Steering issues after an accident?

2014 RAM 1500
103,000 MILES • 5.7L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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MONKEYFISTZ
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I was in a small accident in front of the passenger side of my truck. It has a BDS 2-inch lift, and the right steering knuckle was bent in the accident. I replaced the steering knuckle hoping that would fix it. But it's extremely hard to steer when I jack up the front end and both tires are off the ground it steers easily no issue but while all four wheels are on the ground it's almost impossible to steer the truck it feels like steering right is harder than steering left. After looking at the steering system to replace the whole system is very expensive. Is it possible just to replace one side of the rack and pinion steering hoping that fixes the problem versus replacing the whole system? Also, am I overlooking something seeing how while the tires are off the ground it appears to work?
Oct 16, 2023 at 4:15 AM
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STRAILER
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It sounds like the selector valve inside the rack and pinion has gone bad in the accident which will cause the problem you are having. Here is how to change it out. Check out the images (below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
Oct 16, 2023 at 10:54 AM
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MONKEYFISTZ
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Thanks, I really appreciate the help. What's the actual part name or is selector valve the name? I'm having trouble locating that as a part name also the instructions we're a little difficult to understand is there a manual that you recommend that would show a better description of this along with diagrams of how to replace this part I'm not too familiar with this part and how to replace it. Thanks
Oct 16, 2023 at 12:59 PM
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STRAILER
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The selector valve is built inside of the rack and pinion, in this case it is best to replace the entire part. These are the best instructions I can find, but if you get stuck doing the job upload images of the problem and I can walk you through the repair.
Oct 17, 2023 at 9:35 AM