Jim, mine does the same thing. It has done it since 32k and I have over 100k
on it now. I don't think that it is a bearing IMO. I think it has something
to
do with the intermediate shaft. You might look into that. Plus that part is
only $250...
Hth,
Hop.
97 cc 4x4 318 3:55
http://home.swbell.net/hopsdak
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jim Rhoades [mailto:jrhoad01@win.org]
> Sent: Friday, June 08, 2001 10:00 AM
> To: dakota-truck-moderator@bent.twistedbits.net
> Subject: DML: Steering Column Problem
>
>
> DMLers,
>
> I have a 1997 Dakota Sport Club Cab 2WD w/Tilt Steering and 68K on the
> clock. The problem is that the steering wheel would make a cluncking sound
> when parking or heavy turning. I called the dealer and they said there was
a
> TSB on the problem. I read the TSB and it said to retighten the steering
> column etc.
>
> I took the truck into the dealer yesterday and they said the steering
column
> should be replaced because the bearings are worn and it could potentially
> seize. I have an extended 7/75 powertrain plus factory warranty but it
would
> not cover the part. The new steering column cost $605 and the dealer took
> 2016030267125ff so it ended up costing with labor $521 (ouch!!!).
> I'm a little mad at DC that a steering column with defective bearings that
> could be potentially dangerous is not covered under some kind of
> recall/warranty extension.
>
> I have the old column and it's part number is not the same as the
> replacement and the shift rod looks different also. My father has a 2000
> Durango and it has the same shifter so this is the new and improved
design.
> When driving I noticed that the it feels much more tighter even better
than
> when the truck was new. So needless to say DC modified this column for a
> reason.
>
> So my question is has anybody experienced the clunking sound on the 97-98
> Dakota's and did you have the dealer fix it ? If that did fix it what did
> they do ? Do you think DC should cover some of the cost for a potentially
> dangerous problem ?
>
> Thanks,
> Jim
>
>
>
>
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