08 1500 Mega sterring question
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08 1500 Mega steering question
I checked out the search hits for 2500 shudder, vibration, and stabilizers. I have not changed suspension at all and have not experienced DW. Nothing seemed to fit so here goes another steering question...
Is it me or the truck?
Recently bought a used 2008 1500 4x4 Mega with 21,000 miles. Stock wheels, tires, and suspension. PS pump was replaced just prior to taking delivery. Steering feels "loose" and disconnected from the road; similar to the sensation of the wheels coming off the ground and not offering good traction. Usually you feel some drag from the friction of wheel and road. This truck doesn't really feel that way. It steers fine. It just doesn't feel as "connected" as say, the Challenger.
It also has what I consider to be a lot of "play" in the steering wheel. Perhaps 1.5-2" or slightly more left/right wiggle in the wheel before the truck will drift or turn when operating at speed. This is like older cars in the 70's used to be and like you see in old movies. Lots of steering wheel movement but the car keeps going straight.
Final symptom is what feels like metal on metal impacts resonating up the steering column. Its kind of like something is not tight to spec (bearing, U-joint, other) and it wiggles/hits and that creates the sensation at the steering wheel.
The steering column itself is tight and properly mounted - nothing feels obviously loose. Truck was certified from the dealership. I took it back in and mechanic drove it and said felt normal to him. He suggested this was simply me not being used to big, beefy, solid 2500 axle. My last Dodge truck was an 03 1500 4x2. I traded a Yukon XL Denali on the Mega cab and currently own a '10 Challenger R/T with uber suspension so quite possible the mechanic is correct.
So am I just used to the Challenger/luxury SUV steering and responsiveness? Megas are 2500 underneath and therefore they are going to ride like a work truck? If so, I'll get used to it. If not, I welcome your suggestions on what to investigate to determine root cause.
Is it me or the truck?
Recently bought a used 2008 1500 4x4 Mega with 21,000 miles. Stock wheels, tires, and suspension. PS pump was replaced just prior to taking delivery. Steering feels "loose" and disconnected from the road; similar to the sensation of the wheels coming off the ground and not offering good traction. Usually you feel some drag from the friction of wheel and road. This truck doesn't really feel that way. It steers fine. It just doesn't feel as "connected" as say, the Challenger.
It also has what I consider to be a lot of "play" in the steering wheel. Perhaps 1.5-2" or slightly more left/right wiggle in the wheel before the truck will drift or turn when operating at speed. This is like older cars in the 70's used to be and like you see in old movies. Lots of steering wheel movement but the car keeps going straight.
Final symptom is what feels like metal on metal impacts resonating up the steering column. Its kind of like something is not tight to spec (bearing, U-joint, other) and it wiggles/hits and that creates the sensation at the steering wheel.
The steering column itself is tight and properly mounted - nothing feels obviously loose. Truck was certified from the dealership. I took it back in and mechanic drove it and said felt normal to him. He suggested this was simply me not being used to big, beefy, solid 2500 axle. My last Dodge truck was an 03 1500 4x2. I traded a Yukon XL Denali on the Mega cab and currently own a '10 Challenger R/T with uber suspension so quite possible the mechanic is correct.
So am I just used to the Challenger/luxury SUV steering and responsiveness? Megas are 2500 underneath and therefore they are going to ride like a work truck? If so, I'll get used to it. If not, I welcome your suggestions on what to investigate to determine root cause.
Last edited by bensonjv; Aug 1, 2010 at 04:41 PM.
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Upon further research into this and other posts here I am pretty sure what I am experiencing is the standard steering issues plaguing a lot of these trucks. I was skeptical at first because most who post about it have installed lifts or tires which seem to significantly amplify the symptoms.
The SBS appears to be an inexpensive item that is said to fix most of the issues. At a minimum, I will be able to rule out movement of the steering box as the culprit should symptoms persist.
The SBS appears to be an inexpensive item that is said to fix most of the issues. At a minimum, I will be able to rule out movement of the steering box as the culprit should symptoms persist.
