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_chris_
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/29/2009
17:48:11
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 Subject: Tight steering 04 Dakota 4x4
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Message:
Hi,
I was hoping someone could give me some advice. I have a 04 Dakota quad cab 4x4 with the 4.7 and auto trans. It has 130 000 km (about 80000 miles maybe) Its a great truck.
Recently the steering got kind of tight. If you turn it all the way, side to side it gets loose for a while, same if you drive around town and are turning a lot. If you go in a straight line for a while like on the highway she gets pretty tight. I don't have to wrench it hard but it is a lot harder than normal.
It has lots of power steering fluid and I haven't seen any leaks in the driveway.
Any thoughts on what it could be?
The belt looks ok, tensioner is working. The water pump was changed about 2 wks ago and I noticed it 2 days ago, although I don't drive it every day.
I'm going to take it to my mechanic but was hoping there were some things I could check/do myself first. I don't want to drop another $500 if I can avoid it.
Thanks a lot!
Chris.
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05dakquad
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/08/2009
20:23:27
|  RE: Tight steering 04 Dakota 4x4
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Message:
Chris,
I just had a similar problem with my 05 dakota. I had previously read that the joints on the steering column, wich are very similar to drive shaft u-joints, are exposed to salt, etc. and bind up. They are in the engine compartment located above the rack-and-pinion unit. I sprayed them with a good lubricant (actually an every day chain lubricant) and within two days I had steering just like the day I bought it. I will make this part of my 3,000 mile maintenance from now on. Good luck.
Steve
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villtur
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/09/2009
07:05:04
| RE: Tight steering 04 Dakota 4x4
IP: Logged
Message:
05dakquad is correct in that the joints on the steering column are binding. However the solution he is offering is only temporary. The joints are binding because they are already defunct and should be replaced sooner than later. To spray them with lubricant is solution on par with putting a bigger pump into a leaking boat; inviting disaster. Sooner or later the joints will fail. That moment the car better be going the correct direction because from then on the driver won´t be able to interfere with it´s course.
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