Front end Alignment?

 

I'm having the same problem. Out of nowhere the stearing starts sticking at different points in the steering range. No leaks, etc. I've doused the stearing linkage with penetrating oil and will apply lithium grease to it when it dries. I'm hoping that frees things up. I don't have the $$$ to have repaired right now either.

 

The steering shaft can be rebuilt. Removal is about 45 minutes, bring it to a shop that rebuilds axles and CV joints. I've had mine rebuilt and it's good as new for $250.

 

That's very good to know!!!!

 

These trucks seem to have steering issues.

 

This is my first issue with the steering -- 70,000 miles and 7 years old.

I've been through 3 blower resistors, though

 

have some play in my steering column

the steering is fine and everything seems to be aligned pretty well as i can take my hands off the wheel and stay straight on the road for a good distance...but when i hit a bump or pot hole the wheel shakes and makes a thudding noise...i know nothing about steering columns other than it runs to the steering box and all that. but it definitely feels like the whole column is shaking...would this also be the intermediate steering shaft or just something i could fix with some preventive maintenance?

leaving for vacation friday morning so i wont be able to mess with it till after i get back unless its an easy fix

 

My Truck will track straight when aligned, But I get a inch of play either way, and it rattles over bumps. I KNOW its my intermediate shaft. It was binding first, then once greased had the play/rattle.
Same thing went in my old 2000 Dakota. Part is the costly part to it, We got the part and it done on the 2k for $500ish. Finding it for that was hard tho.

 

I had the same problem with mine a few times. It would start to almost stiffen up at certain points in the steering range as you describe. I first thought it might be the rack but did like you and sprayed it with penetrating oil. I do so periodically and the problem has not yet returned. It has been a few thousand miles since.

 

I had mine replaced at 35k or so. (the shaft) It is probablly a good idea to lube it, and I mean literally lube it with a can of grease. Just cover the shaft and the knuckle really well. Sounds like it just rusts up and binds away. Cover that bad boy a few times a year, and in a few years it will be so filthy and greasy, you hopefully won't have to worry about it again lol.