Steering Gear Box Problems of Dodge RAM - part 1

The steering wheel turned halfway around while driving, upon inspection, consumer noticed the 2 bolts on the steering box were loose and 1 bolt had completely broken.

See all problems of the 2001 Dodge RAM 🔎.

While driving, consumer turned the steering wheel but tires did not turn. Thus, resulting in a accident. Dealer notified. Please provide additional information. Ph.

Gearbox is leaking power steering fluid, is causing consumer to have steering problems. It will be hard to turn.

See all problems of the 1999 Dodge RAM 🔎.

Vehicle is difficult to steer, wanders all over the road. Dealer replaced steering box 3 times, did not remedy the problem.

Consumer heard a rattling noise under front of vehicle, while inspecting vehicle he noticed the lower control arm was rubbing on the driver side tire when turning steering wheel sharp to the left, dealer grinded off part of control arm, but it was still rubbing on the tire, dealer stated there was no remedy. Consumer also stated that the gear box was serviced.

While driving on highway vehicle sways back and forth and hard to steer. Dealer contacted. The dealer replaced steering box and did an alignment three times, but the problem was not corrected.

I have had numerous problems with this vehicle but I am only concerned about the steering safety concern. I have been trying to have it fixed through a Chrysler dealer but they have run out of ideas. It seems that in the slightest wind or passing truck the vehicle gets thrown in to anothe lane or shoulder. I am informing you because there may be other owners who have the same problem and could be in great danger. . Thanks.

See all problems of the 2000 Dodge RAM 🔎.

No summary.

See all problems of the 1997 Dodge RAM 🔎.

While on vacation in new mexico our steering did not work properly and we had to drive home to PA.

Dodge had parts on oder at the time of this accident had many repair attempts before. I went to Dodge to have a steering box that was ordered by atlantic Dodge never installed.

Steering shaft box broke, caused a loss of vehicle control. Please provide further information.

Steering wander is a problem that many of the Dodge diesel owners are experiencing, I am reporting this issue in hopes that with numbers we can get some help getting Chrysler to step up to the plate to repair a known problem with a know fix.

I have a continual problem with the steering on my new truck. It wanders going down the road at hiway speeds. You have to continue to recompensate for the drift in the steering. It is unsafe and according to other owners of the same model Dodge truck, they are also having problems with their steering. There are alot of posts on the turbo diesel register website on the web of others with the same problems. All Dodge will do is change the steering box and it does not help. We need some help getting Dodge to correct this problem. The dealer can only do what Dodge says to do, and we owners of these new thirty thousand dollar trucks are suffering with a poor driving vehicle that is unsafe to drive . Please try to help us as Dodge is not coming thru.

There is about 3 to 4 inches of movement in steering gear box, making streeing box loose, and it wonders on road.

Consumer had problems with front end/steering. Vehicle had a 60,000 mile warranty. Dealer drove vehicle & said it was fine. On April 5, 2000, dealer said front end needed to be replaced. Steering gear box, and 4 tires had to be repaired to pass inspection. Consumer has put out $839 the first time & now steering box is leaking which cost $900. Dealer didn't seem to know what real cause was.

Unable to control the vehicle due to excessive play/wandering in steering.

Extreme steering wander at all speeds, unsafe in all driving conditions, excessive play in steering box, worn steering gear. Worn tie rod ends and track bar. Difficult to keep on the road. Dealer won't fix.

While operating vehicle at any speed it is difficult to maintain control. Dealership has examined vehicle, and replaced steering gear box and aligned the wheels. Also, consumer has replaced the tires. Problem has not been effectively remedied. Please provide any additional information / attachments.

I have heard of at least three other people who have 1997 Dodge's that have had the same failure after the 35,000 to 40,000 mile range.

Steering gearbox seal failure w/shaft damage, several other truck owners known w/similar damage.

In August of 1999 with approximately 70,000 miles on odometer while driving 35 mph, there was a vibration, and the driver lost all steering control before crashing into a ditch. Dealership examined vehicle and replaced steering gear box to remedy the problem. Since replacement of original steering gear box, vehicle wanders all over the road during normal operation. Steering gear box has to be replaced again by an independent repair shop.

