2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering Problems at 35,200 miles! - Need advice

[UKRugbyman77]

OK, I need some input from any of you who may had similar problems. It's kind of hard to explain, this started about 6 days ago. I couldn't steer at low rpm's, like it was low on fluid or something. Checked fluid, fluid's fine. It mostly happens when I try to park (low rpms - little or no speed).

Today on the way home, I was sitting at the stoplight and was seeing exactly when it occurred so I could tell the dealership. At the light, it would turn a little, then it would act like there was no power steering. After several times of this, now the freakin steering is fine, so I waited until I pulled in the drive and parked (where I'd noticed it before) no problems

I been back out and tried to get it to occur again, to no avail.

So is thing waiting until 36k to crap out on me or what? Anybody heard of similar problems?

 

[TowPro]

If you get the problem on record with the dealer "let them know now before warrantee is out" you may have a chance if you go over the mileage.



my 2002 only has 4000 miles on it. Last night leaving my buddys house, the steering went "limp" while I was turning after backing out of his driveway. My 98 never did that, guess I will keep an eye on it as the power steering pump also runs the brake booster

 

[DSiemens]

low speed/no steering

I have not experienced this on my Dodges, but have had this occur on a Ford. When it happened I shut down the motor and then started it back up. As the Ford was under warranty, went to the dealer. Result was a brand new power steering box. If you have warranty, see a good dealer.

 

[BatMan01]

low speed/no steering

May not be the same problem but it sounds like the same problem I experienced almost from the begining. I had the dealership look at it a couple of times and of course the problem could not be duplicated. I finaly changed out the P. S. fulid about 500 miles ago and the problem has not happened since. I went with Royal Purple's synthetic and there is a noticable difference in the steering. It feels much smoother and more responsive. So far I am very pleased and time will tell if this has cured my original problem.

 

[Cummins Cowboy]

My '02 just started doing the exact same thing. I am very worried that i can't duplicate this for the dealer. My truck has 10,600 miles on it now. I have also noticed my power steering pump is a lot more fussy with the cold weather. I think some of this is to be expected but I think it is more fussy than it should be. This morning i started up the truck it was about 18 degrees outside. It took almost 10 minutes of driving for the powersteering and breaks to feel right. Are the breaks in some way connected to the power steering pump?? I am considering changing out the fluid to valvoline synpower. definatly keep us posted if you figure out the cause

 

[WTBurke]

I had this happen about 3 months after purchase. I took it to the local DC dealer and was told I require a fluid change out. They did the job under warranty. One year later and 40K miles no problem. The service writer informed me the switch to full synthetic was a normal fix and he's seen several that corrected the problem. I will say it worked for me also.



William

 

[Wolfgang]

I don't know if this is related but has anyone had the problem where the steering wheel makes noise when it turns. It doesn't appear to affect the steering but I am wondering what it might be. I am at 42,000 miles so I want to fix it my self if possible

 

[THerman]

Except for the fluid level... sounds like the problem I had... .



Check the top plate on the steering gear... . Have somebody wiggle the wheel while you look with a light... .



The bolts were loose and the top actually moved around... .



Mine was leaking out the top.

 

[johnrv4]

My co-worker has the identical truck to mine(with 20K on it) and his truck has been back to the dealer numerous times and still won't steer. The dealer has changed the fluid, changed the PS pump, changed the steering gearbox(twice) changed the ball joints, changed the front axle u-joints, changed the tie rod ends, changed the steering dampener, changed the track bar, and it still won't turn stopped at idle... They are going to change a valve in the brake booster, but if this doesn't work they may buy it back from him. . My same truck with more miles on it has never had that problem. I would be curious if they put a pressure gauge on the line going into the PS gearbox to see if maximum pressure can be obtained at idle.

 

[HC]

Originally posted by Wolfgang

I don't know if this is related but has anyone had the problem where the steering wheel makes noise when it turns.

Sounds to me like my clockspring (before it broke). There's a Safety recall on this; if you haven't had it done its FREE because it is a safety issue (airbag won't deploy if it breaks).

 

[FDNYMOPARGUY]

I had the same problem - occured mostly in hot weather. Switched to semi-synthetic PS fluid - so far no more problems, but it may be to soon to tell.