.

 

[larryq]

I have had this truck for 4 years now....
I know something has changed/slipped/worn/broken.

This is my daily driver and after 4 years I know something isn't right.

L

 

[Tryingit]

I just had a similiar problem with 63K. It was the front axle universal joints. I jacked up the front end and with the wheels straight I rotated both front wheels the spun easily. Then I turned the wheels and the left side was binding. I made an appointment and they changed both front axle u-joints under the 5 year 100K mileage warranty. On my 04.5 that truck felt like it was in 4 wheel drive when I made turns. That turned out to be the ball joints.

 

[gsbrockman]

I just had a similiar problem with 63K. It was the front axle universal joints. I jacked up the front end and with the wheels straight I rotated both front wheels the spun easily. Then I turned the wheels and the left side was binding. I made an appointment and they changed both front axle u-joints under the 5 year 100K mileage warranty.

Exact same repair fixed my identical complaint on my 2007.5 RAM 3500 MegaCab at ~ 60k miles. LarryQ....I'll bet the cups are dry as a popcorn fart inside one or more of your u-joints...

 

[Kirwin]

Dealer has admitted something is definitely wrong with the steering.

I wasn't trying to say that you didn't know your truck, I was only trying to say that some of this type of behavior is normal. Only you can determine what is normal for your truck. I agree with Greg and Tryingit, a binding joint at the knuckle will cause the symptoms you describe. Not sure why the dealer would replace the pump though as it is only a source of hydraulic pressure to assist the steering gear. That got my attention. I also do not have blind faith that the dealer service department can properly diagnose anything mechanical anymore. Just because they "admit something is wrong with the steering" doesn't mean that they have figured out what is actually the problem. How many of us here have went to the dealer with a better understanding of what the problem is with our truck than the entire Dodge service industry thanks to input for the members of the TDR? You are asking the experts here on the TDR what they think the problem may be. We are sharing with you are opinions. Take them or leave them, it's your call. My $0.02 Ken Irwin

 

[larryq]

I wasn't trying to say that you didn't know your truck, I was only trying to say that some of this type of behavior is normal. Only you can determine what is normal for your truck. I agree with Greg and Tryingit, a binding joint at the knuckle will cause the symptoms you describe. Not sure why the dealer would replace the pump though as it is only a source of hydraulic pressure to assist the steering gear. That got my attention. I also do not have blind faith that the dealer service department can properly diagnose anything mechanical anymore. Just because they "admit something is wrong with the steering" doesn't mean that they have figured out what is actually the problem. How many of us here have went to the dealer with a better understanding of what the problem is with our truck than the entire Dodge service industry thanks to input for the members of the TDR? You are asking the experts here on the TDR what they think the problem may be. We are sharing with you are opinions. Take them or leave them, it's your call. My $0.02 Ken Irwin

Sorry If I came off Hard....Just frustration leaking out...Thanks to everyone speaking up on this issue!

Larry

 

[larryq]

Well the steering pump was a red herring!
Just got a call that everything is FIXED!

Guss what they replaced to fix the problem! Wheel U Joints.

In total they replaced:

Wheel U joints!
Steering shaft U Joint (linkage)
Sway bar ends
New HD Power steering pump

After everything, they did it all at one HELL of a low price!

While I was out without a truck 5 days....they really took good care of me!

Kudos to Westpointe Dodge in Yukon Oklahoma!

Bruce the service manager is the best!

Larry

 

[mfurrh55]

I'm not sure you really have a problem. All 4 X 4 trucks do this to some degree as the u joint in the knuckle puts unequal force on the wheel as the wheel rotates in a tight turn. This is amplified by the steering gear ratio and if the steering wheel is let return without any input from the driver, it will result in this "surge" type feeling as the wheel returns to center in sort of steps as the u-joint" binds and loosens" while the tire rotates in a tight turn. It is really noticeable when a front knuckle u-joint is froze up. These joints don't routinely turn at much of an angle unless you make tight turns regularly so they get kind of lazy. Just my $0.02. Ken Irwin

I've had several 4X4 trucks and none have experienced this problem

 

[Bob4x4]

I have had the pleasure to replace front axle u joints at a wide range of miles.From about 30k on a desert racer to well over 200k .I think the most fun were on Alaskan registered trucks with a good coating of rust on everything

 

[Haney]

My 2010 Truck(3500 CC 4x4) has started showing the same issues. How would you check the wheel u-joints?

 

[SnoKing]

My 2010 Truck(3500 CC 4x4) has started showing the same issues. How would you check the wheel u-joints?

Re-read post #10! SNOKING

 

[Haney]

Re-read post #10! SNOKING

Thanks, I missed that.