2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Truck always pulls to the right

[slo-ryde]

My new truck pulls to the right. I test drove 3 other trucks with the ETH/DEE combo and they did the same thing.



I took the truck to the shop that does all my tire and suspension work and had them check the alignment. It was dead on, there was nothing that needed even the slightest tweaking.



They swapped the front tires and the pull got worse. We replaced the tires (Michelin warranty claim at no cost to me ) and it seemed better for awhile.



Got in the truck this morning and drove down to the station for a fill up and it's definitely still pulling to the right. Tire pressure is 60psi all around.



Anybody else have this problem? Looks like I'll have to take it to the dealer for possible power steering problem? I don't know what else could be causing it except for a dragging brake pad. It would have to be dragging quite a bit, seems it would be burning and giving off a smell.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

My 2001 did the same for 36,000 miles.



I took it to an alignment shop. Everything was in spec. They swapped the front tires and said that would fix it. It didn't.



I tried varying air pressure, etc. Nothing worked. The truck was over senstitive to any variations in the road surface. If the road was flat the truck would drive straight. Since most roads are crowned, I always had to adjust to the surface.



You'll hear some people suggest a track bar change. I have no idea.



I now have a 2002 without that problem.



I did lower the rear end about 2-1/2" and adjusted the caster settings myself.



I have nearly 25,000 miles on the truck (in 9 months) and have no noticeable tire wear from any adjustments I have made. Truck tracks straight.

 

[damon]

check this thread

here's a recent thread with lots of info on this pull to the right.....



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=56186

 

[slo-ryde]

The truck goes to the dealer on Monday, we'll see what they come up with. It's amazing that this problem has been around for so long. I see threads posted here from people with 6 or 7 year old trucks that have always pulled to the right.



I just hope the dealer doesn't try to blow smoke!

 

[carson6]

my too!

My mechanic said it was the curvature of the road and the size of my truck!?%*. .

 

[Dr.Kayak]

My 2001 did the same thing

Took it to the dealer because of a slight "clunk" in the steering when going over a bump. They replace the track bar (14,000 miles). Now it drives very straight and true. Very surprising. First time in 15 years of owning Dodges the dealer actually exceeded my expiations.

 

[athompson]

My pull went away completely when I replaced the Michelins (4400 miles on them) with Goodyears. I suspect that the problem is with the POS Michelins.

 

[slo-ryde]

Re: My 2001 did the same thing

Originally posted by Dr. Kayak

They replaced the track bar (14,000 miles). Now it drives very straight and true.

Can I assume that this track bar is only on the 4x4's? I've been underneath the truck looking around and didn't see anything that I would call a track bar.

 

[pbell]

pulling to right

my 99 does the same thing. it is real annoying. i also changed out tires to more aggressive tire and it helped out but the pull is still there. Alignment guy said it was within specs. go to www.dodgeram.org and you will find spec on whole truck. under steering and alignment you will see new specs alignment shops dont have. I havent done this yet but soon will.

 

[Dr.Kayak]

Re: Re: My 2001 did the same thing

Originally posted by slo-ryde

Can I assume that this track bar is only on the 4x4's? I've been underneath the truck looking around and didn't see anything that I would call a track bar.

Yes, The track bar is only on 4x4. From what I have seen the 4x4s have the most front end problems. .

 

[slo-ryde]

Re: Re: Re: My 2001 did the same thing

Originally posted by Dr. Kayak

Yes, The track bar is only on 4x4. From what I have seen the 4x4s have the most front end problems. .

Thanks Dr. Kayak!

 

[Johnny5]

My 01 and my wives 97 318 does the same thing. When we first bought the 97 it was in the dealer 4x. They did alignment, changed tire pressure, changed steering gear box, etc. After all that I noticed I could turn the wheel and have the rims move and the tires stayed put. Then I looked it the tires and they are 'P' type for 1500. So it comes down to tire flex, her truck even has my 'LT' and i still notice some. I believe since the sidewall are so big there are susceptible to flex so I am paying attention to see how these next gen trucks with the 19" (or is it 19. 5") are for the wander complaints.



Johnny5

 

[slo-ryde]

I sure hope the dealer is going to be able to fix this. I just spent a couple hours driving the truck under mixed conditions (city, country roads, and freeway) and it's consistently pulling to the right.



I still can't believe this problem continues to plague so many owners. You'd think DC would have figured this out by now. It will be interesting to see if the third generation trucks have the same problem.

 

[RCapehart]

In 1995 I bought a new 95 CTD 4X4 Ext Cab. It was at the dealer about 10 times in the first 10-months I had it. They could not fix the right front pull. I made them take it back and give me a 96 CTD 4X4 Ext. Cab. (WV lemon law) This truck was much better. You could feel a right front pull just now and then. I could go a few weeks and not notice it.



In July of this year I needed to replace the front brakes. I put the complete EGR package on the front. This got rid of my problem once and for all!!!



My left front caliper had been dragging some. The rotor had been so hot it was purple. I tried to have the rotors turned but they had been to hot and hardened so they could not do it.



Anyway this fixed my problem!! Not a sign of any pull what so ever!!!



Ron

 

[slo-ryde]

I was thinking it could be a dragging brake but none of them are running hot. I've driven down the highway for an hour, coasted to a stop on the shoulder (never touched the brakes), gotten out and put my hand on all four rotors to see if any were hot.



Everytime I've done this all the rotors are just slightly warm to the touch. I've read that some people were having problems with the e-brake not releashing on one of the rear brakes. I hope they'll be able to fix it, I certainly don't want to be dealing with this long term.