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General Dakota Board
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terraDAKtyl
GenIII
 
5/06/2005
20:34:01
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 Subject: Loose Steering
IP: Logged
Message:
'98, v-6,4wd, ext cab. with 185K miles
Steering's getting a little loose. When first initiating a turn, there's a little bit of resistance, then, as the wheels turn further, it becomes almost too easy to turn the wheel. While driving straight, it tracks well but there is play in the steering wheel. Also, I'm loosing or using power steering fluid. Don't see any drops on the driveway though.
Any ideas? thanks
1998 Ext. Cab with Lear Cap
3.9L 4x4 with 175,000 miles
Running Strong Daily!!!
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John K
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/07/2005
18:56:42
| RE: Loose Steering
IP: Logged
Message:
The tight-then-loose condition sounds like it might be one or both u-joints shot on your lower coupling/intermediate steering shaft, they may very well be binding ...which is seriously not good. I don't know if your truck has a rack and pinion like my 2k QC does, if it does then that may well be done too. If you do have R&P check at the tie rod ends where they come out of the dust boots, if there's any sign of leakage then you need an entire new rack.
I know because I just finished replacing both those parts, took me about 5 hours.
It would be wise to check your ball joints also, if they are worn that may also compound the situation. I don't know if your truck was covered by the BJ recall, but I personally know someone with a 98 2WD dakota whose ball joint separated while he was driving. He wasn't very impressed.
BTW, the steering wheel play in my truck, began at about 30k miles, truck now has about 70k.
Good luck with your diagnosis/repair.
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