I have a '97 Dakota Sport CC 5.2L 2x4 with tilt streering and had the same
problem with the clunking sound on turns. I had to have the steering column
replaced to the tune of $500 (not covered under warranty...ouch). It turns
out the column they put is a different design from the original '97 model. A
engineering change took place in 2000 model run. You can tell by the shape
of the shift lever. I think there are problems with the 97-99 steering
columns.
With the new column installed I couldn't believe the difference in steering
feel, it was MUCH more precise. The dealer said that the column bearing went
bad and get this..it could "sieze up". I asked the dealer why a recall
hasn't been issued if the steering wheel could freeze up while driving. He
could not come up with a answer, sounds like bs to me. It was replaced at
60K and I have not had any problems since then and the truck now 80K miles
on it. It's been a good truck except for that part going bad.
""jay & dana"" <jay&dana@telus.net> wrote in message
news:000401c1cbae$aaea14a0$0c5535d1@a4a91192...
>
> Sorry for the 2 earlier "test posts" but I wasn't sure whether
> dakota-truck.net or buffnet.net worked. But apparently they both work so
> cool.
>
> Anyway I have a 97, 4x4 and just recently noticed the dreaded front end
> clunking.
> My question is, is the intermediate shaft the steering shaft that goes
from
> the firewall (connected to the steering wheel of course) into the power
> steering pump? Checking today I noticed that when moving this shaft by
hand
> under the hood there is a very slight play in it where it connects right
> into the P/S pump. Very little, but still noticeable. Could this amplify
> the feeling into the steering wheel itself? I also seem to notice it
going
> around slightly bumpy corners while applying the brakes lightly. Any
ideas
> or suggestions.
>
> Thanks again people for any response and/or advice.
> Jay
>
> Yes it is a 97, I bought it new but it only has 31000 Km's on it.
>
>
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Fri Jun 20 2003 - 12:04:09 EDT