Steering Problems

[MBlackley]

New truck 6k miles and steers like a 63 dodge. I can live with a little truck hunting down the highway, but when I have to turn the steering wheel approx. 2 1/2" to 3" for a response from the steering system. This is not right. My dealer? the first time says it is normal for the Dodge truck to do this. Does anyone have a suggestion to remedy this problem. I am still attempting to correct this problem with my dealer but I am afraid that I am fighting a loosing battle. This is my first post so take it easy on me. I am a slow learner.

 

[LSMITH]

LOL@63 Dodge, mine was that way too!! You need to find a different dealer first thing. Then you should be OK. Some dealers are a lot better at serving the customer than others. You may want to try a different service advisor if you have ties to the dealership. The service advisor I used to work with took care of every problem I had, then he quit and I have not found a good place to get help yet. The steering gear box is a problem on these trucks. All too many of us have had one replaced, some as low as a couple thousand miles. The bright side is I have over 50K miles on mine since the replacement and it is tight as can be. There is also the possibility that the trackbar, tie rod ends, and balljoints are causing/contributing to your problems. A good tech at the dealer will be able to make it right for you if you can get it past the service desk. They drive really nice once they are set up properly. Have hope and continue on. Good luck.

 

[Fireman Dave]

IT'S NOT NORMAL!!!!!

I had my track bar and steering box replaced before 4,000 miles due to excessive play and wander. Both were bad. Steers fine, now.

 

[Gregg Mig]

MBlackey I know what your talking about. I just took delivery of my 2002 4x4 qc sb 6 speed and while driving it home I had to turn the wheel excessivley to get a turning response. Having had a 97 with the same ploblem and going throu arbitration and finally winning in small claims court I have become somewhat of an expert on front end problems. I was able to eliminate most of the slop by tightening the pre load on the input shaft on the steering box. Mine could turned 1 1/4" before backing it of approx, 3/8". try this first before you let the dealer mess with it. Good luck, Gregg Mig.