Hello everyone,
well, I'm back again with a new problem.

Recently I noticed there's quite a bit of play in the steering. When on the road, the van (2000 1500 Std WB w/3.9L) just won't hold a straight line (usually it will steer to the left). Also, when I move for example from drive to reverse with the wheels turned, the steering locks until I release the brakes.
I had this problem earlier this year and had the shocks, all CA bushings and upper ball joints replaced. It solved the problem, but now it came back.

Could it be just the lower ball joints that need replacement too? What else should I look for?

 

Upper control arms bolts to frame loose,
Excessive play in gear box.

Have another alignment done and make sure they check the upper control arms for tightness as well.

If the alignment is good then have the steering gear box checked for excessive play. I had to replace mine this past summer due to that. There is a TSB that shows how to tighten the box if it is not worn out.

 

It could just need a front-end alignment.

 

Front end alignment was done at the same time as the parts were replaced (upper and lower CA bushings, both sides, both upper ball joints, all Moog parts).

I checked the play on both front wheels lately and there was minimal left to right play and no up and down play. I drove the van today since my car was at the shop, and it feels like the play in the steering wheel is getting worse. The steering box theory sounds good, I'll look into that and keep you posted.

Thanks MAR and alloro for the help.

 

What does TSB mean? My steering is alittle sloppy and I will check it out. TIA

 

Technical Service Bulletin.

I haven't found the one he's talking about yet though.

Can anyone help on that?

Also, what would be the symptoms of a shot front wheel bearing?

 

TSB 19-10-97 is the one I have. It does cover the pickups but I have read several times that Dodge has applied it to the vans as well.

Click on this link then on your year of vehicle, it does cover van though it says Ram Trucks.
http://dodgeram.info/tsb/index.html

Here is the direct link to the TSB 19-10-97:
http://dodgeram.info/tsb/1997/19-10-97.htm

 

Thanks a lot, I really appreciate it.

 

That info rocks, thanks a ton.