Bernd
I came across this post dated Fri. Feb. 12, 1999 with the subject line,
"Re: DML: steering clunk(long but, very usefull for the clunkers", while
trying to rebuild my trashed emails.
<snip>
This is the full TSB from the NHTSA web site. I had this done to me truck
when it was new, but the problem came back and I will have to have it done
again. The problem is in the slip joint between the top and bottom sections.
The shaft s bounced by the road and it causes the joint, designed to
collapse in the even of a head on to keep from perferating you with the
steering wheel, to open up which is why you feel the clunking. You can reach
into the engine compartment and grab the shaft and give it a firm wiggle. If
it moves, or you can feel movement, the joint is worn. Ram trucks had the
same problem, though Chrysler seems to have fixed them, so now they give us
the bad parts. BTW, the TSB lists only 4X4's but there have been enough
people with RT's and other 2 wheel drives that have had the problem fixed
under the TSB that they should not give you any hassle. If they do, make
them call Chrysler while you are there.
John
Service Bulletin Number: 971121191297
Bulletin Sequence Number:
Date of Bulletin: 9711
NHTSA Item Number: SB054094
Make: DODGE TRUCK
Model: DAKOTA
Year: 1998
Component: STEERING:WHEEL AND COLUMN
Summary: EXPERIENCING A CLUNK OR RATTLE BEING FELT IN THE STEERING
WHEEL/COLUMN DURING SLOW TURNS, ROUGH ROAD DRIVING, AND STOPS. *YC
The post was made by DMLer Charles Smith and is a collection of
exerpts from DML posts about the 'clunk' issue. Didn't want to
use too much bandwidth for the whole thing ... should be in the
archives.
Bob, Burlington, Ontario
'97 FR CC NSV Sport, 5.2L, 3.55 SG, auto.
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