I'm working on the 99 Dodge in my signature. My rig had developed a lot of play in the steering wheel, a slow leak and a slight wobble at speeds between 42 and 50 MPH. Since I installed a hydro-assist steering kit by AGR on my truck, I called them for replacement info. They wanted $350 plus $40 shipping to rebuild my box. However, that's a lot of money, and they did a less than outstanding job the first time. So, I tackled the job myself with a reseal kit, a FSM and Youtube. I did my best, but due to a lack of specialty tools I had to adjust it by feel. I re-installed the box, and so far, no leaks. But (1) the wheel is tight, (2) the truck pulls hard to the right, and (3) the wobble starts earlier now, at around 30, maybe 35 MPH.

#1 should be remedied by backing off the adjuster on the top, right?

#2 and #3 have me stumped at the moment though. Any thoughts?

IIRC, the return to center is controlled by the alignment of the front axle, right?

And I've checked the other front end components. Everything seems pretty well tight. All I did was pull the pitman arm off the gear and pull the gear. Then I turned the input shaft to make the splines line up, and slipped the input coupler back on to attempt to maintain steering alignment.

I'm anxious to have my rig back. Please help!!

 

Think I would readjust the box first, and see if that doesn't take care of 1 and 2. As for the wobble, what do the rest of your front end parts look like? Might try rotating the tires first, and see if anything changes.

 

Thanks, man. Okay, as soon as I got home from work, I grabbed some tools and dove under the truck. I loosened the adjuster about 1/4 turn or less at a time and drove a short distance, then pulled over and tried again. So far I've loosened it around 2 1/4 turns and just about straightened the steering wheel, and as long as I turn to the right, it's a lot better. But it still pulls hard to the right, and turns to the left are difficult. The wobble is very minimal now, but it still isn't right, and I'm a little nervous about driving it to work tomorrow.

I think I'll call around tomorrow and see if anyone will let me pick their brains about it. In the meantime, any other thoughts?

 

How much slop did that introduce to the steering??