Steering no return to center (left turns)

[blownout1500]

Just posted this in another similar thread for the same issue, so thought I’d post it here as well.

Advice for anyone with the left curve sticky steering issue:

You need a new steering rack.

Had this exact issue, fought like hell to get it replaced under warrantee, problem is now 100% gone. The TSB about “steering clunk” (#?) is the one I highlighted, however my truck was not in the date range. Message @RamCares here on the forum and wait for a case worker to be assigned to you (this is a phone tag headache FYI). Get a video of the issue clearly happening and upload to YouTube so the case worker can stream it and actually watch it. Case worker will contact your chosen service department. When you arrive for the initial service visit show them the video but DO NOT mention forums (they hate that). Truck will need to be driven continuously by service tech for approx 45min at highway speed for the heat from the engine to warm the rack sufficiently for the left curve sticking/binding symptoms to materialize. This is not a feasible excercise for the service dept so suggest a tech with a long commute take it overnight. I got this far with my service dept and they basically just reached out to their warrantee approval guy at FCA and had him sign off on applying the TSB even though it was out of the date range. Be respectful and non-argumentative and mention the safety concern. You basically need them to want to help you out, because getting the issue to repro on a quick test drive is nearly impossible. That’s what worked for me anyway. Good luck.

 

[Gui]

for a reminder, if you have a 8/18 build date this tsb below should be able to get everything resolved. once i gave it to my service advisor they ordered the new steering rack that day.

Clunk Felt in the Steering Wheel.pdf

Shared with Dropbox

www.dropbox.com

Thanks so much for taking the time to post this TSB. After lots of arguing with my dealer, showed this TSB to service manager and was able to sort everything out. Got a new steering rack installed and problem is gone.

 

[wiendog]

I have the same issue 2019 Ram 1500 4X4 Laramie.How do you contact a Ram Social Care Specialist.

 

[Hawgdawgn]

I have the same issue 2019 Ram 1500 4X4 Laramie.How do you contact a Ram Social Care Specialist.

PM RamCares.

 

[RamCares]

I have the same issue 2019 Ram 1500 4X4 Laramie.How do you contact a Ram Social Care Specialist.

Hi wiendog,
We're sorry to learn that you are experiencing this as well. To PM us, click on our avatar and then click the "Start Conversation" button!
Alex
Ram Social Care Specialist

 

[TomS]

Thanks SO much ya'll! I just bought a 2019 Bighorn with 12,500 miles on it. Drove it about 200 miles the first day and loved it except had this creepy left turn sticking problem going over a mountain pass with lots of curves. I thought maybe it had the "lane sense" technology or something else I needed to read up on in the manual, plus I was tired from haggling on price/trade-in all afternoon so wasn't exactly sure what was going on. Anyway, found this RAM 5th Gen Forum and started reading various posts to get to know my truck and stumbled upon this thread. Described my problem exactly! So I printed out the Steering TSB 19-002-18 and brought it into the dealer a few days later when I brought the truck back for a couple of minor fixes they had promised. Small dealership in the Colorado mountains. Service adviser was awesome. Checked my VIN and luckily my build date was 8.12.18 right in the middle of the TSB dates. He ordered the new steering rack and I'll head back up there in a week or so for the install. So worth the 2.5 hour drive for me versus trying to deal with the big dealerships and the "we can't replicate the issue" runaround I was anticipating in the Denver area. The adviser I worked with said he never questions the customer when it comes to issues that involve a TSB, or tries to replicate it, "Why would anyone want to have to come back and leave their truck for a day unless they really had a problem?"

PS: Had my picky older sister in the back seat for a ride around town and she complained about an intermittent humming noise which I could hear if I concentrated. Asked the adviser about that and his best guess was that it's the cylinders idling from 8 to 4 and back again. He said it changes the engine harmonics and, for some reason, is most obvious in the back seat. That makes sense to me since it was a lower speeds accelerating and decelerating around town. I thought it might also be related to the ANC system (which the adviser said he could also check because there is a TSB on it (which I also knew about thanks to this forum) but I think he's right. The sound doesn't match the droning sound others have complained about on the forum. Anyway I've got another week to listen... Thanks again everyone!!

 

[Billy James]

Has anyone had this TSB performed because the steering feels loose? My build date is August 2, 2018; VIN 592885. I had the sticking happen 3 times intermittently and my dealer cleaned the ground; it hasn't happened since. However, my front end seems a bit "clunky" and the steering seems really loose. I don't know if my steering should feel tighter; but it seems that its a lot more sloppy than when the truck was new.

