Diagnosing Dodge Truck Steering Issues

One of the issues with the Dodge 2500 and 3500 Diesel Trucks that leads to steering problems. Discussing wander and memory steer with the Steering Column.
Sorry for the focus issues! Getting used to a new camera.
You can purchase the Shaft Bushings from us in Canada here: emfballjoints.com/collections...
Or if you are in the US, you can get them from CJC Offroad in California here if you like: www.cjcoffroad.com/EMF-DODGE-R...

[@ramfun7826]

After Replacing Just about everything in the front suspension on my 2011 Ram 3500 mega cab with only 55K miles I decided to research your video. I replaced ball joint, tie rods, sway bars, shocks, struts, etc... and I still had loose steering issues. I basically showed the dealership your video and after a short test drive with the head mechanic they approved the replacement of the shaft. Well! You just saved my $90,000. and I was able to avoid buying a new truck! My truck now drives just like new, no more steering wander or loose steering. I went ahead and bought my service advisor and the mechanic both Starbucks cards. Thank you a million! Or shall I say, thank you 90,000 times!

[@DavesBikeRides]

SUPER HELPFUL video. I don't even need to go out an look, your description is perfect, I'm SURE this is the play I have been chasing down. thanks man!

[@shweller909gmailcom]

Excellent work and troubleshooting! Just installed a set of your ball joints myself after a an alignment shop misdiagnosed my issues. My ball joints were fine but worn but no excessive play yet. Thank you for including the aluminum bushings to eliminate this issue with my ball joints. Now at least I will never have to worry about ball joints again.

[@trenchfighter0369]

Great video, very helpful demonstration and explanation. As a new Dodge owner with this issue, this will be the first thing I look at.

[@flyfishingtim]

I was getting a ton of play in my steering around 130K km’s on my 2013 Ram 2500 diesel just recently. It got even worse and dangerous when towing the fifth wheel. Felt like I was driving an old boat down the highway. Found this video and your guys’ site on a quick search. Thank you guys for this video and your bushings! It steers like new again and saved me a ton of time and money on troubleshooting! Awesome that you guys are from Alberta too 😎

[@billygreiner1600]

Thank you for taking the time to explain. Extremely informative and helpful.

[@gregs2509]

Thanks! I installed a set of your ball joints 40K miles ago with no issues at all. Great products. I'm now getting the exact play you are showing. I'll check it out and repost if it pans out.

[@gailwagner8115]

I've already gotten several components replaced from this problem.. I think I will show my mechanic this video! Thank you so much 🥰

[@dannystout7715]

Great video I've searched youtube for days trying to find this information! Thanks for taking the timme to make the video!!!

[@jasonbatterton5717]

This is the most annoying problem with dodges.. Period. This is more than a savior you are a god-sent sir. Thank you so much I'm going to share this and I'm sure it's going to catch fire

[@kristianmartin6492]

Thank you for your insight and advice! Confirmed my thoughts and have ordered a new intermediate shaft. After doing all new tie rods, ball joints, and Redhead steering gear, my truck continues to wonder. 260k on the original intermediate shaft. Just ordered a new Borgeson. This makes me more excited for the install. Thanks again!

[@kristianmartin6492]

Update: This man was spot on. My steering is like new again!! Glad I don’t have that dangerous play any longer!!!

[@possumpopper89]

Where did you get the borgeson shaft?

[@jsav5845]

Best video I've seen yet that describes this issue. Clear and concise! This is the problem...

[@entrepreneurlife649]

Thanks for throwing a pair of these in with the full set of ball joints. I can see where the pin has been hitting the outer housing so this should help tighten up my steering.

[@tylerrolph797]

Very informative! Thanks for taking the time. You're voice and demeanor were very soothing. I have warm fuzzies.

