2001 Dodge Van STEERING BOX ADJUSTMENT

Tiny
ROADTREK
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  • 2001 DODGE VAN
Steering problem
2001 Dodge Van V8 Two Wheel Drive Automatic 45000K miles

I have a lot of play in my steering box on my 2001 full size dodge van 3500 with a 4000 pound axle. What is the best way to adjust this.I went to a canadian tire store mechanic who adjusted it but now when taking a turn I have to turn the wheel back when before it would turn by itself. How can I get back to what I would consider to be a factory setting?
Saturday, October 31st, 2009 AT 5:46 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
CH112063
  • MECHANIC
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Unless it has changed there is a lock nut and inner screw on the box. Loosen, tighten screw counter clockwise to loosen slightly, then tighten and recheck. Any lubrication problems in linkage could cause this. Be careful. It is inside so if no good it must be rebuilt or replaced.
Check all linkage first.
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Sunday, November 1st, 2009 AT 3:56 PM
Tiny
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THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY. THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT THAT ATTACHES TO THE STEERING BOX HAS A LOT OF PLAY IN IT AS WELL. THE UNIVERSAL JOINTS ARE WORN BADLY FOR SUCH LOW MILES.A NEW SHAFT FROM CHRYSLER COSTS 700.00 BEFORE TAX. IS THERE SOMEWHERE I CAN PURCHASE AN AFTERMARKET STEERING SHAFT AND A STEERING BOX IF I NEED BOTH?THE PRICE IS REDICULES.I TRIED TO LOCATE ONE WITH NO RESULTS. THANK YOU FOR AN ANSWER.
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Monday, November 2nd, 2009 AT 5:22 PM
Tiny
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Well, if you can find a place where a van, with the same setup, has been wrecked and written off, like a salvage yard you can get one a lot cheaper. If you write Chrysler, they may give it to you for cost.
I always would call junk yards but even they know how expensive a new one is. I think that the box is so important, I would only put O.E.M. In.
My customers always bring the parts so The only thing I can tell you is call around or go to Chrysler or Dodge dealer and ask them. Don't drive it tight with improper return. Too bad it failed but it is so important. Go with a new, Chrysler reman or salvage yard that has one.
We used to put the couplers in all the time and the boxes were always part of the warranty. They did not last much more than 7 years, it depends on turning and not age or mileage. You know. Call, around. Good luck ok. If I find out, I will let you know, ok?
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Monday, November 2nd, 2009 AT 6:38 PM
Tiny
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THANKS FOR THIS.I HAVE ONE OTHER PROBLEM WHICH IS THE CRUISE CONTROL ON THE STEERING WHEEL. PRESS THE CRUISE BUTTON ON STEERING WHEEL AND THE CRUISE LIGHT COMES ON IN THE DASH BUT WHEN I PRESS THE SET BUTTON, IT WILL NOT ENGAGE THE CRUISE. COULD THE SET BUTTON NEED TO BE REPLACED OR SHOULD I LOOK FOR SOMETHING ELSE?
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Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 AT 9:12 AM
Tiny
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The switch is ok, cause the PCM has turned your lamp on, I found the speed sensor or fuse or vacuum to be the usual problem.
Common problem. Need a scanner to tell exactly what is not feeding information. If you do not have a scan tool. Start with both fuse boxes and check speed sensor and vacuum. Of course there is a clock spring and cable also neccesary for it to work in set only but the servo that keeps your speed steady goes bad also. Thats why a scan helps. Sometimes, a loose cable will turn it right off. OK no problem.
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Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 AT 7:42 PM
Tiny
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The same van as other questions you answered.
I have a faulty oxygen sensor in front of the
cat. Converter and when I tried to remove it with a six point socket on a strong arm I broke my strong arm because it was frozen so bad. What would you suggest
i do to remove it?Thanks James
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Friday, November 20th, 2009 AT 5:02 PM
Tiny
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Spray it up with penetrating oil, and let it sit. Then get a big hammer and a punch, carefully wake it up, by hitting it from a few directions then spray it again. After an hour try it again. I would heat it up cherry red and that is the final thing. Not the o2 sensor but the flange it mounts in. That will expand it. But try soaking first, hitting without ruining the lands for the socket, put a regular wrench on it(not the open end) and start cracking it. Stubborn. A 22mm fits nice and tight. Ok A larger breaker bar and socket is not as effective as a comb. Wrench, and hitting its handle. Sometimes. I would slam it on the flat sides, directly with a hammer only. It's ok because you can drill and heli-coil if worse comes to worse. I've used a hammer and chisel to take lugnuts on wheels that no socket fits on. Wear safety glasses and any propane heat is better then nothing.
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Friday, November 20th, 2009 AT 8:13 PM
Tiny
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I could use a few more horsepower in this van. Would a engine performance chip be a good way to go and could
you recomend a good one since chrysler does not sell any? REGARDS JAMES
P.S. Your answers to my previous questions were very
helpful. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
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Thursday, December 10th, 2009 AT 7:52 PM
Tiny
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I know chips and primary ignition changes are available, but if your mileage is slightly high and your engine itself is not as efficient, its only going to give it more fuel or timing. It may not be the best thing. I'm sure one of the other fellows can help. The people who run this site are into helping, like no other website I've been to. You, of course know how much I appreciate your thanks. Come back anytime. OK I use a little 4cylinder, and always drove like an older person, even when I was younger, just a few years ago, of course.
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Thursday, December 10th, 2009 AT 8:45 PM

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