Leonard,
There are 2 TSB related to the column. The first one is for 97 Dakotas and
consisted of tightening of the column like I mentioned before. The other TSB
related to 97- early 98 4WD Durango/Dakotas. It mentioned replacing the
intermediate shaft but not the steering column.
I suspect there was a steering column change in the mid 98 or 99 model year
run. The good thing is that it makes a world of difference in the steering
feel.
The truck doesn't wander when on the highway like it used to (I thought it
needed and alignment). I called DC and filed a complaint but I suspect I'm
SOL unless DC does a recall then I'll get reimbursed.
Thanks for the reply.
Jim
"Leonard Price" <lprice@consultronics.com> wrote in message
news:5.1.0.14.2.20010608102751.00a08ac0@ccsl3.concord.internal...
> I have a 1998 CC 5.2L 2WD w/Tilt steering as well and I have noticed the
> same clunk when turning. I have tried to figure out the problem and at
> first thought it was ball joints, but checked them and all seems fine. I
> have greased and lubricated to get rid of the clunk but to no
> solution. Your problem is the first time I have heard anything that
sounds
> remotely related to my trouble. I will get a hold of the TSB and see what
> the dealer comes up with. Funny thing was that a light came on when I read
> your note because I have a times grabbed a hold of the steering wheel and
> pulled it towards me and duplicated the clunk to a lesser degree. I will
> surely check out what you said.
>
>
> At 08:43 AM 6/8/01 -0500, you wrote:
> >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
>
>
>
>
>
> Leonard A. Price
> lprice@consultronics.com
> ICQ # 144893
>
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