Not sure where to start. I was in an accident at the end of June, and my truck has been in and out of the shop for "shotty" body work. Got the run-around from the insurance company, etc. etc.

After the accident, the steering would wander, there was no memory steer.. and so on.

I replaced:
Track Bar
Ball Joint on drag ling
Tie Rod Ends
Steering Stabilizer

and

I just had my steering gear replaced at a shop yesterday.

Now I have my truck back, and here are some issues.

Steering is tight as it should be and solid turning left, immediate response.
Steering to the right is "loose" and takes at least an 1/8 of a turn on the steering wheel to get response
When driving down the street, the steering wheel will randomly get "loose", then tighten back up.
There is play in the steering wheel between 11 and 1 on a clock while driving straight (a little more responsive to the left if turned further"
When I turn fully (like making a turn onto a street), there is a "whooshing" sound coming from the steering column area - but it's delayed a 1/2 second from any actual movement in the turning.

Any ideas?

Finally - this may be a dumb question. In the picture attached to this post.... .this is how I got it back from the shop. Is it just me or should the pitman arm be tightened all the way up the shaft to the seal? It's leaking like crazy.

I also just realized this is my first post. I've been frequenting other car/truck boards for years - so I'm not a newbie . I have searched, and searched, and searched on this topic....

[IMG]local://upfiles/65568/594B4DCEDDAE4A20A5A6EFB30D554E4B.jpg[/IMG]

 

I would say you need a different gear box. The pitman arm not being up against the seal is fine the seal should seal against the shaft. I would say the problem is the gear box for the loose steering

 

shop stated today that Dodge's (but no other makes do) make the "whooshing" sound as the fluid is working through the "veins" and through the new steering box. They also stated that is the reason for the loose steering - that it would take "x" amount of miles to for the fluid to work through.

Does this sound accurate?

 

How many miles = X ??

If I were you, I'd start getting conversations / transactions from this shop in writing. It sounds to me like they've already been paid for that job and want nothing to do with it anymore. I'd also consult with a dodge dealer and listen to what they have to say.

 

39,000... it's a '99.. problem is, it sat for 2 years.