I just adjusted my steering by turning down the bolt on the steering pump. Has anyone else done this adjustment? You loosen the 5/8" nut and then use a hex tool to turn down the bolt. I then retightened up the 5/8" nut. You can do it from the engine compartment right down alongside the radiator. It is a 1995 Dakota 4X4 Extended Cab with the 3.9. Before the adjustment I could actually grab the steering shaft under the hood and turn it almost a half turn. The steering wheel would spin but the tire would not budge. After I adjusted it there is a lot less play in it. I took it for a test drive and it does respond better turning. It feels tighter butI have it in 4 wheel drive right now with about 3-4 inches of wet slushy snow on the roads.

Thanks for any input.

 

Check that your rack & pinon is on tight. They have a history of seperating from the farme and when doing so creates play in the steering until it falls off then no steering. May not apply to 4WD not sure.

 

becarefull check your splines to make sure you didnt round them off. it did happen to me too.

 

Thank you for the input.

What do you mean by rounding off the splines? Is that inside the steering box? Is there some way I cancheck it?

 

The 2WD Dakotas have rack and pinion steering...I don't believe there is any adjustment on those. The 4WD's have a conventional steering gear box and tie rod set up. I believe the adjustment you did on the gear box is called a lash adjustment. Over time the box will get sloppy again and may need to be replaced. I'm suprised the Haynes manuals don't show the adjustment procedures.

 

Thank you for information. I had heard some stories about doing that adjustment and ruining the steering box.

Have a Merry Christmas.