I have a clunk in the column that is most noticeable at low speed while going over bumps. There is no rhyme or reason to it. Some days it's worse that others. I have taken it in several times and they say that the tie rods and suspension is all good. The shocks are new. I think it's in the steering column but I am having aone hell of a time locating it. Any thoughts??

2006 2500 4x4 94,000 miles


Thanks in advance, Sam

 

I have the exact same problem. I'm curious as to what it is.

 

Make sure all your bolts are tight under the dash holding the steering column. If not that, then it is either your steering shaft, or your steering gear box. My money says it is the steering gear box.

I put a new Borgeson steering shaft on. VERY nice unit, MUCH better than stock. It does not feel so vague now. But I still have the clunk too. I think it is my steering gear box. When I get around to it, I will remove it & send it here to be re-built :
http://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/Process.html

 

1500 have rack and pinion steering not sure if its the same as a steering box

 

Maybe its a half shaft??? Check those recalls for 2006 model: http://www.lemonauto.com/complaints/...ge_ram1500.htm

 

just had my 2007 1500 in for the same thing, and they replaced the Rack and pinion and now it is gone. They said the steering gear was bad, and I only have 33,000 miles on it. Not sure what you got on the 2500 series, but I had the gear box on my 99 Dodge do the same thing twice and had it replaced twice. If it feels like the steering wheel is slightly loose when hitting bumps or turning into a drive way with a bump and you feel like a rattle in the steering wheel it is definitely one of the above. mentioned items. Mine was warranty work, if yours isn't get a aftermarket one as the crap Mopar stuff will just plague you again down the road. Hope this helps Good luck!!

 

Mine does this too but it sounds more like the wheels. Is there a way to check my hubs to see if they are bad?

 

Raise your car and try to push and pull your tires. If they move back and forward as you pushing them its time for new hubs.

 

I have a 2007 2500 and have the exact same problem. I have had my steering box changed out and it went away for about a week, then came back.

The mechanic who did the warranty work told me when they unbolted the steering box, the gears all fell out on the floor and he wondered how it stayed intact as long as it did. But I still have the noise, my bumper-bumper warranty is gone, and am not paying $1000+ for just the parts to only get a week of no noise again.

Anyone know if this is covered under powertrain warranty?

 

OK. You have a 2500 SFA. I would lock your steering wheel with the truck shut off. Then see what kind of play there is when locked by turning an shaking the steering wheel and also what kind of play there is when you suspend the front tires in the air. For that, you'll want to be under the hood and see if the cloumn can be moved any which way. Your basically trying to find play whether it's internal with the gears or its external with a bushing?? Then, you should move on to diagnose other components such as a loose or leaky shock or other loose or worn components. The problem here is that the steering column will enhance and absorb everything downstream. Just because the clunk appears to be from the column doesn't mean it actualy is, but could just be transfered sound/vibration.
Since

You sir, only have a 1500, so your problem is probably different.
No, it's not. Drivetrain is Engine, transmission and differentials and does not cover suspension or steering components.