Unknown knocking issues.. steering pump?

[DM1204]

From what I've read we have power electric steering.. no fluid.
I've taken my truck to the dealer a few times now with the same issue and they "cannot duplicate it." I have been on a test drive with the service guy and they tell me it would be so hard to pinpoint.
My sister used to drive a GM with an electric power steering and had to have it replaced multiple times as it would knock.
I dont know if anyone here has had issues like this? It's getting worse. Occasionally hear it when turning but is not a wheel bearing issue. Hear it when travelling down a gravel or bumpy road.
Dealer says everything suspension wise is tight and no bearings are gone.
Vehicle is a 2015 1500 sport. 8 SPD trans. 4x4
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated... getting frustrated.

 

[kurek]

You inspect your upper ball joints yet?

 

[DM1204]

You inspect your upper ball joints yet?

Dealer says everything is intact. As to what that all involves I dont know.

 

[kurek]

Dealer says everything is intact. As to what that all involves I dont know.

Assuming your truck is 4wd (because I don't know as much about the 2wd front suspension) - this is pretty easy for you to inspect, or even just take a photo to get a few internet eyes on it.

Your truck has upper and lower control arms that connect the front wheels to the chassis. The upper one is stamped steel and has a ball joint pressed into it just by friction/interference fit, in other words the only thing holding it in there is the hole is the same size as the body of the joint and they smashed it in there really tight.

Particularly on trucks that have been leveled or lifted, but also apparently just on regular trucks that spend a bit of time on bumpy roads the ball joint can loosen over time, make noise and eventually could fail catastrophically.

Here is a photo of one that's becoming loose:


Just check visually if there's a little gap there, both sides of the truck. Shouldn't be too difficult, you may have to turn the steering wheel to see in there without getting down on the ground.

That would be the first place I'd inspect for front end knocking.


On the topic of the electric power steering assembly; mine (2015 4x4) has not had any difficulties so I don't know what (if anything) they might do when they fail. Perhaps someone else has further input.

 

[DM1204]

It is 4x4. I am currently at the dealer to take one of the guys with me on a test drive. I will look at those ASAP.

 

[RamCares]

It is 4x4. I am currently at the dealer to take one of the guys with me on a test drive. I will look at those ASAP.

Hi DM1204,
Keep us updated on your dealer visit. If you need additional assistance and would like to be connected to a Case Specialist please private message us!
Laura
Ram Cares

 

[DM1204]

Update.
Sorry I have been busy with work and it's always dark after work so I didnt have time to get under the truck and look.
I got the truck back from the dealer yesterday evening. The fix they did was the intermediate shaft had a little play in and would wiggle when going over bumps (as the wheels turned), or when turning to the left or right.
I have not had the noise repeat itself after they installed the new intermediate shaft.
Thanks for your inquiry @RamCares
Anderson Motors in PA, SK resolved the issue.

 

[RamCares]

Update.
Sorry I have been busy with work and it's always dark after work so I didnt have time to get under the truck and look.
I got the truck back from the dealer yesterday evening. The fix they did was the intermediate shaft had a little play in and would wiggle when going over bumps (as the wheels turned), or when turning to the left or right.
I have not had the noise repeat itself after they installed the new intermediate shaft.
Thanks for your inquiry @RamCares
Anderson Motors in PA, SK resolved the issue.

Hello DM1204,
Thank you for the update. We are happy to hear your dealer visit went well!
Laura
Ram Cares