Steering problem

[Mark.Smith]

Hi y'all! I have a 2005 2500 4X4 with 132k miles. When I turn the wheel left or right like when pulling out of a driveway or turning at a traffic light, sometimes the steering feels like it binds and there is a groan or "pop" from the front end for a second. I put the truck on stands and checked the ball joints, tie rods, and axle U joints and all seemed OK. Nothing seems loose that I could find. The truck doesn't wander or pull and the steering is tight and responsive. There is plenty of fluid in the PS resivour. The truck isn't modified in any way, no lift or large tires. I can turn the steering wheel with one finger when the truck isn't moving. Any ideas?

 

[Prairie Dog]

Deleted after re-reading your post.

 

[CJ8Rockcrawler]

Are the tie rod ends out of phase with each other? Is one level and the other cocked into another plane?

 

[Slow Six]

It sounds like an axle u-joint. Like the drive shaft u-joints they can look okay but they will be dry and hence the noise and/or binding

 

[Superdawg]

Check tightness on castor adjusting bolt on lower control arm.

 

[SierraRam]

I agree you have a binding axle u joint. This is why it steers easy when not rolling.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Jack up the front of the truck and rotate the wheels by hand while turning them from lock to lock. If you feel any binding, especially in a turn, then the u-joint is bad. A bind and let go feeling is classic for a bad joint.

 

[Mark.Smith]

Jack up the front of the truck and rotate the wheels by hand while turning them from lock to lock. If you feel any binding, especially in a turn, then the u-joint is bad. A bind and let go feeling is classic for a bad joint.

I did that with the truck on stands and the wheels turn freely with no binding. As soon as it warms up a few degrees, I'll check the LCA bolts and tie rod ends, right now, its too damn cold!!

 

[Mark.Smith]

Just to close this out, it was warm here today so I took another look at the steering. I discovered that the differential vent hose was caught between the steering shaft and the frame and the metal clip on the hose was wedged in between them. The clip was wedged so tight that it wore a groove in the shaft. I cleared it and no noise or binding. Who woulda thunk it?

 

[seafish]

now THAT's a new one... . good find and thanks for posting it!!!

 

[Prairie Dog]

Yeah thats pretty bizarre but thanks for updating us.