[@kristylee3977]

I subscribed because of your calm demeanor and concise explanation! Love your vibe 🙂

[@tydaslawrence9993]

Thank you I just got a 96 Dodge ram 1500 and honestly I was kind of concerned about the steering issue mainly cuz I don't have a whole lot of experience with suspensions but thanks to your visual aid I'm fairly confident this is what the problem is just cuz that play is the exact same kind of play I have in my wheel while driving So thank you

[@rayman6705]

just found thus video, that's exactly what im dealing with right now with my 2010 Dodge Dakota bighorn, THANK YOU!

[@compabuzz]

After 2500$ in new parts i think i have found the answer no one even thought of!!! Thanks for putting this info out there

[@17madracki17]

I tightned my steering box trying to get rid of this play lol. Thank you for this. I'm going to order your fix now.

[@mr.freeze9679]

Finally!!! Thanks man, i replaced my entire front end besides my steering box! Man this makes my week!

[@skylerbalentine8134]

Thank you this was a much needed video I have a 2000 dodge 2500 that I have done everything in my power and I still have like 4inches of play and I’m sick of it.👍🏼

[@mr.freeze9679]

Same here man 96 105kmiles

[@jessebrown1400]

I've learnt a helluva lot from your wobble and steering videos, amazing! Can't thank you guys enough

[@Ttking1018]

Thanks man! I am deff changing my steering column now!

[@mrspencerls]

Great video thanks for sharing, I will have to check my 2011 since I have some slop in the wheel

[@PRSQUAD88]

Thanks for your video my truck has that problem I couldn't figure it out until I watch the video nice job

[@SmllSlvrbck88]

I know it’s 3yrs old but thank for saving me $1700 on replacement and labor cost. Also bought the bushings thank you again

[@kalen01]

Fixed my 2010 ram 2500. Drives like new. Thanks guys.

[@dcrtse]

Excellent description of the issue but I wish you had gone one step further and showed how to replace the bushing.

[@CrinosAD]

Wow... thank you. I was not aware of that on e there, and I will try to source a new one. Trying to correct the steering wander on my 2003 2500 RAM.

[@Troop-qp8wn]

Awesome video keep them coming! So what's the fix ?

[@coffeewithcaveman]

Legend, you've saved me a lot of time and a lot of cash too!

[@mikeready9228]

This resolved the wander in my daughters 2010 ram 2500 Laramie crew cab 4x4 100% thanks for the video

[@kdtool9437]

What parts did you all replace then?

[@mikeready9228]

@@kdtool9437 the shaft bushings he has linked and shows in the video

[@mikeshuck2760]

Wow, what a find. Amazing find. Thank you.

[@sergeiniebuhr8077]

Very informative video, and I'm sure that's what the problem is!!I never even thought about that. So I need a retrofit a direct connection!!! Excellent!!!

[@ivansolis2465]

Man you are so smart thats the problem that I have with my 2008 dodge ram Cummins THANKS MAN GOD BLESS YOU

[@uncleg4623]

Great video. Direct no frills. BONUS : A $$$ saving Tip not talked about. More of the low end fixes for big rewards needed.

[@ThatSaskCummins]

I think it might be the steering shaft because it moss in the middle and high speeds but I also need to install my upper control arms and lower ball joints with new rear shocks

[@joshua.merrill]

My problem in my '96 Dodge is the frame joint of the track bar is wallowed out, so I can move the whole cab about 1-2" by turning the steering wheel with it stationary. Definitely need to swap that out before taking it on the highway. Good to know about this steering joint, though!

[@mikeblackford994]

Fantastic! I've done nothing but fight my 2012 Ram diesel steering. New Red Head steering box, new Carli ball joints...this is where I'll look next. Thanks.

[@voltron6953]

Did it work?

[@ericpatton1349]

Aloha,I have been driving a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 Megacab with 35" tiers for the last 14 years and Have been tring to get this so called wondering thing corrected for longer than I can remember! steering box changed, along with a extra bolt on bracket with a pillow block bearing at the Pittman, new ball joints, dual stabilizer,on and on with out a hint of releif

[@mollypaark1900]

Thank you brother! Thought I was in for a steering gear change out. Guess the rangos getting a new shaft

[@gregjuice82]

Are you referring to a Durango? I've been fighting a wandering issue with mt 2014 Durango and I'm hoping this is it!

