steering wobble after front diff change?

[DFrank]

I just started experiencing a slow corner wobble to the wheel.

either side turn. harder turns at slower speeds.

I just changed both diffs with Amsoil 75W90 severe gear oil.

I've never added the LS additive. Might this help?

Could it just be over or under filled?

'05 3500 DRW, with flatbed and big camper

 

[AEdelheit]

Sounds more like a u joint in the front axle, did you change any hard parts or just fluid?

 

[GrantP]

I would agree with AEdelheit on this one. Jack up the front wheels, crank the steering to full lock and try to turn the tires by hand. You'll feel a definite resistance if it's a bad joint. Of course we're assuming you have a 4x4.

In my experience, a bad front axle u-joint feels very similar to driving in 4wd on pavement.

 

[KATOOM]

Check the front axle u-joints.

 

[DFrank]

I think it is the front axle U joints.

I also wonder if changing the axle fluid somehow exacerbated the issue, and add the modifier eased the problem as it worked in. The timing and symptoms make this feel likely.

Hopefully it is all cured after the U joints. Oh, and its getting brakes, and tie rod ends while he's got it apart. Not a cheap fix.

 

[GrantP]

I also wonder if changing the axle fluid somehow exacerbated the issue, and add the modifier eased the problem as it worked in. The timing and symptoms make this feel likely.

I would have to say no. The U-joints aren't even exposed to the diff oil.

 

[capt fast]

I inspected my 03 ram front steering u-joints after hearing some clicking. found rust puking out the seals on both. rot. also used amsoil on the diffs. not the issue. I used greasable u-joints for the repairs. the stock u-joints are not greasable. also added lube into the unit bearings thru the sensor mount holes. have put 5K miles on the repair and it''s worked well.
also added a steering stabilizer cross bar with bearing to support the steering gearbox out put shaft to avoid any death wobble in the future. it mounts on a line between the anti-sway bar frame mount brackets in front of the axle. as an added benefit, the steering is now incredibly accurate and has now wandering even on severely rutted and crowned roads. I like it