Steering problem

[larryq]

Hi to all!

It’s been a while since I’ve been here, but still love getting my magazine!!

This started a few days ago.
I have a 2010 2500 4x4, and when I take a sharp slow turn like when pulling onto a side street, the steering wheel “Pulses” as it returns to center.

I have done a bit of reading and wondered if it’s not the front u-joints gone bad.

I have an appointment to get it into the local firestone for inspection, and possibly repair.

What do you all think could be the culprit?

If it is the front u-joints I’m pretty sure I’m going to have both sides replaced.

What is a fair price to pay for this kind of job.

I can’t do it because I don’t have the tools needed to do the job, so I’m at the mercy of a repair garage.

Thanks to all!!

Larry

 

[TSkoropad]

Most likely u-joints.
Find a curb with a turn. Radio off, front windows down. Drive close to the curb making the turn. You should hear noise coming from the joints.

As for cost, no idea what it would be in USD.

My 2011 had a left side failure at 30000km, and I could hear and feel it every time I made a slow turn by a curb or wall.

Thankfully it was still under warranty. I also knew the tech, and he recommended both sides changed.

Sorry I couldn’t help with the cost.

Tom

 

[Jim W]

I just replaced my RH front wheel u-joint at 126,000 miles. My service mechanic found the u-joint was bad when he was replacing my front brakes. The RH Wheel BRG unit was also failing and needed to be replaced. Total cost for the brakes, new rotors, RH wheel BRG assembly and the u-joint was a little under $1600.00.
I only replaced what was needed since there is a lot of labor involved to do both sides I also had the left hand front U-joint replaced at 60,000 miles when it was going bad.
I have been going there for years and they have worked on my trucks and my wife's cars when needed. I do trust them.

 

[larryq]

Ok, just got a call on the truck.
They said upper and lower ball joints are loose and worn.

I asked if they checked the u-joints and they said the u-joints have nothing to do with steering!!!

I told them how to check them and they are going to call me back.

 

[JR]

How did they come to this conclusion? The procedure called out by Chrysler involves a dial indicator and averaging out play. Early AAM ball joint allowance is .060 upper .090 lower, not sure if this has changed on gen 4's.

Either way I don't see how bad ball joints would cause the pulsing feeling in the steering wheel you describe. Unless there is uneven tire wear I'd be suspect of their evaluation.

You mention your truck is at a Firestone center, some years ago my wife and kids were visiting her family 7 hours from home. The day before they were to come home her car developed a bad miss and threw a CEL. She took it to a Firestone service center as it was the only shop she could get into last minute on a Saturday. Diagnosis was fouled spark plug so she had them replace them. Several hours and $400 later they called and said it was done and to come pick it up. She barely made it down the road before the misfire returned. They were closing as she left so she was on her own at this point, and starting to panic because she had to be back to work on Monday for a regional meeting. I ended up driving 7 hours through the night to get them and loaded the vehicle on the trailer and brought everyone home. Upon popping the hood it was obvious they changed exactly one spark plug and damaged another, and left it in place after failing to get it out. Never even touched the other 6. Not Only did they lie about the job they did they also scammed her out of $400. The biggest offense was the service manager, who I spoke with on the phone before allowing the repairs, knowingly put my family in potential danger by sending them down the road with an unrepaired vehicle. We ended up getting refunded the money after ALOT of pictures, phone calls, emails, and raising hell. Corporate actually defended his actions to an extent, I walked away from the whole experience feeling like the company culture was very poor from the top down. I'll never darken a Firestone service centers doorway with my shadow again.

Not that it matters, but the problem wasn't even in the plugs to begin with. Ended up being a faulty coil. They lacked even basic mechanical knowledge.

 

[DonFitzwater]

Ok, just got a call on the truck.
They said upper and lower ball joints are loose and worn.

I asked if they checked the u-joints and they said the u-joints have nothing to do with steering!!!

I told them how to check them and they are going to call me back.

Take it somewhere else, asap.

 

[larryq]

Got the truck back and it feels completely different to drive, so I completely believe the ball joints were indeed bad.

Now I didn’t drive enough to see if the pulse was gone, but I plan on checking myself Monday by using the turning the steering wheel all the way to one side and rotate the tire.

 

[larryq]

I joints proved to be fine after checking myself.

The steering wheel pulse is completely gone, and the truck drives like new.

It’s funny how as things slowly wear, you don’t notice them, but after being fixed you do a facepalm and say oh yeah, I remember when it drove like this!!!

Thanks to all that replied.

L