[@chrisrabbitt5243]

yep that's my issue was just about to order stuff i didn't need. thanks for sharing!!!

[@iramhernandez8722]

Dam I've been l researching problems that my Dodge has been given me. 2016 Ram four-wheel drive flex-fuel V6. I thought it was called a death wobble but after hearing your explaining the wandering bit. That's exactly what's going on here. It makes me look like a drunk driver while I go down the road. Have noticed also when I add a small pothole for shallow or a dip while I'm changing lanes at 65 70 miles an hour the truck wants to sway left and right the back end and the steering gets touchy. It'll make you pucker up real quick. I appreciate the video you posted it's help me start somewhere. Short of replacing this and replacing that right now cash is tight with all this virus stuff. Thanks again hope all is well with you and yours.

[@justinbarnes5498]

Finally someone else who says exactly what I have been dealing with on my Ram 4500 for the past couple of years! I just ordered a new intermediate shaft today in fact, though it is on backorder I cannot wait for it to get in and on the truck. Time to drive sober! LOL

[@mikehoflin2175]

Great video! Ill have a look at my 2014 Ram 3500, do you have any insight onto why my Dodge seems to have inconsistant steering on a curve? Feels like the power steering pump has fluctuating pressure and so the steering wheel feels like it kicks a bit. Ball joints, track bar, steering linkages and stabilizer all seem tight an no wear. Is there an inline filter or something not allowing consistant flow?

[@krew97]

Thats awesome. Hey what if a guy was driving then it was hard to turn then when i did it made like a pop snap noise and i felt it in the column just happend gunna look at it tommorow any tips to be more ahead on the repair? Cheers.

[@ramfun7826]

Solid information brother! Thank you

[@bryanmills2631]

Wondering if u could make video of how to remove steering column under dash because I have a lot of side to side play in my steering wheel and I’m thinking it’s the bushing in steering column like your video suggested I just don’t know how to get to it . I have a 1998 dodge 1500 4x4. Thanks

[@joshrodriguez238]

You dudes are the best ❤

[@mathenoel586]

My Dodge Ram 1500 2011 is at the car dealership right now then they don't even know but since this video I know what you do now thank you

[@LionsDenMilsim]

This is the same issue with the dakota? I got a 2000 dakota 76k miles and the steering wheel has play in it. Water on the side of the roads almost kills me everytime.

[@diesel09]

Thank you for explaining it the way you did because it makes complete sense. Now my question is, should I get an OEM steering column or should I get the Borg shaft? I really don’t care for the setscrew style for the borg tho. What about those collars That you can install where the pin is to prevent the flexing?

[@diesel09]

Never mind. Found the other video lol

[@BBDos]

huge man. Thank you. Exactly the issue im having.

[@jochetaman23]

SUPER GOOD INFO ABOUT THIS PROBLEM !!! AMAZING FEED THANK YOU SO MUCH !

[@EMFEVO]

Thanks!

[@maddieg9947]

My steering drives me nuts! New lower shaft and upper shaft rubber was still good I bought the bushings for upper shaft done even need them. When I go over bumps slow speed you can feel something loose in front end and rattle clunks through column! Everything up front is new besides control arms . Gear box has allot of back lash and up and down movement . Not sure what to do replace gear box or control arms or maybe both lol

[@bigfatweenie2534]

I have a 01 ram 2500 and i dont see a pin like that. I think ill just get a new shaft, i just replaced the whole front end and a new box and i still get wonder. I hope this fixes everything

[@13ergs403]

Very informative. I was curious the dimensions of the rings. O.D and I.D

[@toyota4x4legend]

Nice work. Thank you.

