a newbie here and liking the forum! ok Ive looked over TONS of posts/info on this topic but here goes...... 2006 Dakota- steering seems to pulse in/out or more like on/off when traveling on road via long sweeping corners like highway enter/exit ramps at decent speeds. its like the power steering is turning on then off quickly. truck acts like front end is floating with steering play, causes me to over steer and over correct at times. doesn't matter if its cold or hot out, seems to effect more turning left then right but either way its definitely noticeable and not normal!

truck has new front shocks, new upper and lower ball joints (greased fittings) new outer tie rods, new lower intermediate shaft (installed 2 days ago) seems to turn smoother but you still feel the on/off effect and its like you wonder sometimes if the power steering is just going to fail or not let you turn....weird! any help or input would be great cause ive about had it with this '06! been nothing but problem after problem...Dodge should be ashamed! oh how i miss my '02

power steering fluid level is good. no leaks what so ever with lines. no noises either when turning like Ive read about in other threads. i am stumped!!

 

My 05 does this as well, if you happen to stumble upon the reason please post
fwiw also replaced ball joints with greased fittings.

 

Had the same issue on my 07. Needed to replace the power steering fluid and have the system flushed. And the binding you are feeling is the joints on the intermediate shaft seizing up. Just get some good white grease and douse them good. I fixed that issue two years ago and the steering has been fine since.

 

Rack and pinion is culprit I bet I've changed mine already only with 38k miles

 

X2 you can start with the easy fix and see if it work out for you

 

lower intermediate shaft is brand new and steering is much smoother i have to say, but i think now i feel even more the issue going on. after further inspection last night, this is what i found..... truck running and in park, turn steering wheel to 3 o'clock or 9 it moves back and forth about an inch like a studder or like a frigidity servo on an rc car. i can watch the front tires move back and forth with the same action....going down the road and having this occure is not good for sure!! another thing Ive noticed is i can not lock steering wheel?!?! i can turn it with key removed, its not easy but its doable and just doesn't seem right! 124,000 mi, no fluid leaks, correct levels.....all i can say is Junk!

 

Thats they problem I was having when I had a power steering rack that was leaking at the inner tie rod ends. If that is the case, the rack will need to be replaced. The leaking was so small, that it never dripped, and the fluid never lowered.

I read your initial post and I thought that I typed it myself, because i described it the exact same way you did, with the sweeping turns and long off ramps.

Your going to have to have the rack inspected, get the boots pulled at the inner tie rods.

I am not a mechanic so I can't tell you its the rack 100%, but given the fact that you have done everything else...


P.S.

I am on my 3rd power steering rack. They all leaked in the same spot, and did the same thing your describing. 125k miles isn't too shabby...

Something is up with these units. Some people keep telling me to use a stop leak product but i refuse to do that lol.

 

had my buddy who is a chrystler/dodge mech. take a look at things......definitely not right! im getting what he called "feedback" when i turn due to pressure issues coming and going in system. possibly the steering pump cause it occurs turning left or right. replacement pump on order and if that doesnt do it then time for a new rack for xmas!

 

I found that my pinch bolt under the steering column was not tight. I had pulled the intermediate shaft, but it was intack, I grabbed the steering column and I had play. Found loose pinch bolt under the dashboard at the steering column. Problem fixed. Did not need new intermediate shaft after all.