Steering Wander

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I have been having the same problem with the new truck. Dealer sez there is no problem. I invited him to take a ride with me on some of the narrow 2 lane roads I drive and see if there is a problem!

I have also been informed (same dealer) that the information in the TSB is old and that the new trucks have a different steering box. I guess I will have to have him show me just how different it really is.

I'm going to try the ajdustments you fellows have, and as outlined in the service manual. Sounds like there really is an answer to this problem after all!

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'01 HO, 6 speed, QC, 4x4, camper package

 

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Am I going to have this problem with the 2001. 5 I just ordered?? This sounds pretty bad. I was planning on NOT being in the service centers for along time!!!

 

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The dealer has been fed bullsh## by DC. According to DC, there is no adjustment required on the "new" steering box. When the mechanic drove the truck on the two lane, he saw exactly what I meant. They have been working with me on this and are more than willing to replace the steering box. Since they are working with me and have allowed me to adjust (they know my mechanical background), I have done it just to try to figure out the problem. Most of mine is gone since the preload adjustment. My buddy picked up his ETH Monday. Guess what. Same problem. I didn't realize how bad mine was till I looked in the rearview mirror while driving in the rain and saw the serpentine path I was leaving. Mine is much better now and overall I'm happy with the way it drives. Also, at 6000 miles there is no feathering on the tires so the allignment and everything looks OK.

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2001 ETH DEE 2500, 4. 10 LSD, Towing Package, Electric Brakes, EGT/Boost Gauges, Running Boards, K&N,
Real Backup Lights

 

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just bringing it up top

 

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Didn't have time to report before our trip to Reno but I did the bearing pre-load TSB and WOW what a difference. I can actually point the peacup where I want to go and it wanders much, much, much less than the wiffys car with 112,000 miles on it. It was preformed under the "I guess that should do it method" since I didn't have a spanner wrench that would fit up in there and a torque wrench for the 3 sided lock ring but I think it's mucho better and I only tightened it up about 1/4". Even with the trailer in tow it seemed to track down the road fairly straight. Now the tough question is, should I try just a little tighter?

 

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Mine was in today for the 4th time for this problem. They discovered that the pitman shaft is loose, so they ordered a new steering box. Hopefully this will do the trick. They had the same thing on another 2001, and I've read about others on TDR with this. Can anyone say RECALL?!! #ad


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2001 2500; SLT; 4x4; QC; LWB; Auto; 3. 54 LS; 265s; Camper; Tow; Sliding Rear Window; Travel Convenience Group; Cab Clearance Lamps; Forest Green

 

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I know my '98 had the slop since I checked it a year ago. I wonder how long GM has been producing it with the built-in slop #ad
#ad


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'98 4x4 12V QCab Auto (ready to BOMB)

 

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Just finished a 400 mi round trip this weekend with the new box. It was the first time on the interstate for an extended run and it drove great. The box was the fix. That's the first time I've been able to relax and drive since I got the truck.

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2001 HO 6 spd 2500, 4. 10 LSD, Towing Package, Electric Brakes, EGT/Boost Gauges, Running Boards, Fog Lights, Real Backup Lights

 

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I've done all the adjustments and my steering is acceptable (not dangerous as when truck was first picked up). Since new my tire pressure has been 80# which I need for towing and understand from previous postings that max air pressure will help the steering. Yesterday I reduced the pressure of all 4 wheels to 60# and the steering seems to have improved - at least it seems to track better (less sensitive).

This certainly is not a cure and I am waiting with everyone else for a real fix.

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Stan

2001 2500 SLT+ Quad Cab, 6 speed, ETH, 4X4, LWB, 3. 54 LSD Trailer Tow, Camper Special, 241HD, Tow Mirrors, Bright White, Line-X Bedliner, Putco Boss SS running boards, A. R. E. K Series Truck Cap, Reese Titan V Hitch, 2WD Low, DD 4" exhaust, BD exhaust brake, Isspro Boost and EGT gauges, Mag-Hytec rear cover with Amsoil Series 2000 75W-90 synthetic, Amsoil Dual-Remote Cummins Oil Filtration System (full-flow & by-pass)

 

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Everyone with steering wander in their Dodge truck should follow the link to report this problem to the National Traffic and Hiway safety adinim. A earlier post gave the link and it is easy to follow and report the problem. I did but we need everyone with steering problems to report this problem so maybe we can get some help.

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2000 Dodge 2500,
sport,4x4,leather locking diff, cab lights, cd, Dodge factory fender flares.

 

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i asked the service manager about the new box and he didn't know anything , i will bring in the revised part number and run it by the writers and shop foreman , sometimes they know more , they were the ones that told me a new box was in the works , i will try to see if i can get them to order one before i go in and do the swap while i have the trans fluid changed . hope it does the trick

 

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Can someone describe the adjustments made?

I don't have access the the TSB on the subject, but I have adjusted steering boxes before.

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'96 4x4, 2500 extended, 5-Stick, TST, big stereo, MP3 player, GPS, Kodiak Sidewinder steps.

 

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http://www.ecpe.vt.edu/~dfritz/technical/TSB97/19-10-97/19_10_97.htm

This is a good description.