[@georgemares3014]

Thanks for the knowledge

[@ThatSaskCummins]

I replaced, UCAs, lower ball joints, rear shocks, quick struts, alignment, sway bar end links, rotated tires. Outer tie rods and I still have place it sounds like it’s coming from my dash now I checked all the joint I hear a click right in my dash like the column what could it be

[@clydestanley4740]

Awesome video

[@brucebratschi4300]

Thanks Bud

[@haroldtp1]

Nice ! I was trying to figure that out today

[@wolfffam6803]

Thank you.

[@andrewdenine1685]

Thanks bud great info.i have a question for you sir.would a bad wheel bearing front drivers side cause enough resistance to not wanna spin when in parking lot going slow when turning hard right in winter with snow and ice down ?

[@EMFEVO]

Like the tire not spinning? I guess if it's bad enough. Or a really bad ujoint.

[@hernandez7011]

Freaking awesome video dude!!👍👍

[@hirammacduff8826]

Great information.

[@josephchalifoux7930]

If you install the EMF metal bushings around the steering shaft metal pin early, can this increase the longevity of the internal rubber bushing too?

[@OscarMendoza-pi9yz]

THANK YOU!!

[@DOUG-JAAH]

Great info, but i had my mechanics check that and they say its tight and nothing moving.2 of them checked together and i believe them, they said it is from up under dash area and seen on another video maybe another type joint?? can you let me know if should take it apart and check or what type of mechanics can i have check inside column? 2011 115k on it. no wondering or play but a little like clicking in steering wheel. It started 2 yrs ago faintly and has gotten worse over time. any advise appreciated. Thanks, doug j

[@Marty09933]

Thank you 🙏

[@brucerazor5202]

Never seen this. Thanks

[@ericgoldtooth5591]

Thanks for the info...

[@Italianborn]

I mean my ram doesn't wonder or vibrate but ever since i went off roading...i got stuck and remember i forced my steering a lot, ever since that happen i feel something vibrate when driving on unpaved road so i opened the hood and the whole steering shaft moves a bit...could that be that piece you mention ? I'm pretty sure i have no play with my steering tho..help !

[@_MOORE_1986]

This was happening to me today and all the sudden the steering locked up on me while driving and I couldn't steer to the right. Could this have something, or all to do with that?

[@rainman7992]

1967 Plymouth Valiant with 3 speed on the column. Similar situation, except you get sloppy shifts on the column cause a rubber grommet is failing.

[@julianmora7074]

Thank you

[@novanogo07]

I've troubleshot a few of these. I don't get how a dealer tech isn't setting the front wheels on the ground and shimmying the steering wheel with someone else looking at the input and output on the steering box. It's not significantly different than troubleshooting an old rag joint.

[@willdavies9626]

Very helpful!

[@robertcrittenden497]

Please Help. Have 03 ram 1500. Went through a ditch. And of the 4 bolts that hold the column in place under the dash. The front two came out. But the back 2 are still locked in. Any ideas on how to get back in place? Unbolt back two. Bend 1"1.4 towards seat? But how to get the column to slide. Any any help would be appreciated. Thank you Bobby

[@Kay-4JK]

Will it work if you were to fill that inner parts with polyurethane? to replace the worn out inner rubber pieces.

[@jacobley7404]

Thanks for this

[@kdtool9437]

Will the bushing work on a 5th gen 2500?

[@JustGoodGolf]

I have a 2015 Ram 3500, I’d like to replace the steering shaft. Is there an aftermarket brand that you recommend as a better alternative to an OEM shaft?

[@ericpoole7442]

I have a dodge durango 2007 and what you just described is literally what just happened last night. Any suggestions???

[@jmar7732]

Thats just experience right there

[@tonyaleannsmith9977]

Badass brother you save me many many hours and dollars just by knowing this lil truck

[@McNeis1]

2000 B3500 Van - does this apply? I've got steering wander for days.

[@ViceKillerz]

Has this intermediate shaft been upgraded? The one I’m looking at don’t have this bushing, is longer and tightens down with a bolt.

