2500 4WD Steering Issue

[Green_Manalishi]

Just picked up a 2017 2500 4WD 6.7 w/120k. I noticed when cornering in 2WD, the steering acts like it's trying to self center, but not smoothly. It jerks the wheel slightly. Not enough to cause a crash, but annoying as all get out.

Suggestions?

 

[jejb]

I have a similar issue with my 18 2500 CTD. The steering feels notchy, especially when going around corners at highway speeds. Local dealer has a steering box on order under warranty, but they are back ordered (which should tell you something). Someone here suggested I spray the u-joint knuckle on the steering shaft with lube. I did a few days ago and it seems to be much better. Time will tell.

 

[Daw14]

The u joints tend to go bad, may want to look into that. On the steering shaft.

 

[mtnrider]

Most likely a Axle ujoint is bad. Jack the front end of the truck off the ground, turn the steering wheel to one side and try spinning the wheels. Should be able to see which one is binding up.

.

 

[Green_Manalishi]

Thanks for the suggestions. All the hardware looks good. I rotated the tires just in case, but to no avail. It seems like more of a power steering issue as it doesn't appear until you're in a curve for a few seconds. The fluid level is good, and there are no other steering issues at other times.

i'll keep diggin...

 

[Green_Manalishi]

Thanks for the suggestions. All the hardware looks good. I rotated the tires just in case, but to no avail. It seems like more of a power steering issue as it doesn't appear until you're in a curve for a few seconds. The fluid level is good, and there are no other steering issues at other times.

i'll keep diggin...

 

[Green_Manalishi]

Thanks for the suggestions. All the hardware looks good. I rotated the tires just in case, but to no avail. It seems like more of a power steering issue as it doesn't appear until you're in a curve for a few seconds. The fluid level is good, and there are no other steering issues at other times.

i'll keep diggin...

 

[jejb]

Thanks for the suggestions. All the hardware looks good. I rotated the tires just in case, but to no avail. It seems like more of a power steering issue as it doesn't appear until you're in a curve for a few seconds. The fluid level is good, and there are no other steering issues at other times.

i'll keep diggin...

Yep, it sounds just like my issue. Did you spray lube the u-joint on the steering wheel shaft yet? Takes all of a minute to do.

 

[2003F350]

I have a similar issue with my 18 2500 CTD. The steering feels notchy, especially when going around corners at highway speeds. Local dealer has a steering box on order under warranty, but they are back ordered (which should tell you something). Someone here suggested I spray the u-joint knuckle on the steering shaft with lube. I did a few days ago and it seems to be much better. Time will tell.

These u-joints are considered 'non-serviceable', but if you're careful you can lube them as discussed here. They can be a challenge to get to, but I'd bet this is where OP's binding is coming from. If it were doing it while driving straight I'd think axle, but since it is while cornering I would suggest steering shaft.

 

[RamCares]

Just picked up a 2017 2500 4WD 6.7 w/120k. I noticed when cornering in 2WD, the steering acts like it's trying to self center, but not smoothly. It jerks the wheel slightly. Not enough to cause a crash, but annoying as all get out.

Suggestions?

Hello @Green_Manalishi,

Sorry to hear about your steering concerns. We understand if you wish to continue troubleshooting in this thread, but if you decide to take your vehicle to the dealer for a diagnosis please let us know via private message. We would love to help!

Hannah
Ram Cares

 

[RamCares]

I have a similar issue with my 18 2500 CTD. The steering feels notchy, especially when going around corners at highway speeds. Local dealer has a steering box on order under warranty, but they are back ordered (which should tell you something). Someone here suggested I spray the u-joint knuckle on the steering shaft with lube. I did a few days ago and it seems to be much better. Time will tell.

Sorry to hear about this @jejb, let's see what we can do! If you wish, our team can create and escalate a case for parts assistance if you would like to continue working with your dealer. To start, send our team a message with your VIN to get started.

Hannah
Ram Cares

 

[Green_Manalishi]

With the truck idling in park, I turn the steering wheel back and forth with no issues. No slack, slop, play, etc.

