Dodge RAM 1500 1998 Owner's Manual page 1658

DR
STEERING (Continued)
CONDITION
DIFFICULT TO TURN WHEEL
STICKS OR BINDS
CONDITION
HARD TURNING OR MOMENTARY
INCREASE IN TURNING EFFORT
STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT
WANT TO RETURN TO CENTER
POSITION
CONDITION
EXCESSIVE PLAY IN STEERING
WHEEL
VEHICLE PULLS OR LEADS TO
ONE SIDE.
BINDING AND STICKING
POSSIBLE CAUSE
1. Low fluid level.
2. Tire pressure.
3. Steering components (ball
joints/tie rod ends).
4. Loose belt.
5. Low pump pressure.
6. Column shaft coupler binding.
7. Steering gear worn.
8. Pump seized / Stuck valve
INSUFFICIENT ASST. OR POOR RETURN TO CENTER
POSSIBLE CAUSE
1. Tire pressure.
2. Low fluid level.
3. Loose belt.
4. Low pump pressure.
5. Internal gear leak.
1. Tire pressure.
2. Wheel alignment.
3. Lack of lubrication.
4. High friction in steering gear.
LOOSE STEERING AND VEHICLE LEAD
POSSIBLE CAUSE
1. Worn or loose suspension or
steering components.
2. Worn or loose wheel bearings.
3. Steering gear mounting.
4. Gear out of adjustment.
5. Worn or loose steering coupler.
1. Tire Pressure.
2. Radial tire lead.
3. Brakes dragging.
4. Wheel alignment.
STEERING
CORRECTION
1. Fill to proper level.
2. Adjust tire pressure.
3 Inspect and repair as necessary.
4. Adjust or replace.
5. Pressure test and replace if
necessary.
6. Replace coupler.
7. Replace gear.
8. Replace pump.
CORRECTION
1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Fill to proper level.
3. Adjust or replace.
4. Pressure test and repair as
necessary.
5. Replace gear.
1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Align front end.
3. Inspect and lubricate suspension
compnents.
4. Replace gear.
CORRECTION
1. Inspect and repair as necessary.
2. Inspect and repair or adjust
bearings.
3. Tighten gear mounting bolts to
specification.
4. Replace gear.
5. Inspect and replace as
necessary.
1. Adjust tire pressure.
2. Rotate tires.
3. Repair as necessary.
4. Align front end.
19 - 3