I have a 99 Ram 2500 4x4 and I noticed a few nights ago that when I turn from a stop (either direction) or at low speed (in 2wd), the front wheels seem to intermittenly "stick" as they straighten back to center. I don't know any other way to describe it. It's not a violent shake or jerking, it's just not a smooth transition. I'm leaning toward it being the steering damper, any thoughts would be great. Thanks.

 

Unbolt it, and see how it feels. Might also be ball joints, or possibly u-joints.

 

cool, i'll give that a try, as long as no one says "bearings" i'll be ecstatic, lol.

 

ok, changed the damper, figured better off that way...same issue, just "dampened" lol. did notice that it looks like the seal on the underside of the steering gear is bad, right above the pitman arm. that leads me to believe the steering gear is going out. gonna check the ball joints too, just seen that "leak" on the steering gear and decided to add that to my list of questionable items.

 

Replacing the steering gear on the Ram now...tried to replace just the seal at the pitman arm when i realized that the casing on the sterring gear was smashed just a little bit, just enough that i couldn't get the old seal's washer out. anything i need to watch out for when putting in the new steering gear?

 

Just make sure things are lined up correctly. Not sure if the pitman arm has a keyway on it, so it only installs one way.

Careful with the steering wheel as well. Secure it so it can't just spin freely when it isn't connected to the box. The clockspring in the column won't like that......

 

ok, so i replaced the steering gear, the tie rod end at the pitman arm, the right tie rod at the connecting tie rod, that adjuster between them, the connecting tie rod, the left outer tie rod end and that adjuster....got it alligned and a week later, it's back to doing the same crap. the shop said the ball joints and bearings were fine. whats left that i haven't replaced that would cause this issue?

 

U-Joints. Steering stabilizer. Still might be the ball joints.... or even the P/S pump.

 

well, i'm at a financial stall until after the first of the month. i'm gonna start with the power steering pump and work my way to the wheels. Any recomendations on p/s pumps? should i go autozone/advanced or look online for one?

 

Go to Rock Auto online. You should replace the hoses too.