rack and pinion
Rookie
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From:
RE: rack and pinion
hey lump
I just had my rack and pinion replaced on my '00 Dakota Sport. Dodge has had a problem with the entire steering setup. Rack, tie rods, ball joints, etc. And considering that the Dakota and Durango are based on the same platforms and basically use the same parts I can see why you'd be having the problem. No, there is no recall, unless enough people complain and such. I don't remeber the warranty period, but if it is the 7 year/70,000 miles, is it just on the powertrain or complete warranty? Otherwise if it is the 3 year/36,000 then you are SOL about the warranty covering it. I bought my truck from a dealership and luckily it was bad so they replaced it, free of charge. But you are right, its about $700 for the part and then labor to cost about an extra $100-$200 more. So you are looking at a hefty price tag to fix, but you need to do it. See if there is anything the dealership can do for you.
Also, did you get the ball joints replaced yet? If you haven't, do it at the same time since that is free of charge. Also have them check out the tie rods and ends along with the sway bars and all bushings in the front end. I had a tie rod go out shortly after they put in the new rack. That cost me $136.00 after tax. All Dodge parts of course. The only thing is that the tie rod end and new ball joints are non-greaseable. So what happened to me was that the tie rod end and the nylon cup inside the ball joint were rubbing really bad causing a "creak" and you could hear it and feel it in the steering pretty good. Not saying that is gonna happen to you, but just something to let you know about if it happens. Mine was on the left side (drivers side) and the right side was perfectly fine. The sound and feeling in the steering could only be felt when turing in a parking lot (turning really slowly, such as into a parking spot). Otherwise just regular turning (onto roads and such) you couldn't feel it at all. The mech. told me that nothing would fall apart, but it would have eventually worn out of course due to the excessive wear. But I got it taken care of AGAIN.
About the bushings. Just have them check all of them over. Some may be dry, so have them lube them otherwise you will get an occasional squeak. That squeak isn't bad, just annoying as hell. And if you have to have them replaced, do it. They are only about $6 a piece.
I don't mean to scare you with everything, and don't be scared, just want to inform you since you asked! Any more questions, just let me know! either reply or PM me!
Hooby
I just had my rack and pinion replaced on my '00 Dakota Sport. Dodge has had a problem with the entire steering setup. Rack, tie rods, ball joints, etc. And considering that the Dakota and Durango are based on the same platforms and basically use the same parts I can see why you'd be having the problem. No, there is no recall, unless enough people complain and such. I don't remeber the warranty period, but if it is the 7 year/70,000 miles, is it just on the powertrain or complete warranty? Otherwise if it is the 3 year/36,000 then you are SOL about the warranty covering it. I bought my truck from a dealership and luckily it was bad so they replaced it, free of charge. But you are right, its about $700 for the part and then labor to cost about an extra $100-$200 more. So you are looking at a hefty price tag to fix, but you need to do it. See if there is anything the dealership can do for you.
Also, did you get the ball joints replaced yet? If you haven't, do it at the same time since that is free of charge. Also have them check out the tie rods and ends along with the sway bars and all bushings in the front end. I had a tie rod go out shortly after they put in the new rack. That cost me $136.00 after tax. All Dodge parts of course. The only thing is that the tie rod end and new ball joints are non-greaseable. So what happened to me was that the tie rod end and the nylon cup inside the ball joint were rubbing really bad causing a "creak" and you could hear it and feel it in the steering pretty good. Not saying that is gonna happen to you, but just something to let you know about if it happens. Mine was on the left side (drivers side) and the right side was perfectly fine. The sound and feeling in the steering could only be felt when turing in a parking lot (turning really slowly, such as into a parking spot). Otherwise just regular turning (onto roads and such) you couldn't feel it at all. The mech. told me that nothing would fall apart, but it would have eventually worn out of course due to the excessive wear. But I got it taken care of AGAIN.
About the bushings. Just have them check all of them over. Some may be dry, so have them lube them otherwise you will get an occasional squeak. That squeak isn't bad, just annoying as hell. And if you have to have them replaced, do it. They are only about $6 a piece.
I don't mean to scare you with everything, and don't be scared, just want to inform you since you asked! Any more questions, just let me know! either reply or PM me!
Hooby