Six problems related to steering gear box have been reported for the 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
While driving and turning at low speeds, the driver heard a loud noise coming from the front of the vehicle and the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. The consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and pulled over. The driver noticed that the tire was rubbing against the frame. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the steering gear box needed to be replaced. Please provide further details.
Steering gear was totally shot and had to be replaced at 38000 miles. I informed dealer that vehicle had always steered that way-overly responsive to the point of being dangerous. Slight movement of steering wheel caused sudden changes.
Problems with tires rubbing and power steering gear box. The steering gear box was made to turn too sharp, which caused the tires to rub on the frame.
When brand new tires were installed, rotated and balanced the tire shop service man indicated that the steering gear cut into the tires which could result in a blow out. Dealership replaced the steering gear. However, failure recurred.
When turning steering wheel completely to right or left, the wheel turns too far. There is no stop in gear box. Also when this happens, tire hits shock absorber bracket, and is slowly shredding the tire. Consumer replaced tires with narrower tires. They still rub against the shock absorber bracket. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the advice given was to replace the steering gear box that had internal stops. This vehicles gear box was not equipped with that feature.
Front wheels turning far enough making contact with lower control arm. Which caused extreme wear on the tire cutting the groove in the sidewall approviamately 1 1/2 inches from the tire bead. The dealer staed that the turning stops in the steering box were worn and caused the problem. Mr scc.