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1993 Dodge Dakota LE, 5.2L, A518 auto trans, RWD, 190,000 miles, original owner
My rack and pinion is leaking. I think I know where it is leaking from but I'm not 100% certain so I'm not gonna say where. I think I will do a dye test to make sure. Meanwhile, I am trying that Lucas power steering leak stop and it does not appear to be working yet. I say yet because you need between 12 - 24 ounces of it and so far I'm less than 12 ounces. I'm kinda letting it leak out and refill with straight Lucas as needed. If this doesn't solve the problem then I think I'm looking at replacing the steering rack. Our late Ralph always recommended the Rack Doctor but I think they went bellyup. Their website is down and I see lots of complaints online. That said, is anyone aware of other rack sources for these Dakotas? I'm talking rebuilds. I want to say these auto parts stores have Cardone (if any at all) but I'm weary of them. I see Rock Auto deals with Cardone rebuilds but also peddle new ones...Edelmann, Lares, BBB Industries. Wouldn't have a clue if any of these new ones are worth a crap TBH. The price range on these new ones are $277 - $469. I'd be interested in opinions on the new ones as well. Thanks ahead of time.
I'm moving my steering rack discussion to this thread that I started earlier this month. Makes no sense to discuss it on the AC thread from someone else. I got under the truck and there is no way I can remove that roll pin holding the steering column to the rack. See pic. There is simply no room whatsoever. However, I believe I can detach the steering shaft from the upper coupler (see pic) at that bolt securing that cage-like thingy around it. Just loosen the bolt and the shaft should slide out as I lower it out of the truck. Any thoughts?
I think that's where the column is supposed to collapse in the event of a collision, so, likely need to completely remove that bolt...... Getting it back together again might be fun though, as I am unsure of just what all is in there.... Could you disconnect it the base of the column?
I think that's where the column is supposed to collapse in the event of a collision, so, likely need to completely remove that bolt...... Getting it back together again might be fun though, as I am unsure of just what all is in there.... Could you disconnect it the base of the column?
I don't think so, HY but I'm going to look at it again. Here's a side view of that bolt.
IDk if this will help or not. I recall that Ralph P rebuilt his steering column linkage. I do not remember the problem but it was chrome. I tried searching his posts but I cannot remember when it was.
IDk if this will help or not. I recall that Ralph P rebuilt his steering column linkage. I do not remember the problem but it was chrome. I tried searching his posts but I cannot remember when it was.
That's the last thing I'd want to do. Ralph probably did it just for the fun of it.
That's the last thing I'd want to do. Ralph probably did it just for the fun of it.
IDk about that, but one or two other guys who are still here also had done or were doing the same thing and were commenting in his thread as a fix or upgrade.
IDk about that, but one or two other guys who are still here also had done or were doing the same thing and were commenting in his thread as a fix or upgrade.
I don't know what Chrysler was thinking with this design. My understanding is they used that roll pin design for only a couple years on certain models. I'm not a pinionologist but I'm thinking a roll pin design that you cannot even get to is super rare. So we're relegated to destroying the steering shaft to swap out the steering gear? But then Chrysler put voltage regulators in the OBD1s and reverse threads on the left side lugnuts so there's that too.
I ordered a new rack n pinion thru Rock Auto. It's made by Lares. I researched these people. They basically focus on manufacturing steering components. They're in Minnesota so they're American made. Whether they put Chinese parts in them is another story. Something tells me they make a lot of their own parts because they have lots of CNC equipment in their shop. They probably buy their castings from the Manitowac foundries like everyone else. They've been around for 40 years so they must be doing something right.
I looked at Detroit Axle but it was kinda funky. One of the footnotes for my specific rack said it was for trucks built after July, 1993. My truck sticker says it was built in March, 1993 (I bought it in Sept, 1993). So that kind of steered me away...no pun intended. I don't see any manufacturing date requirements on any other brand R&P so I'm not sure what that is all about.
Anyway I hired my local mechanic to put it in. If they screw up the steering shaft they have the tools and know how to repair it. I don't. Plus I don't want to roll around the garage floor for two hours doing it myself then spend the next week in traction. I'm too old for that crap.
Received the Lares rack from Rock Auto. They're now out of stock on this brand, I got the last one. Yeah, looks like a high quality rack. I looked immediately at the bands they use around the bellows to see how well they did it. To me it's an indicator.. Nice machine-secured, stainless bands. Pretty thick and pliable bellows. Lots of heft to the rack. The packing job was supreme. Sure don't get the thought they chinced out. At least not looking at it. My truck goes in Tuesday for the swap.
Steering Rack
I tried searching his posts but I cannot remember when it was.
