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1994+ Dodge Ram steering problems

1994+ Dodge Ram Commonly Seen Steering Problems

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• Pump Failure in cold weather is more common than it should be. If you regularly drive in sub zero (F) weather, you should allow the PS fluid to warm a bit before driving or install synthetic PS fluid.
• 2001 No Power Brakes or Power Steering - brake master cylinder accumulator seal ruptured, allowing hydraulic fluid to leak escape.

• 99 models with Steering "honk" - a few Rams  have been reported have a noise in the steering mechanism. This noise is the result of an internal machining problem and the steering gear will have to be replaced the eliminate the noise.
• 96 Steering column click - if a clicking noise in a NON-TILT steering column is diagnosed and it is coming from the bottom of the column, check the bearing.  If the bearing case is BLACK in color, the bearing is suspect and the column will have to be replaced.  A later design went into production during the 4th quarter of 1996 which had a gold color steel case.
• Click or thump when wheel is turned - lube dry bearings on steering shaft u-joints
• Clunk or rattle from front suspension- Loose lower shock absorber bolts, very common

• TSB 19-08-97 replace intermediate shaft
• TSB 19-13-97 replace steering column toe plate cover
• A brake pedal rattle can telegraph to the steering wheel - common
  • TSB 05-08-96. install a spring washer at pivot
• Loose intermediate steering shaft couplings - make sure the bolt is tight!
• Loose intermediate shaft slip joint
  • Inserting tie wraps into slip joint reduces the clunk.
  • Borgeson replacement steering shaft - installation instructions and photos
  • Flaming River replacement steering shaft

• #1 cause of severe axle vibration on 4X4's is a bad track bar. Replacement Track bar sources
• #2 bad tires - OEM Goodyears have the worst reputation, but other tires have cause virbation too.
• TSB 19-05-96  Replace track bar & steering damper, add aux steering damper
• Loose shock bolts - the lower bolts loosen on many trucks
• Worn ball joints - common as miles accumulate.
• Bad shocks - the originals are usually toast by 20,000 miles. Recommended replacements:
  • Rancho RS9000 adjustable - my choice
  • BILSTEIN - worth every dollar.
  • Doesch Tech - prefered by several DiRT list members
• Replace Front steering stabilizer - Any aftermarket unit is better than OEM
• Replace Wheels - Numerous SLT chrome 8 lug wheels have excessive runout
• Insufficient caster - See Wheel Alignment tips posted to Alt.autos.dodge.trucks
• bad steering linkage, bad control arms/bushings, bad sway bar bushings - check front suspension components
• Too great an angle between the drag link and tie rod - more common on lifted trucks
• Steering gear box "stop valve" problem - This information was sent by Steve Clayton: "Fords and Chevys have the same problem, BUT on Fords, the problem can be traced back to a failure of the "stop valve" in the power steering box. This is a valve that allows fluid flow through the box, but shuts the flow off if a certain flow rate is exceeded, short term or long term. If the valve is dirty or gummed up, it fails to block flow during the short-term, high flow-rate transients encountered during front end shudder and shimmy - the Ford "death wobble". In fact, because it fails to shut the flow down, the box actually causes a "positive feedback" condition - it *adds* to the problem, and the oscillation will not stop until the vehicle is stopped. I sure don't know if Dodge ps boxes have a similar valve, but it's worth checking out! In Fords, R&R'ing or replacing the ps box brings a 100% fix."

• Check front tire air pressure - diesels require 60+psi in front, 50+psi in back or they wander
• Early HD trucks had road wander and no steering feel - replace bad ball joints and track bar.
• Worn ball joints - common as miles accumulate.
• Factory tires have poor road feel and new tires can help considerably..
• A loose or worntrack bar WILL cause steering wander. Replacement Track bar sources
• BR track bar diagnoses...when diagnosing track bar end play, be sure that the bottom of the track bar is not convex, curved or rounded like the exterior of a sphere or circle.  If this is the case, the bottom of the track bar could have excessive play which was caused by the track bar pivot joint pressing on the bottom.  Follow the procdure in TSB 02-06-96 to properly diagnose. 
• Loose steering gear causes wander - Adjustment procedure or TSB 19-10-97
• Excessive play in steering shaft - aftermarket replacements
• Alignment needs to be adjusted - see the 4WD Alignment Spec Changes for tips on where to begin

• Steering Wheel Will not lock when key is off
  • 98 models only lock the steering  wheel when it is turned upside down (180 degrees).

• Luke's Link - Track Bar Adjustable End Kit for 1994 - 2002 4X4 Ram trucks
• DT Products & Fabrication - Heim Joint track bar (contact and install info)
  • The bar initially costs around $230 (still cheaper than $300 from the dealer) and then if the heim-joint ever wears out (none have failed yet) it would only cost about $30 to replace and the urethane bushings are like $5. Length is adjustable for lifted Rams.
• Lindstad Alignment INC. - Adjustable for wear
  • From Eugene King eking@kaley.net: The solution I found after 3 more track bars (all replaced under warrenty even after it expired) was from Lindstad Alignment INC. (605) 892-4776 It's a track bar with a metal adjustable seat. I check it every oil change if its too lose I turn it a little and reinsert the lock pin.
• NAPA - lifetime guarranty for an OEM type part.
• Checker/Kragen/AdvanceAuto/PartsAmerica - MOOG OEM type part listed under ChassisParts/centerlink

Last update to this page - June 18, 2004