Rack and Pinion Play

[DDDillard]

Greetings!

Just recently picked up a 2015 Dodge Ram 1500 Sport with around 160k miles. My biggest gripe is that I noticed that there is some excessive play in the steering no matter rather I'm stopped or going down the highway. I have checked an verified it's nothing in the steering wheel or column itself and from what I can tell the ball joints and tie rods are still good.

The only thing I can tell that needs is:
1) Sway arm end links and bushings (shouldn't have to do with the play in the steering)
2) A 4 wheel alignment (positive camber front passenger)

I was told by the previous owner that the Ram has a 2 inch leveling kit, stock wheels, but larger tires which I know will effect the way it drives. I know my Ram has an Electric steering rack and pinion and I've seen numerous videos online about an adjuster nut to tighter the gap between the rack and the pinion that could be causing the play but just not any for my specific truck. Can anybody verify that there is actually an adjuster nut that I can access and fix my issue? Anybody have a similar experience? Thank for any replies!

Dylan,

 

[Ken226]

Have you crawled under and inspected the steering parts while someone is in the cab, turning the wheel back and forth?

I can't think of any other way you'll be able to identify which components have slop. I'd look at the steering column u-joint and tie rod ends.

also, the steering rack mounts to the frame on bushings that allow the rack itself to move a little. Also worth checking out.


I had to replace my rack/pinion recently. In doing so, i disassembled my old one to see if i could repair it. I didn't see anything that would allow the gear mesh interface between the rack gear and pinion gear to be adjusted. Even if such a thing existed, there was a press fit bushing that contained some electronics (steering angle sensor, I think), the was installed over top of the pinion gear. I couldn't remove it without destroying it, and the pinion gear was completely inaccessable under that pressed in electronic stuff.

 

[T-Rod]

Dylan, I have a 2016 1500 with a new rack and it has a little slack. I’m trying to find that adjustment too. Were you able to locate and adjust?

 

[miltonbland]

I installed a rebuilt EPS rack from Detroit Axle. It has a bit of slack also. I am hoping that I can make an adjustment that will eliminate it.

 

[ricky_bobby]

Try the non-metal intermediate shaft bushings first, see if it helps- I felt a difference and my truck has 41k miles, give them a whirl!

Intermediate Shaft Bushing Kit for Dodge Ram 2003-2024

Improve your Ram's performance with our Intermediate Shaft Bushing Kit. Ensure durability and precision. Explore Bad Axe Parts for top-tier solutions.

www.badaxeparts.com

 

[clarkoh]

On my 2013 2WD Ram 2500, is there a way to adjust the "sector"? Like how that set screw on the steering boxes used to be used to tightened up the play?