Feels like I'm driving a boat.

[Tinman273]

Hey guys and girls.
First time caller. Long time listener.
I've got a 2013 Laramie, 4wd that feels like I'm driving a boat on the highway. I'm fine driving straight, for the most part, but it feels unstable. If I'm going at highway speed and I let off the gas, the truck jerks to the right.
I've had it checked for shocks and ball joints and was told everything looks good. I also got an alignment.
The mechanic said these trucks have electronic steering and I should probably consult a dealer.
Does anybody have experience with these symptoms?
Thanks for the input.

 

[Harley Harrold]

 

[BossHogg]

The mechanic said these trucks have electronic steering and I should probably consult a dealer.

Welcome. They do have electric steering (EPS) and a computer running it. I believe 2013 was the first year RAM went to EPS. For the most part, they run trouble-free, and most will never know it is there, but others—well, they're not so lucky.

EPS offers many features, but one feature sounds like it may be responsible for what you are experiencing. The EPS can dynamically influence steering pull. For example, if your right wheel goes through water, which would pull the steering wheel right, the EPS can react to that and offset most of the force. The same is true when riding high-crowned roads; the EPS will compensate so your steering wheel doesn't notice the pull.

The bad news is that someone with the tools and knowledge needs to examine yours to determine what is causing the steering issues you are experiencing. This typically means a dealer, and it seems the quality of dealer service is a hit or miss these days. Check your VIN for a recall regarding EPS. There was a recall on 2013-2019 RAMs for EPS issues related to a contaminated circuit board.

 

[Papa Red]

Welcome to the forum.

Red

 

[Daw14]

How. Many miles on the truck ?

The rear control arms and bushings are pretty flimsy,and when the mile accumulate the bushings turn real mushy . This can cause that boat feeling .

Also worn shocks can contribute to your issue.

A complete suspension inspection should help to identify worn parts.

 

[Tinman273]

Thanks for the response.
It has 162,000.
It has been looked at by a suspension shop
Supposedly the bushings, etc. are tight and in good shape.
It's really frustrating.

 

[Tinman273]

Welcome. They do have electric steering (EPS) and a computer running it. I believe 2013 was the first year RAM went to EPS. For the most part, they run trouble-free, and most will never know it is there, but others—well, they're not so lucky.

EPS offers many features, but one feature sounds like it may be responsible for what you are experiencing. The EPS can dynamically influence steering pull. For example, if your right wheel goes through water, which would pull the steering wheel right, the EPS can react to that and offset most of the force. The same is true when riding high-crowned roads; the EPS will compensate so your steering wheel doesn't notice the pull.

The bad news is that someone with the tools and knowledge needs to examine yours to determine what is causing the steering issues you are experiencing. This typically means a dealer, and it seems the quality of dealer service is a hit or miss these days. Check your VIN for a recall regarding EPS. There was a recall on 2013-2019 RAMs for EPS issues related to a contaminated circuit board.

Thanks. That's what I was afraid of.

 

[Nick@GotExhaust]

Have you checked the brakes? Maybe a caliper sticking and thats why it pulls right

I would get a second opinion from another shop. If it feels like your driving a boat at a minimum I would say it needs new struts/shocks. at that many miles if any of the suspension is original I would be willing to bet there are several items that need replacing.

Was it a chain shop or a local shop?

 

[Tinman273]

I went to Pep Boys, where I've had good results in the past, and a tire shop.
Both places thought the suspension looked good.
The brakes seem fine. There's no pull when braking.