2017 Ram 2500 wandering on the road

[jaxx67]

I have a 2017 2500 that wonders side to side when going down the road. I had the ball studs replaced last year and this is when it started.
I have taken the truck back to the shop, had another shop both said the studs were properly installed. It seems like there’s play in the steering wheel but when testing it with out the engine running, has little play.
Anyone have suggestions?

 

[Docwagon1776]

How much play is a little play? What's loose/worn out in the steering line causing it?

How's the alignment?

Tire wear?

I'm no expert and haven't swapped out steering line components on any Dodge newer than 1987, but that's where I'd start on any vehicle.

 

[Mojo88]

Start with the basic checks: ball joints, tie-rod ends, a-arm bushings. While each wheel is jacked up, try and wiggle it to check for bad wheel bearings..... and spin each wheel/tire by hand and carefully look to make sure everything is spinning true. Also check steering shaft between wheel and rack, make sure all is good there too.

Certainly could be alignment, but I'd check out all the components before I spent money on an alignment.

 

[Dean2]

If it wanders there is play somewhere in the sysrem. Tie rods, ball joints, bearings, knuckles etc. It may also be a series of small amounts of play. It could also be play in the actual steering box or the shaft that connects your steering wheel to the box.

You have to find the play to get rid of the wander. Start at the wheels and work inwards.

 

[OC455]

What Dean2 said, start with the outer, work to the inner.

 

[jaxx67]

Thank you for all of the responses. I had both upper and lower ball joints replaced, drag link, lower steering arm both wheel hubs all replaced. I went to You Tube university and seen how the steering box can be bad, I have tested that today and seems it may be my issue, I have about 2 inches of play in the wheel both directions. Has anyone replaced theirs?

 

[Zoe Saldana]

I have a 2017 2500 that wonders side to side when going down the road. I had the ball studs replaced last year and this is when it started.
I have taken the truck back to the shop, had another shop both said the studs were properly installed. It seems like there’s play in the steering wheel but when testing it with out the engine running, has little play.
Anyone have suggestions?

Put on a new steering stabilizer.

Change power steering fluid.

 

[Dean2]

Thank you for all of the responses. I had both upper and lower ball joints replaced, drag link, lower steering arm both wheel hubs all replaced. I went to You Tube university and seen how the steering box can be bad, I have tested that today and seems it may be my issue, I have about 2 inches of play in the wheel both directions. Has anyone replaced theirs?

First make sure the play is actually in the box and not the steering shaft that joins the box to the steering wheel. Ram oem shafts have rubber joints that wear out. Also, the box has an adjustment nut that will take a lot of play out of the box itself. Loosen the lock nut, hold it with a wrench, use an allen key to tighten the inner bolt 1/8 turn at a time. Do not over tighten the centre bolt or your steering wheel won't self center properly. If you need a shaft or steering box check out Borgersson. It is what I use ezclusively. Not cheap but top notch gear.

Dodge Truck 1979-19

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[jws123]

If your truck has high miles or you pull on the steering wheel when you get in the truck my money would be on the steering box being worn out.

 

[jaxx67]

Thank you Dean2, I will look at that first before I drop a new box. Appreciate your help!!

 

[Dean2]

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Youtube University.

 

[Burla]

Sounds like you found the likely culprit, few people would guess steering box out of the gate. Easy to see if you have a buddy, one of you go under truck as the other one steers, check for play. Maybe I missed it tires are good?

.

 

[2017 Longhorn]

I had the same problem replaced the steering box & the shaft now it’s like new

 

[jaxx67]

Update!!
I found that the steering intermediate shaft is worn and has play, I ordered the bushings and will post how it went in a few days.
Thank you all for the information and suggestions.

 

[crazy jerry]

8yo truck (likely never offroad) needs a entirely new front end ? how many curbs do you crash into every day

 

[Dean2]

8yo truck (likely never offroad) needs a entirely new front end ? how many curbs do you crash into every day

Don't be like that. Miles is what wears out front ends, though really rough roads can accelerate it. The paved roads around here are WAY, WAY, harder on suspensions than the off roading I do. My pickups spend 75% of their time off pavement. The front ends last about 200,000 miles. My buddies who run on pavement are lucky to get 100, 000 before rebuilding. Off road I am going slower and I can deek around holes and bumps. Can't do that on an interstate.

 

[Zoe Saldana]

You should replace the steering stabilizer also.

Update!!
I found that the steering intermediate shaft is worn and has play, I ordered the bushings and will post how it went in a few days.
Thank you all for the information and suggestions.

 

[jaxx67]

Update!! I installed the new steering intermediate shaft bushings, took all play out of the shaft! I highly recommend spending the $8.00 before a new gearbox. Thank you for all the information and support.

 

[Dean2]

Update!! I installed the new steering intermediate shaft bushings, took all play out of the shaft! I highly recommend spending the $8.00 before a new gearbox. Thank you for all the information and support.

Glad that solved your problem. The steering shaft is often a problem on Rams.

Firing the parts canon is never the right answer. Way better to locate that actual problem and fix that, cause like your situation, the fix is often quite simple and cheap once you figure it out.

Also, thanks for letting us know what the cause and fix were. That is really uncommon on this forum but greatly appreciated because remote diagnostics and problem solving is always a challenge, good to know how it works out.

 

[Zoe Saldana]

Do you have a link with the part number?

Thanks

Update!! I installed the new steering intermediate shaft bushings, took all play out of the shaft! I highly recommend spending the $8.00 before a new gearbox. Thank you for all the information and support.