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96 Dodge Ram 2500: gearbox..steering wheel..front end..ball joint

 
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  • Answered by:Chris
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Customer Question

96 Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel...Replaced gearbox on steering but noticed the new one moves!
The round front area moves back and forth as per steering wheel is turned. Is this normal, having a floating front end when turning left and mechanic unable to figure it out but suggest new shocks and ball joint left side.

 

Country: United States
Make: Dodge
Model: Ram Diesel Truck
Year: 1996
Engine: Diesel

Already Tried:
Had gearbox replaced new tires front end alignment right ball joint replaced

Submitted: 333 days and 3 hours ago.
Category: Dodge
Value: $29
Status: CLOSED

Accepted Answer

Picture
Expert:  Chris replied 333 days and 3 hours ago.


Chris :

Hello and welcome to just answer. Let me see if I can help you with this. The only thing that should move on the steering gearbox, is the steering shaft going into the gearbox, and the large shaft coming out of the gearbox which is connected to the pitman arm and steering linkage. Nothing else should be moving. You may have purchased a defective box, and may want to take it back and get another one. Now your ball joints and shocks may be worn, and need to be replaced, but take care of that gear box first. Chris

JACUSTOMER-bb9t8sy5- :

Well I know what your saying however if looking at it from underside the truck most what you see is a large round cylinder facing you , have not looked at it before being replaced but was checking frame and when steering wheel moves the round end moves up and down. That is what I'm talking about.

JACUSTOMER-bb9t8sy5- :

Is that normal, shop that did the works thinks so, I don't

Chris :

No that should not move at all. I just looked at another similar truck, and it does not move.

JACUSTOMER-bb9t8sy5- :

gearbox steering
Full Size Image

JACUSTOMER-bb9t8sy5- :

Ok then how do I convince them otherwise, it's under warranty?

JACUSTOMER-bb9t8sy5- :

Looking a picture it's the round part at bottom left of picture, is this not suppose to move ! Is that what your saying?

JACUSTOMER-bb9t8sy5- :

Just the inside round inside part moves not the outer shell

Chris :

Yes that is correct. Something is wrong with that box. See if you can find another truck like yours and compare it to yours. The place where you purchased this from should know that that portion of the gearbox should not move at all.

JACUSTOMER-bb9t8sy5- :

It was the mechanic is the one that pointed it out first but didn't act as if it was the problem, he now suggest , left lower ball joint- shocks- different tires...

JACUSTOMER-bb9t8sy5- :

Maybe I can find a truck like mine at a dealer but don't know of anyone that owns one.

Chris :

well it may be a combination of worn components (ball joint, shocks, steering linkage, etc), and this coupled with this problem in the steering gearbox may compound the problem.

JACUSTOMER-bb9t8sy5- :

Since they just replaced the right ball joint and did the front end alignment I suspect they don't want to cover the warranty on the gearbox, shocks are not bad, ball joint- I don't know, tires are brand new and same size I've always used on truck since 2003.

JACUSTOMER-bb9t8sy5- :

Any other suggestions?

Chris :

They should cover the gearbox! Maybe you can get a second "unbiased" opinion to back you up.

JACUSTOMER-bb9t8sy5- :

Guess I'll find a another dodge dealer and see what they say, thanks

Chris :

You are welcome! Let me know if you need further assistance with this.

JACUSTOMER-bb9t8sy5- :

10-4

Expert TypeShop Foreman
Category: Dodge
Pos. Feedback: 97.8 %
Accepts: 3459
Answered: 5/7/2012

Experience: ASE and Chrysler Master tech certified

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Customer replied 329 days and 8 hours ago.

During the rain storm we had here I went to a dodge dealer and had them check the front end. They found no problems and the end cap wasn't moving anymore. Should I be concerned that it doesn't move or should I assume it's ok now. Most times it's real hot around here, would temperature changes affect the gearbox?

Picture
Expert:  Chris replied 329 days and 8 hours ago.

Hmmm, strange. I can't see a change in temperature having an affect on that. I am thinking that maybe that cap was not seated in the groove in the housing when it was moving, but now is. If it is not moving anymore, then I would not worry about it.

Chris

 
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