 

[TomS]

I don't remember the exact dates of the Steering TSB but that should be close enough. Mine was 8-12-2018. The TSB is actually for a "clunking" sound and/or "steering issue" reported by customers. I'd suggest checking the TSB for exact dates. If your truck falls in there that means your VIN will be listed as applying to the TSB. Print out the TSB (link in one of the posts above) and bring it into your dealer and tell them that you want the steering rack replaced. They can verify that your vehicle was built during the period in question and so there should be no hassle if you are experiencing any steering issues. Clearly they had issues with the rack during that build period and it probably manifests in several ways...clunking, steering sticking, maybe a feeling of looseness, etc.

 

[RamCares]

Has anyone had this TSB performed because the steering feels loose? My build date is August 2, 2018; VIN 592885. I had the sticking happen 3 times intermittently and my dealer cleaned the ground; it hasn't happened since. However, my front end seems a bit "clunky" and the steering seems really loose. I don't know if my steering should feel tighter; but it seems that its a lot more sloppy than when the truck was new.

Hello Billy,
We know you are reaching out to your fellow forum members, however if you decide to go back to your dealer and additional assistance is need, please reach out to us privately with your full VIN.
Laura
Ram Cares

 

[pboerschlein]

I purchased my Laramie in May of 2019 and had this issue from early on. It was at the dealership 2 times for this, both times I was told that they could not reproduce the issue. I was able to get a video of the steering wheel staying turned then all of a sudden returning to center. I was at the dealership in late December for an issue with my uconnect and was able to speak to one of the lead mechanics. I asked him if I could show him a video of something else and shared the video off of my phone. A new rack was ordered that day. I just got the truck back as we are still working through my Uconnect issues, but so far so good on steering behavior

 

[Cjccj4]

Same issue with the steering sticking when making slight left turns. Very unusual feeling having to manually return the wheel to center. My MDH is 071612, not in the service bulletin date range but definitely experiencing the same issue. I mentioned it when I brought it in for the adjustable pedal recall and they dismissed it since they didn't have a published recall for it. The issue started from day one and I thought that maybe it would "work itself out". 1600 miles and it still sticks. Not sure what my next steps are.

I have the same problem and thought the same thing about working itself out. It has not. Still trying to get it fixed at 11000 miles now.

 

[Cjccj4]

This is dangerous and needs to be addressed before someone gets hurt!!!! Are you reading this RamCares ????

They do read it, but do nothing about it.

 

[Fatherof3]

I’ve had my steering wheel stick going around a left hand curve and my build date is December 2018 .

 

[RamCares]

I have the same problem and thought the same thing about working itself out. It has not. Still trying to get it fixed at 11000 miles now.

Just responded to your most recent PM, @Cjccj4.

I’ve had my steering wheel stick going around a left hand curve and my build date is December 2018 .

Hi @Fatherof3 - If this is something you decide to address with your dealer, please be sure to let us know!

Mark
RamCares

 

[Cjccj4]

Hello all. This is a video of exactly what is happening with the sticky steering while turning left. This is for the TSB # 19-002-18.

 

[Cjccj4]

I just made the above video today on the way to the dealership to get this fixed. Took the service tech for a ride and was able to duplicate this and will now be worked on. It took a bit of research and motivation but it should get fixed.

 

[Fatherof3]

Just responded to your most recent PM, @Cjccj4.



Hi @Fatherof3 - If this is something you decide to address with your dealer, please be sure to let us know!

Mark
RamCares

I don’t think you can help , I’m in Canada

 

[RamCares]

I don’t think you can help , I’m in Canada

Hi @Fatherof3 - While our team here unfortunately cannot be of further support, you can reach out to Canadian Customer Care: 1-800-361-3700 or https://forms.chryslercanada.ca/contact/en/contactCCI.php?brand=dodge

Mark
RamCares

 

[armymp1130]

That 100% sucks man, wish you had my service folks (drive up to friendly Rhode Island!). I know you won’t give up til you have a safe vehicle one way or another so good luck through all of this.

what dealer did you go to in RI mines having the same issue im from rhode island as well

 

[jman307]

Hello all. This is a video of exactly what is happening with the sticky steering while turning left. This is for the TSB # 19-002-18.

Did you ever get a good troubleshoot and fix from dealer? Mine does the same but it’s intermittent and only when turning to the right