[@ShreddedCnt]

Thanks for the information. Going to check and see if this might be the issue with my truck. I have a 2017 3500 drw and the steering wheel rocks back and forth while going around sustained turns like exit ramps. Just feels off. Also has a vibration around 75 mph. Front tires were wearing on outside edges. Just got it back from dealer. Spent $800 on 2 new front tires and alignment. They also changed the drag link. Still doing the same thing.

[@EMFEVO]

Those boxes are notorious for having bad lash settings and soft intermediate shaft bushings. The suspension design magnifies everything.

[@lanonedwards]

Doug, my 2016 3500 dew does the same thing. Did you find out if that was the problem? The steering column bushing.

[@zourdiesel8579]

Badass Video bro 👌🏾

[@gladioalato]

Hi there. 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 dually Cummins. Can this also be the reason for a cluncky noise I hear when turning right and left at sow speed (e.g. while parking the truck)? Thank you in advance.

[@truebreed89]

I'm working on a 04 dodge ram 1500 big horn and it has steering noises popping, metal to metal grinding, clunking noises replaced front whole front suspension other than the shocks and its still making noises......any idea or helpful tips where to look .....?

[@treate1977]

Exactly what is the rubber piece called?

[@truckguymike]

Great video but i have a 2nd gen ram and this can be the issue in some cases but ive found that even with a new gearbox, its still has play and i got under my truck when i seen the play and i grabbed the shaft from underneath and the gearbox has play in it from the steering shaft stud and the pitman shaft, im not sure why or how to fix it but i replaced the box with an oem replacement and have replaced it twice because i got a bad one the first time. If you know how to fix it the advise would be helpful, if not then i hope me saying this helps others with the same issue struggle less with their steering

[@EMFEVO]

Mike I assume? In the world of parts replacement technicians a lot has been lost when it comes to steering. These bushing inserts are a quick fix and a diagnostic tool at the same time. When everything has been replaced and the truck is still all over the road, these eliminate the intermediate shaft as an issue and the last place to look is the box lash. In the past year we have not seen an oem replacement box nor a re man that has had the proper lash set. Most are too loose and a few were too tight. Its easy to adjust but to get it exactly right is hard. Before a box is ever installed the lash needs to be checked and then probably set. And don't do it in the vehicle. Especially not with a steering box brace attached. In your case if the sector shaft is moving the adjustment is up and loose. By moving the shaft down it will tighten the lash and remove that play. I have diesel shops that call saying they've put three boxes in so it can't be the box. I'll go there pull the box adjust it and it will steer beautiful. They blame the box. I blame todays part replacement mentality. I'll do a video. It's important if you try this A) you know what you're doing and B) even if you know what you're doing make sure you see the shaft move in and out as you adjust the adjustment stud. Sometimes the shaft won't move. Then you think "I adjusted it but it did nothing" you'll have to free it up.

[@islandtires1921]

Hey!! Cody here in Newfoundland are you guys still open and serving? I had the full set of ball joints for a 14 ram 2500 and am looking for some more parts and info. Thanks

[@tallll70]

I had different model and year, was 06 1500 2WD and i changed ball joints early 10 year old truck only 130k, but it got grease able joints new upper arms $750 both sides together best available, 2 months later tree fell destroyed the truck, had new tires too, excellent engine and transmission, even my friend Chevy mechanic liked how it rode, lol

[@dustbat]

My 07 Ram 1500 has a memory issue. Turn it hard to rt. and let go and it will just go around in circles. Fear if taken to a shop I will end up with same problem and a lot of new parts. Any advice?

[@julianmora7074]

You are dam right, nobody knows how to correct this issue until someone gets hurt,

[@dustinmeatball]

Awesome 👍

[@flubyux2]

So a guy made a video about turning a couple spacers to slip over the pin and take up the space. Have you ever offered pieces like this to eliminate the play?

[@ynotdoityourself3288]

Is this the same on a dodge magnum ?

[@Jessehermansonphotography]

Saved, thank you