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97-Dakota
Dodge Dakota
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10/22/2003
23:03:56
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 Subject: steering/brakes...
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Message:
Is the steering on the late 90s Dakota's normally loose?
I just bought this (88k miles) and the steering is pretty loose (LOTS of play in the wheel)... it drives "ok" (a little nerve wracking to keep it in the lane on the highway, but otherwise no shakes or vibrations all the way up to 75mph)...
I'm also curious about the brakes... I've owned vans and trucks before, but the brakes seem very stiff... it feels like if I jammed on them at 20mph I wouldn't do what I consider a "panic stop" and lock the wheels... yet on the highway I'm able to slow down, etc, without feeling insecure.
Is this maybe a vaccum leak? It also have a very frantic idle when cold, jumps from 600 to 2000 and all points in between at random, then after a minute or two it gets rock solid at ~700 and had no more problems...
I have an appt. to get it checked out by my local mechanic, I haven't dealt with him much, but he seems honest... I just want to go in there with a clear expectation!
Thanks for any help!
-Ethan
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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10/22/2003
23:16:52
| RE: steering/brakes...
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Message:
1. The steering should not be loose at all. The Rams had a problem with the intermediate shaft for a while. Also check the rag joint before spending the bucks for a new rack.
2. I used to have a 92 Dakota. I thought the brakes were pretty solid. Never felt they were inadequate at all during panic stops. My 01 brakes are pretty darn good, not stiff at all.
3. Could be a lot of things besides a vacume leak.
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97-Dakota
Dodge Dakota
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10/23/2003
14:33:39
| RE: steering/brakes...
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Message:
Just got the Dakota back from the local service guy... passed Massachusetts inspection and he said there were no obvious problems with the front end...
So maybe it's just me adjusting from the past 2 years in a leased Ford Taurus :)
Anyone lives around Norwood, MA I would check out Duddy Family Shell on rt1 (near the dedham theater)... a bunch of guys from work bring their trucks/cars there and he's always been straight...
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