What I did notice was when I turned the steering wheel any amount and held it there, listening to the engine rpm drop while it is powering the pump, after a second or two the rpm's rise slightly and at the same time, the steering wheel jerks a bit like it is trying to return to center.

It seems like there is a pressure valve inside the power steering pump that releases pressure which causes the steering wheel to jerk. It doesn't seem to hold a steady pressure. Jejeb, thanks for the tip. It could be an issue with the steering box and not the pump. I hope not since I'm out of warranty!

The saga continues...

 

[2003F350]

With the knowledge you just posted, that does definitely sound like a power steering issue, whether it be the box or the pump. At least you've got a direction to go in now.

 

[schnydz]

Sorry to open an old post but did you get this fixed? I have a 2017 3500 with the same problem.

With the truck idling in park, I turn the steering wheel back and forth with no issues. No slack, slop, play, etc.

What I did notice was when I turned the steering wheel any amount and held it there, listening to the engine rpm drop while it is powering the pump, after a second or two the rpm's rise slightly and at the same time, the steering wheel jerks a bit like it is trying to return to center.

It seems like there is a pressure valve inside the power steering pump that releases pressure which causes the steering wheel to jerk. It doesn't seem to hold a steady pressure. Jejeb, thanks for the tip. It could be an issue with the steering box and not the pump. I hope not since I'm out of warranty!

The saga continues...

 

[Green_Manalishi]

Sorry to open an old post but did you get this fixed? I have a 2017 3500 with the same problem.

No. The more I drove the truck the less I seemed to notice it. I attributed it to a power steering system that simply didn't work like I expected it to, but all it took was getting used to it. I don't notice it anymore.

 

[schnydz]

No. The more I drove the truck the less I seemed to notice it. I attributed it to a power steering system that simply didn't work like I expected it to, but all it took was getting used to it. I don't notice it anymore.

Okay. I have a few trucks in the area that I work on and they are all showing this issue as the mileage gets up past 150,000+ miles. There's a notchyness(is that a word? lol) to the steering in a curve. We live in a mountain area, so none of the roads are straight. I can't find a loose joint on any of them. You can also feel it while parked, with the engine running. If you turn about a 1/4 turn so there's a slight load on the p/s system, hold it there, and then start to move ever so slight back and forth, it will have a notchy pulse to it. I just haven't found much online with anyone having a similar problem and post a fix.

 

[Davis2010]

We are having the same issue in our 2010. The truck is mostly used for towing our trailer, which makes the issue even more concerning. I've read several forums and everyone is speculating about CV joints, power steering pump, steering box etc but I've not found a definitive fix. We don't want to just start throwing parts at it for trial and error. That gets expensive really fast. Has anyone determined the issue?

 

[schnydz]

We are having the same issue in our 2010. The truck is mostly used for towing our trailer, which makes the issue even more concerning. I've read several forums and everyone is speculating about CV joints, power steering pump, steering box etc but I've not found a definitive fix. We don't want to just start throwing parts at it for trial and error. That gets expensive really fast. Has anyone determined the issue?

With the truck I'm working on it can't be the u-joints at the wheels because I can feel this in steering wheel parked, with the engine running. Not driving down the road. I just compared a matching 2017 with half the mileage and no steering issues and the play in the box is the same. And same here, we don't want to through parts at it. But nothing shows any wear or play that we can find. It just has a 'notchyness' to it. I don't really know how else to explain it. If you're in a sweeping curve at say 50mph you have to move the steering wheel back and forth to keep it straight because it's like the power assist comes and goes during the turn. It feels like the steering starts to bind and then let go. Again, I can feel the same just parked, at an idle. Turn the steering wheel about a 1/4 turn so there's some load on it and ease off a hair and start to wiggle back and forth and you can feel it. So I'm leaning towards a hydraulic issue rather than a mechanical(steering/suspension worn part) but is it pump, gear box or hydroboost? I'm wondering if there is a check valve somewhere that is failing?