2000 R/T, 4x4, 95,000 mi.
How do you tell if the rack is bad if there are no leaks?
Both tires move about a 1/2", 3 o'clock to 9 o'clock, I can't tell if its the tie rods or the rack.
No movement 12 o'clock to 6 o'clock.
Thank you
Rick

 

Hi Rick:


I like to start with the engine off, and have a helper sit inside and just rock the wheel back and forth a bit with the key in run position so the column is unlocked. Get under andtake agood look while this is going on, and pay particular attention to the tie rod ends. If you see movement before the tires start to move, suspect the tie rods. Steering racks themselves are mostly trouble free with the exception of leaks.

My experience has been that the outers wear before the inners, but that may not always be the case.

Don

 

Thank you Don,
Great idea, I will try that when the wifey gets home. If its the inners, should I replace the whole rack and T/R ends?

 

Rick:

Although I believe that Chryslers remedy for a worn TR is to replace the rack, that seems like overkill especially if it is the outer TR.

I think you can get a full rack (with all new TRs), or a short rack without. I understand that the inners can be done, and are a bit harder than the outers.

I guess it depends on how many extra bucks you have to burn.

Don