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Loose steering on 3500 van

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Old May 26th, 2016, 2:38 PM
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Default Loose steering on 3500 van

I have replaced all steering parts including new pump and steering box and all steering arms, completely all new, AND still have over 2 inches free play on steering wheel and loose steering on road and can hardly hold van on the road in windy weather. This thing is very hard to drive in a straight line, wanders all over the place...Help please. Its a 2002 model with only 38,000 miles from new.

Last edited by Denie; May 26th, 2016 at 2:39 PM. Reason: forgot to put year and milage in.
Old May 27th, 2016, 12:32 AM
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I assume the shop that aligned it performed a suspension check?
Old May 27th, 2016, 12:11 PM
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I have a 3500 passenger van and it has very solid steering and does not blow around in wind. I would say suspension and maybe tires.
Old May 27th, 2016, 4:07 PM
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Have replaced everything and done alinment, dealer did job...Still has steering issues.
Old May 27th, 2016, 4:09 PM
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Every thing is new, front and back...will be putting on 55 series tyrs to see if that helps, but after that, don't know were to go. Any body think it is in the steering coloum....only thing we have not replaced.
Old May 27th, 2016, 7:16 PM
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steering I-shafts or column are a possibility. A dry park check would verify loose parts.

so you replaced everything
pitman, idler arms, centerlink, 2 inner and 2 outer tie rods, 2 upper control arms, 2 lower ball joints, checked the wheel bearings.
Old May 27th, 2016, 9:46 PM
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Default express Van & G series Vans

Yes the dealer put all new, including steering box and pump
Old May 27th, 2016, 9:54 PM
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Even the dealer had issues, they have now put on 3 new steering boxes to try to get no free play in the steering wheel....trust me , every part that can be changed has, cost me a fortune so far, and the thing is still not right....wanders way to much...The steering feels VERY light and has very little feel from the S wheel.
Old May 28th, 2016, 8:25 AM
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if you have play in the steering, a dry park check with the weight on the steering components is the way to find it. How much play is detected in the steering when the engine/p/steering is off?
If the dealer couldn't find it after 3 attempts, try another shop.

Last edited by tech2; May 28th, 2016 at 8:28 AM.
Old May 28th, 2016, 9:56 AM
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tires?



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