On 28-Jul, 2010, at 01:33 , <mailinglists@moparhowto.com> wrote:
>
> Hello Folks,
>
> I need to replace the steering box in my '95 Dak 4x4 in the near future
> due to a fun noise that's somewhere between a "clack" and a "ping" at
> low speeds while turning the wheel (parking lots).
>
> My question is, should I replace the power steering pump and lines at
> the same time? I usually do this on rack and pinion steering as when a
> rack goes bad it usually loads up the fluid with metal particles. I've
> not taken a sample to look at my Dakota's fluid yet, but I'm assuming if
> it's cleam and the pump works well I'm fine to just replace the box?
it's suggested to replace all of the power steering components at once in large part because there is no filter on the fluid system.
That said your issue sounds not like a box problem but a steering shaft issue - either a sticking slip or a bad ujoint. have someone create the noise by turning at a standstill and watch for what moves that shouldn't.... My money is on the shaft not the box.
A possibly more effective standard way of testing for bad components is to have a helper slowly move the wheel through the dead spot, and see where the motion ends on the business side of the firewall. Quick easy and accurate way to find and ID your source of steering slop.
Mike
I'd bet I've diagnosed and replaced more steering parts than half the rest of list put together...
You can't loose with fortytwos!
Just a '98 Dakota rollin on dubs. And tons.
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