Steering wander

[Lee Anderson]

I have a 2001 Dodge 3500 with Cummins and 6 speed.

It has had a steering problem since I first picked it up. Seems to have too much play in the steering wheel. But, for a long time I thought it was just me. Until that is, that I started reading the posts here. I now have 8000 miles on it and it seems to be about the same (no worse). I took a look at the steering while my son turned the steering wheel back and forth. It seems everything is pretty much tight except at the steering column side of the box (input). I can see there is a lot of play right inside the box. Maybe all I need to do is tighten it up?? Is this someting I can do myself? Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Dennis Garrett]

try this.



http://dodgeram.org/tech/tsb/1997/19-10-97/19_10_97.htm

 

[Lee Anderson]

Thanks Dennis. But, does this apply to the 2001 model? It says '97 and I don't know whether I would trust the procedure and specs to be the same for 2001. From what I understand they went to a different box or something, didn't they?

 

[Dennis Garrett]

Not sure what they use on the new ones, but it might be the same general idea. Adjusting the bearing preload has taken all the wander out of mine twice now. It has about 135k on it, & still steers like a new one. The steering box is the original, but was sloppy to start with, until I figured out the preload adjustment.

 

[Alan Reagan]

I have an 01 and the procedure/specs are the same. Just take your time on the preload. When you snug the preload, mark with a pencil and then back off 3 to 5 mm. When mine was checked, it was very loose. Don't mess with the overcenter (the nut on top of the box) unless you have to.

 

[Lee Anderson]

Thanks Guys! I'll give it a try.

 

[1 ALC]

Lee,

My 2000 wonders too. even soo it 's drives much better than my old 1500 did.

I increased to pressure in my tires, and it helped a little.



Let us know how this turns out.



I might try it on mine.

 

[Fireman Dave]

Take it in!

Take it in. My '01 was sloppy and wandered terribly from day one. By 3500 miles, I had the track bar and steering box replaced. Both were bad. Now it steers like it should. A lot of us have had the box replaced. Maybe you got a bad one too. Don't accept it as being ok!