Help anyone....? 2004.5 QC, 4WD, CTD, auto. 86k. Steering feels kinda heavy and like it's binding up on slow turns, right or left. Then, coming out of the turn, the steering wheel doesn't smoothly go back to center position, but kinda lunges a few times like something is out of round. When this happens it feels like you'd have a flat tie. Power steering fluid up to proper level. No abnormal noises noted and all looks fine with front suspension. Everything fine while driving straight down the highway. Suggestions??? Thanks!

 

make absolutely sure your not in 4x4, otherwise it is probably your axle shaft u-joints, another possibilty is a bent or failing steering stabilizer, or failing steering box, jack the front end off the ground turn the wheel to full left or right and try to spin each tire by hand, if they dont turn easy and smooth, its probably the u-joints

 

Thanks for responding! Both front axle shafts and ujoints replaced around 55k, so, 30k miles ago and basically 2WD highway driving, except 4WD use in winter months. Symptoms then time were not similar to this, but instead was grinding noise on full turns. So different symptoms this time. No abnormal noises noted now. Anyone else have any idseas?

 

my bet is the axle u joints

 

2005 DRW 3500 5.9 CTD, have a similar issue with the steering. The steering is a 'bit' harder. Not difficult just a 'bit' more effort required to turn the wheel. When in a turn, the wheel will hold the turn/position unless you turn it back to center/neutral position. Previously, the truck would return the wheel to straight once you let it go (slip through your hands in a controlled manner) as the path your traveling straightened. I upgraded the front end/steering components to the 2009 steering kit which includes drag link, tie rods, and pitman arm. I also installed new upper/lower XRF ball joints. The truck was aligned and all was well. The truck has about 105K miles but only about 1000 miles since the front end work. So I'm wondering is this a power steering issue or perhaps a steering box issue. Thanks!