See all problems of the 1996 Dodge RAM 🔎.

The steering box was defective on the new vehicle as evidenced by constant correction being required while driving. The amount of correction becomes greater as road conditions become bumpier. The steering box was replaced with a new box with a 10% improvement. The dealer has acknowledged that this has happened to other 99 Dodge trucks. They are unable to decide what to do while waiting for word from the factory. I consider this a big safety issue as you could easily lose control if you had to swerve to avoid another vehicle or pedestrian.

Dealer stated I need a new steering box. Is this common for my vehicle. Dealer stated the part is on backorder. I feel he is not on the level with me. For a 30,000. Vehicle, it is a shame that the part went to begin with. I have been waiting 4 weeks and the dealer states it could take up to 2-3 mo. Or anytime. How can customers be expected to be without a vehicle this long? I have an extended warranty and the dealer stated that unless they keep the vehicle, I'm not entitled to a rental. I am unable to use my vehicle because it is all over the road. How can a dealer send me home with a vehicle that operates this way?.

While driving at any speed vehicle wanders to the left or right. Driver is constantly fighting with the steering wheel to keep the truck on the road. Truck was taken to four or five dealerships, and dealers were not able to correct this problem. Also, steering box was changed, a chime was put in the right front wheel, and some wheel aliginment was done. But none of this corrected the problem.

While driving vehicle it would drift. Speed not a factor. Would turn steering wheel a little & vehicle would jerk. Steering wheel not controllable. Been to dealership at least 3-4 times for problem. Had it adjusted & had the gear box replaced. Problem still exists.

Truck is a death trap changes lanes of traffic while holding steering straight unable to control on wet pavement.

The gear box also went out on my dad's 1998 Dodge Ram quad cab.

The vehicle would wander. When correcting it, would over correct. The steering wheel is loose. Was hooking to fifth wheel, vehicle would drift all over the road. Took to dealer & mechanic noticed cracks in steering box. Had it repaired. The problem still exists.

Gear box and pitman arm were replaced. Currently, vehicle is experiencing premature wear of the tires.

When driving at 20 mph and whitout prior warning the steering gear box broke, causing the consumer to lose control of the vehicle, and consumer crashed into a stone wall.

The steering has excessive play,and feels uncontrolable. I took it in to the dealer & they said there was nothing wrong. I then drove it for a short time & felt there was still a problem. I took it in again, & they replaced the steering gear box. Upon picking up the truck,I found it to be no better than it was prior to the gear box replacement. I contacted the dealer the next day, & they came to my residence & picked up the truck. The service manager told me that they checked it out,& it was ok. He also stated that he called the Chrysler "star" line for tech support, & they advised him that all the trucks handled this way . I was not satisfied with that reply, & contacted Chrysler's customer service dept on 4-12-99 & filed a complaint( # 5680042). I did not get any response after 2 weeks,and I again called Chrysler on 4-26-99. At that time arrangements were made to have the district service rep look at the truck. On 5-5-99 the district service rep(reggie sanders ) drove my truck & advised me that it handled "normal" for that vehicle. I find this unacceptable,and feel that the handling of this vehicle is unsafe, & could cause loss of control. This truck was purchased for the purpose of towing a trailer, (it has a factory installed tow package) and I feel I can not safley do this. This condition is present with & without a trailer. At this point I am contacting you for help with this matter .

Consumer complained of steering failure occurring within a 4000 mile of wear. Believed this is not considered to be normal. Dealer notified and could find nothing.

Vehicle has had excessive sterring drift since purchased. Dealer has been unable to help correct problem. "they all do that" is the attitude. Seems to effect most Dodge 4 x 4 trucks. Probably a design defect as they seem to all do this from discussions with other owners. Very dangerous at highway speeds.

See all problems of the 1998 Dodge RAM 🔎.

Font seal on gear box leaks.

Steering box failed, causing accident.