Baffling Steering Wheel Feedback issue

[chriscullen33]

I have posted previously but still cannot figure this out. 2019 2500 Bighorn gas with all tow options. Bought truck used in Jan ‘25, 45000 miles.

The best way I can describe the issue is when steering around a moderate to sharper arc, mostly noticeable at highway level speed above ~40-50 mph, the steering wheel slightly, but noticeably, ‘tugs’ back toward center - in the opposite direction of the turn in other words. I’ve never had any vehicle steering feedback like this and haven’t been able to pin down the causal issue.
* new Firestone Transforce HT2 tires. Has anyone had experience with these tires?
* tire pressures 65/70 per factory
* wheels re-balanced twice
* overall front end vibration is generally higher than driving my standard duty truck. Normal with heavier duty suspension?

Dealer serviced before the warranty expired without any findings. I bought the truck for towing a car trailer, which it does very well. So if all of this is typical with this year 2500 that’s fine (normal with electronic steering)? I don’t think that’s the case and hoping I get input here. Thanks as always for your insight.

 

[johanh13]

I had a 2019 Laramie that never did that. However, my current Ram does something weird too. Not sure if this is the same as your problem, but when going around a gradual curve there is a spot where it is hard to hold the wheel at. It feels very similar to the lane assist on my 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Only thing is, this vehicle does not have it, and it's only on gradual curves at speed that I feel it...

 

[Jmonty]

If my lane keep assist is on it feels like what you are describing but it happens at all times when you drift towards the lines, not only at certain speeds on a curve. With it off I have no feedback like that at any time on my '22 2500.

 

[chriscullen33]

Thank you both for the feedback. Familiar with cars with lane assist (I hate it as a side note) and there is a relatively similar feel to my 2500 issue.

Blind spot cross path detection is the only safety feature listed on the window sticker. If lane assist was an option for my vehicle, Ive tried finding it and disabling but don’t know how to turn it off. I’ve tested the theory though by drifting toward lane lines in various other roadway types at varying speeds and there’s no lane assist-like reaction/feel. So I had ruled it out.

johanh14- what you describe could actually be what my issue is. Depending on what you mean by ‘hard to hold’ I haven’t thought of that ‘tug’ feel as being at a certain turning point in the wheel. The highway speed, gradual, sweeping turns are when I notice the issue. (Western PA does have flat or straight roads) lol

Thanks again.

 

[johanh13]

it's like the push/pull is only at a certain turning point, for example at approx 1/8 - 1/4 turn on the steering wheel. I have felt this before, years ago, on my mom's car. It had rack and pinion and the Ram has recirc ball...

 

[chriscullen33]

I would say 1/4 turn is about where I notice it. Maybe your experience was different but I haven’t felt that tugging until reaching the necessary turning radius and attempting to hold that position neutral? The curves are maybe directionally 90 or more degrees overall but relatively longer sweeping shaped so yea only 1/4 turn or so would be all that’s necessary.

I wonder what other’s here experience with Firestone brand is. Could something like this (and seemingly more than typical overall front end vibration it has at highway speeds) be the tires? My perception of Firestone product has never been good. I bought them only because the rear had two matching tires already.
Out of round? Bad tread pattern design? Improperly balanced wheels?

 

[Rockcrawlindude]

How are your alignment numbers? Caster? Cross caster?

 

[motorhead426]

This sounds like an improper 'caster' alignment. Has anyone had their trucks alignment checked? I'm not sure if these trucks have adjustment for caster, but it would require some kind of change with the 'axle to frame' control arms.

 

[chriscullen33]

How are your alignment numbers? Caster? Cross caster?

Thanks. I thought about alignment but RAM dealer said was completed when purchased Jan ‘25, only about 3k miles since. I rarely even hit potholes etc.

Do HD trucks need more frequent alignment? Very light duty daily driver usage 90% of the time … or maybe just a poor job in January.

I’m taking it in for routine maintenance anyway so an alignment check is on the list.

 

[johanh13]

FWIW, my truck did it completely stock, with 2.5" lift coils (caster maxed out at this height), and now with 1" coils and proper caster. Also, I put new wheels and tires on (as noted in my sig) and had no effect. The thing is definitely in the steering gear somewhere, it's as if the power steering pressure is going on/off. BUT, it only does at a very specific amount of turn, and only in one direction! Nothing is worn out in my steering, it's very tight, and never any death wobble...

 

[chriscullen33]

…only does at a very specific amount of turn, and only in one direction! Nothing is worn out in my steering, it's very tight, and never any death wobble...

I’ll confirm but I believe mine happens in both directions. This is helpful. Thanks!

 

[Rockcrawlindude]

This sounds like an improper 'caster' alignment. Has anyone had their trucks alignment checked? I'm not sure if these trucks have adjustment for caster, but it would require some kind of change with the 'axle to frame' control arms.

Yes caster adjustment is done where the radius arms bolt to the axle.

Do HD trucks need more frequent alignment? Very light duty daily driver usage 90% of the time … or maybe just a poor job in January.

I’m taking it in for routine maintenance anyway so an alignment check is on the list.

not more frequent, theoretically less frequent due to simple design and heavy duty parts.

However, straight axle trucks are less forgiving with worn parts, poorly balanced or worn tires, or bad alignment. They seem to give you more feedback when something is slightly wrong

 

[chriscullen33]

Yes caster adjustment is done where the radius arms bolt to the axle.


not more frequent, theoretically less frequent due to simple design and heavy duty parts.

However, straight axle trucks are less forgiving with worn parts, poorly balanced or worn tires, or bad alignment. They seem to give you more feedback when something is slightly wrong

Thanks for the insights. Sounds like feedback here is generally pointing to the same area.