2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering

[SpicyJam]

Is this normal, since this is my first Dodge. When at an idle and try to turn the front wheels, say to get out of a tight spot, I can't turn the wheels until the truck begins to move. Once it is rolling all seems fine, but not that my wife would drive my truck, but if she did, there is no way she would be able to turn the wheel.

 

[johnrv4]

I wouldn't say it's normal, but it does happen.

If you do a search on the forums for the term "Dry Park", you might find some threads on it. Yes it has happened to some trucks, but isn't the norm... A co-worker had the same truck as yours(and mine) and his truck would do the same thing. . He took it to the dealer, and (according to him) they replaced the steering gearbox(twice), the P. S. pump, all ball joints and front axle u-joints, all tie-rods and drag link, and it still did it... I believe after that, they put it on a semi-truck and shipped it to Chrysler's Training Center (somewhere in MI) TWICE, and replaced the brake booster. Well, it still did it, and he ended up getting a lawyer and they ended up buying his truck back. Mine, on the other hand, has never done it and has been fine.

 

[camnicolson]

I have the same problem with my truck. I have found that if you take your foot off the brake and rev the motor a bit, it then turns OK. I believe it is a problem with the Hydraulic brake booster





Cam

 

[ben_ak]

I bought my truck with 17,000 on it and I have had this problem since I've owned it. Be sure to check your tire pressure (I know it's obvious, but it does make a difference). Does climate affect this???

 

[jkern]

this is a common problem that i have come across as well, but any automotive engineer will tell you that you are NOT supposed to turn the steering wheel while sitting still, this places severe stress on the pump, box, and linkages and creates excessive and pre-mature wear.



that being said... i think the reason that this happens is becasue at an idle the PS pump cannot make enough pressure/GPM to supply both the hydraulic brake booster and the power steering. i think that it could be construed as a design flaw.



jkern

 

[Crash_AF]

Yes, it is an issue with the Hydroboost system and it's not just a Dodge problem, my Excursion occasionally does the same thing.



The really scary situation is when you hammer the brakes and try to do evasive maneuvers... try fighting a steering wheel in that situation...



Later,

Joe H

 

[SpicyJam]

Thanks guys, so far since my posting it has not happened since I posted this. So far so good.