so this is probably going to be a really vague topic but any input will be helpful. anyway, like the title says, my 95 ram 2500 had developed a steering issue. when im taking a turn and coming out of a turn, my steering wheel hops i guess u can call it. or maybe jerks. however u want to call it. i havent had time this weekend to fart with it but i checked the power steering fluid and that was low so i added some to it but the issue is still there. so what could be the diagnosis of my woes?

 

Worn steering shaft U-joints is what I would check first. Lots of miles on the truck? Lifted? BigAss tires?

 

185XXX miles, stock lift and tires. and i notices today, it only does it when the engine is cold. when it gets hot, it stops.

 

Since you mentioned adding power steering fluid, was there any remnants of leakage about the pump and/or the gear box?

How low was it? If it was a severely low, then bleeding would need to be done. However, you'd know if there was whining type sound since adding.

This might actually be an effect from joint (ball joint, track bar, tie rod). If you have jack stands, then put the front axle up. Get a helper, put e-brake on, and have the steering wheel be turned lock to lock while YOU are on the ground watching and looking for the same pop/jolt occur.

You could also do this w/o jack stands and on dirt would be easier.

 

there was probably half an inch on the stick. and ill have to listen for a whine but its going to be hard due to my truck just makes a bunch of noise haha. i dont really have time to check anything until the weekend. and if it was a joint, why would it stop when the truck warms up? thats why im leaning more towards the power steering pump going, leaking, or having air in the lines. but that still doesnt make sense to me with the temp changing

 

and after driving today, while my truck was cold, it didnt do it. so i dont know what the hell was wrong with it, but it seemed to right itself for the time being. im still going to check for leaks and what-not this weekend