So yesterday it rained quite a bit, so today I decided to go drive around some mud for a little bit. Eventually I found myself in mud that came all the way up to the running boards. I eventually got out, but something was wrong. Now my steering is messed up. It is EXTREMELY hard to turn the wheel. I can turn it ALRIGHT for very wide turns (such as a lane change) but anything more is nearly impossible. I washed it, thinking there may have just been a huge mud build up, but it didn't help. Any ideas what this might be? And you don't have to waste your time calling me an idiot... I already know...

 

Check to make sure the belt is still on. I think that you blew out the seal in the check valve which is located in the rack and pinion or the piston seal that is located in the rack itself.

 

I blew my seal after i went through a few sled pulls on clay and played in the mud.


Mine was a little more noticable being non R&P and fluid all over the hood/engine. Pump ended up splitting at its cases.


Good luck though

 

Dang Duranged, that was cool to see a Durango pulling that sled!! If the steering feels like manual steering and there is no noise coming from the p/s pump besides the normal noise, you did blow out the piston seal in the rack. THEBIGSITT, if it is the rack and pinion, here is a site to go to. www.carsteering.com/addtocart/2000_Dodge/Durango/Power_Steering_Rack/80-00329.html

 

If it is that, how hard of a repair would something like that be?

 

It is not really hard to do, just takes a lot of your time. You will need a tie rod end splitter and that is the only specialized tool that you will need. I think that you can rent one from AZ. It would be helpful to have a line wrench for the p/s lines that connect onto the rack gear box. After replacing, just fill, turn lock to lock and recheck p/s reservoir. Top it off and turn lock to lock once more and recheck. It will usually self bleed all the rest of the air while driving around.

 

How much do you think the labor would cost at a pretty honest mechanic?

 

You said it......LMAO!



Anyway, I'd say 2 hours?

 

Ended being some shaft or something like that. Its only costing me $250 all together so I'm not too mad.

 

Nice!


Find out which shaft!