I know I should replace everything I'm just cheap and lazy and my
closest garage I can use is 22 miles and 40 minutes away each direction,
making it hard to do a prolonged project. I have a shop that I trust
for tasks such as this who would charge me $175 if I bring them the box,
including redoing the front end alignment when done.
I thought it might be one of the joints in the steering shaft, but the
shaft itself is in good condition and rust free. I know there's a slip
joint of some kind in the rubber boot on the shaft that people have
problems with, but when I pop the hood, leave the door open and stick my
arm through the gap between the door and the A-pillar and turn the wheel
while watching the shaft, the whole steering shaft turns as an assembly
all the way down to where it couples with the steering box with no
visible slop even if I turn the wheel hard.
Here's the condition of the shaft, as you can see, zero rust or visible
corrosion:
http://www.moparhowto.com/pictures/1995-Dakota/engine04.jpg
Thanks,
M.B.
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: DML: Steering Box Replacement
From: Michael Maskalans <dml@tepidcola.com>
Date: Fri, July 30, 2010 9:36 am
To: dakota-truck@dakota-truck.net
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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