1. Home
  2. Dodge Trucks Forum
  3. Need help diagnosting problem.

Need help diagnosting problem.

I have taken this problem to two shops and got completely different diagnostics. When I am driving down the road in my 2000 3500 Ram Van, and I turn the steeling wheel just a little to the left, I get a feeling in the steering wheel like when the road has been scrapped/gouged for resurfacing. Its sorta subtle and I don't think I hear it, probably because I have some tire/road noise anyway. It happen when I am going down the road 60-70 MPH and the road curves a little to the left. It does not happen when steering to the right. I took it to the dealer and they came up with a cost pretty high. I was surprised and asked to speak to the mechanic. He admitted that he was not certain that was the problem, and would need to get into it more to be certain. Not willing to write them a blank check, I decided to get another opinion. The second mechanic came up with a completely different diagnostic that was much cheaper and seem to be more certain. He could not start on it for a couple of days due to the holidays, so I didn't leave it. Now I am having second thoughts on him also. It seems that the Dodge dealers mechanic should have a better insight on what the problem is.

If anyone that works on their truck/van or has an idea what this might be would reply with their opinion, I would most appreciate it. and if anyone has had this problem before please let me know what the results were. thanks. I am purposely not saying what the diagnostics were because I don't want anyone influence by either mechanic. I will post them in a later post.

Reply to
Partner
Loading thread data ...

OK, first of all, neither mechanic has inspired you with confidence. Why should the Dodge mechanic have a better insight if all he was able to do was test drive it? Sometimes, you have to disassemble some parts to get at the root cause of the problem, and yes, you would be expected to pay for this additional diagnosis. Even the best mechanic in the world needs more than a test drive to ascertain the cause of the problem.

I don't know what you hope to gain by withholding the mechanics diagnosis. It may be helpful to know what they found. Even doctors when giving a second opinion consult each other. Finally, since you don't have confidence in the mechanics who actually experienced the problem, how much credence will you give to us internet experts? All we can do is guess at what the problem might be... an educated guess perhaps, but nonetheless still a guess which is what you got from two other mechanics.

Mike

Reply to
Mike Simmons

Right hand side wheel bearing is my guess. If it is a 2 wheel drive, it is inexpensive. Four wheel drives are much more money. Ultimately, disassembly of the right hand side will reveal the cause. Of course disassembly will allow a thorough examination of u joints and other components as well. It is unrealistic to think that other components are not also worn and will need to be replaced. Steve

Reply to
Steve Lusardi

"It seems that the Dodge dealers mechanic should have a better insight on what the problem is."

This is a dangerous assumption. The dealer technicians I've dealt with are nothing but part changers. IF the book or the computer can't tell them what to do they are lost. My 2002 Dodge Dakota had six defects when it was new. I had to tell the Dodge technicians what to do in all six cases. When they refused to fix the last defect I filed a Lemon Law suit that cost DC $6k.

JAM

Reply to
Bill Dunkinfield

C'mon Mike play his guessing game. He says it only happens at 60-70mph. Only when turning left and only when the road turns left. Seems like he has a hell of a push. Sound's like his stagger is off and he needs more foreward bite. Maybe add a pound and a half in the right front at the next stop

Roy

Reply to
Roy

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.