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00:24:36 - 12/20/2024
General Dakota Board
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bc
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2005
14:01:52
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 Subject: Tie Rods (how to know when they are bad)
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Message:
Failed inspection because I was told there was play in one of my tie rods on my 2000 4x4 dak. Suspensions are not my weekend mechanical forte', any good way to know if the mechanic is right or not? I have a feeling I'm getting handed a line by the mechanic as their is no unusual wear on the tires and no play in the steering wheel and the truck drives straight as an arrow.
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villtur
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2005
19:11:30
| RE: Tie Rods (how to know when they are bad)
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Try this: Lift the front of the truck and grab one wheel with hands in front and back and shake it. If you feel any play try grabbing it top and bottom. If you still feel the play itīs probably the bearings that are loose or worn and need adjustment or replacing. If the play disappears itīs probably the tie rods that are shot. Try to look which link is worn, or get an assistant to look. If the play is only top and bottom the ball joints are bad and you should be able to see whether you have top or bottom problem. If you donīt find anything on this side go to the other and repeat. Good luck!
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John K
Dodge Dakota
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6/13/2005
21:43:03
| RE: Tie Rods (how to know when they are bad)
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Message:
If it's only your tie rod, consider yourself lucky ... they are probably the cheapest components to replace.
Do the check like villtur says, or take it to another garage for a second opinion. Your 2000 4x4 should have already been in for the ball joint recall, check if the upper ball joints have rivets (original) or bolts (replaced.) If not, then have them replaced since that's a freebie from any Mopar dealer.
Your truck probably has rack & pinion steering as does my 2000 QC 4x4, that should also be checked for looseness or leakage. That is a relatively expensive repair ...plan on around $1000 installed for a new one.
If you can feel a tiny bit of slop in your steering wheel, ...say about 1/4" either way, you may need to have the intermediate steering shaft replaced. There is another $200 plus installation.
Plus you'll need a toe-in alignment done after the above repairs.
I've recently needed all of the above replaced on my truck, even though like in your case, it drove okay. The rack, steering shaft, and upper ball joints were definitely shot on my truck.
Good luck.
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