Wierd Steering Problem

[Pakrat]

For the last few weeks, at times, when I go around a corner the steering will "catch", is the best way I can describe it. A hard jerk on the steering wheel and it will free it's self. Makes life real interesting... .

Anybody else have a problem like that?

Thanks for any ideas, Larry

 

[Hoefler]

U-joints in the steering knuckle in the axle.

 

[Pakrat]

Hmmm. Thanks Hoefler - That's one place I didn't look. I'll check it out in the morning.

 

[steved]

I have the same thing... I believe its the hydroboost. Every now and again it catches... the reason I know its the hydroboost (in my situation) is that one time it hung at center. It was doing it routinely for about three months, with the last time being when it hung at center... it has been fine since Thanksgiving.

You can also hear the PS pump complaining as you fight the wheel... but its not the pump as the brakes work fine.

I'm thinking that there's a piece of dirt somewhere in the hydroboost, not allowing something to seal/release... since it seems to have flushed out now. On a side note, I had the same thing happen on my 99, only it was the brakes that stuck.

I'm considering a Magnefine filter for the steering system, but with 235k; its probably polishing a turd.

On edit: this is not a jerking steering wheel (like a seizing joint), but the steering wheel actual binds at some point (a left turn in my case) and literally refuses to return to center. It always happens near idle, and only shortly after start up (hot/cold doesn't matter). I'm not small by any means, and I can barely force the wheel in the opposite direction when it seizes... to most people, it would essential be frozen/stuck in place. A quick (and against all normal reactions) jerk in the same direction its hung will always free it when it happens to me. And further, there is a force against you when trying to return to "center"... this isn't just a loss of PS assist.

 

[MillerR]

Not sure if the mechanics are the same at all, but... I had a similar problem on an old Jeep of mine. The steering shaft had a small "U-joint like" union at the steering box. The retaining ring had fallen out and the u-joint was actually backing out of it's slot. It was a simple fix, but like I said... not sure if this is anything similar to our trucks set-up. Good luck.

 

[RonD]

Welcome to Dodge front ends. I have been there, your problem could be one of ten things, I recommend you find a good shop who knows these trucks, I ended up replacing almost every part in my front end, the factory parts are not up to par for the weight of these trucks, in IMO.

 

[bluewingron]

have same problem as packrat 2006 quad cab 5200mi. 2008-2011 steering problem recall?any connection?

 

[Pakrat]

Took it to Source Automotive and they replaced the steering box. Put on an after market box and all is good... .

Thanks for the replies.....