Steering Problem

[MartyK]

Problem:

With the original stock 05 steering linkage, while turning, either direction, I have a wobble in the steering. The wheel wants to straighten out then go back to the turning position. This repeats rapidly until the truck is straightened out.



To try and fix this problem, I replaced the steering linkage to the 09 upgrade today, including the new pitman arm. I drove the truck without a steering damper and I still have the problem. The front end has not been aligned yet.



What should I check next? Any ideas of what is causing this?



Thanks,

Marty

 

[Prairie Dog]

Classic symptoms of front U-joints binding. Look for some slop or rust existing the joint.

 

[MartyK]

Visually the u-joints look fine. I don't see anything leaking from them. How can I check for slop? Also, I don't hear any unusual noise.

 

[rscurtis]

You won't necessarily see a problem- the joints are starting to bind. Jack up one wheel, turn it to full lock, and rotate it, it should get tight and loose as the U-joint goes through its angles.

 

[MartyK]

I jacked up the passenger side, tire rotates freely while turning right and left. Jacked up drivers side, tire spins freely while straight, turn steering right or left and wheel binds up. You guys are correct. Looks like I need front u-joints. Time to research which ones to get.





Thanks for your help,

Marty

 

[bighammer]

I've found it easier to find the culprit (w/o jacking it up) by driving for a bit and then stopping and feeling the U joint caps immediately after. A binding joint will have a much warmer cap because of the added friction.