2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering question

[GOlsen]

My truck has recently started with an interesting steering issue. After I've been driving around for a while, I've noticed that it becomes harder to turn the tires. I don't really know how to describe it. I notice it mostly when I try to change lanes. I have a little bit of slack in the wheel, and then it becomes pretty hard to turn, and then it's easy again. Also, it seems like it likes to pull the wheel straight again more than usual. Any ideas?

 

[JFaughn]

Get under and start looking for lose parts while some one is moving the steering wheel back & forth , then get off ground & check for lose ball joints ect . , then get alingment checked .

 

[AFoulk]

be sure to check your steering shaft joints to. when they go bad they can cause a binding then free up condition

 

[GOlsen]

Alright, thanks guys. I'll check on all that this weekend.

 

[J.BURCHFIELD]

My truck has recently started with an interesting steering issue. After I've been driving around for a while, I've noticed that it becomes harder to turn the tires. I don't really know how to describe it. I notice it mostly when I try to change lanes. I have a little bit of slack in the wheel, and then it becomes pretty hard to turn, and then it's easy again. Also, it seems like it likes to pull the wheel straight again more than usual. Any ideas?

It could be air in the Power Steering fluid. Make sure fluid level is OK then jack up the front enough to take weight off the tires and turn the steering wheel from stop to stop a couple of times maybe more and check fluid level. If the fluid level dropped then good you got rid of some air. Refill and road test. Good luck.

 

[J.BURCHFIELD]

It could be air in the Power Steering fluid. Make sure fluid level is OK then jack up the front enough to take weight off the tires and turn the steering wheel from stop to stop a couple of times maybe more and check fluid level. If the fluid level dropped then good you got rid of some air. Refill and road test. Good luck.

Woops, forgot have the engine idling

 

[GOlsen]

Ok, that actually makes a lot of sense. Especially since I've noticed that when I have the steering problem, it's usually accomplished with a pretty stiff brake pedal. Takes more effort to stop. Is there a way that I would be getting air in there? Like leaking lines or something?

 

[J.BURCHFIELD]

Ok, that actually makes a lot of sense. Especially since I've noticed that when I have the steering problem, it's usually accomplished with a pretty stiff brake pedal. Takes more effort to stop. Is there a way that I would be getting air in there? Like leaking lines or something?

I have hard steering when I am applying the brakes at slow speed like in parking lots. I believe they are tied together somehow, maybe it was a cheaper way to manufacture. I changed my steering box a year or two ago because the one it came with was the wrong ratio. I got the air out like I described earlier and have had no leaks. Air could be moving around in the system causing the off and on. If you can't get your hands on a shop manuel, I have one for the 98 12v and would look up what you would like me to.

 

[GOlsen]

I appreciate it. I do have a manual out in the garage somewhere, I'll have to unbury it. Thanks for the info.

 

[J.BURCHFIELD]

I appreciate it. I do have a manual out in the garage somewhere, I'll have to unbury it. Thanks for the info.

I will always be willing to help, whenever I can. I have been helped and it kept me from having to get rid of my Ram. I became disgusted with the wandering all over the road problem. Changing to a different ratio steering box was all that was needed and now I go straight down the road with no worry about being pulled over for DUI. I tried for 7 years to figure it out myself and probably never would have had it not been for an article in TDR.

 

[johnjackson]

Power steering pump or hydroboost valve?

 

[RJWEST]

My truck always felt like it wanted to go straight. had to give it more pressure to start the turn than it would free up, real pain with a truck camper on the
interstate,

The front end was completly rebuilt at 50k miles, added the stiffner for the
steering arm, took out the wander, but still had that heavy spot as you started to turn, Recently installed the EMS hubs, much better,
still can feel the 285's resisting the turn but not like before,
Note, the 285's are M/S and wearing VERY even ( flat ) I believe this
and the small width bearing area of the OEM hubs causes the heavy initial
turning,

 

[GOlsen]

That makes sense. I didn't really think of that.