Eight problems related to steering gear box have been reported for the 2001 Dodge Ram 2500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I have a 2001 Dodge 2500 cummins diesel 4x4 that I take immaculate care of, and have the service records to prove it. I backed out of my parking space this week when all of a sudden I realize I have no steering. I looked under my truck at the steering linkage to see what was going on and the steering gear box had broken off the frame. The bolts that hold it on had both sheered off and cracked the mounting bracket on the gear box as well. My family and I are lucky to be alive. I contacted lithia motors and told them my situation and she insisted that I have it towed to them before any warranty would be considered. I towed it out there. I showed the service manager becky brinka one of the bolts that sheered off (the other is still stuck in the frame). When I showed her the bolt, she said she would need the bolt for her diagnosis. I told her that she could look at it but I was going to keep the bolt in my possession. She immediately became rude and unhelpful. The mechanic went out to look at my truck and came back in with the diagnosis that the bolts had sheered off. The service manager then contacted the district manager about the situation. She called me back to inform me that it was my fault. I must not service the vehicle very well. At this time I pointed out that she has my service records on file for the last 4 years and to show me where I had missed anything. She then tells me that the district manager said that I would have heard a clunking noise for a long time before this happened. So, I'm towing out of their facility. I'll have someone else fix it. Meanwhile Dodge gets away with murder and isn't held responsible for their safety issues. How can someone like me fight Dodge? I can't get anywhere at their customer service phone#, and they are not going to give me the phone# of the district manager. What do you have to do? take them to court? I don't have time for that and they know this. They figure I'll just go away.
Loss of steering control while driving forced vehicle over an embankment. Dealer notified, and replaced steering gear box. Prior to accident, consumer took car to dealer explaining that the vehicle pulled to the right. Dealership didn't check anything, which resulted in an accident. Insurance company repaired all the damage and replaced steering gear box.
Right after purchasing this truck the dealer replaced the steering gear due to excessive center position play. The replacement felt better, but had the same problem after 200 to 300 miles. Upon returning to the dealer again, I was told that there is nothing wrong after they test drove the truck. The steering gear has a complete lack of preload torque and over-center torque and does not meet the specifications in the service manual. The dealer did not check this, but I did after my second visit. I have low confidence in the dealership's service department to resolve this issue.
Constant wandering of truck, constant correcting play in steering. I cannot turn steering wheel at a standstill,steering gear box and pump have been replaced under warranty. Nothing fixed the problem. The tires have been checked and are not a concern. The dealer says that is the way they are and nothing else can be done. This is a problem and needs to be addressed.
Vehicle's steering wheel is off center, steering does not return to center, steering drifts right and left at all speeds, constantly have to correct steering wheel while driving vehicle. Steering gear box seams to be to sensitive as you have to constantly work at keeping the vehicle on your side of the road. It has the same symptons on all road surfaces. I had this vehicle back to Dodge country on 4 separate occasions to have this problem resolved and they tell me everything is with-in specs. I would appreciate your help in investigating this matter as this vehicle is hard to drive this way. Thanks for your help, jim.
Vehicle has a wandering problem. 1st trip to dealer for repairs they said they adjusted the steering gear box. That did not help. 2nd trip to the dealer they replaced the steering gear box. It not turns easier but still wanders and also has a growling sound from steering gear when turning. I will be visiting dealer again concerning this problem. I beleave this is not a small problem. It compromises my and my familys safety. . Read more...
The vehicle has excessive steering that tends to dart to the right and the left caused by steering gear box. Yh.
While driving at any speed the vehicle wandered on it's own. The driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and took vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the gear box needed replacement.