Hello!
I have a 2005 Dodge Dakota 2wd. It has some play in the steering at the top of the wheel. Its not a ton, but it is noticeable. Any movement of the steering wheel moves the shaft all the way down to the rack, so I don't think the play is in the wheel or the shaft. I replaced the rack yesterday with a re-manufactured one. After I got everything bolted back on and put back together I was dissapointed to find that the play is very similar to what it was prior. I did notice that the ball joints are torn and will have to be replaced soon as well. Could the steering wheel play be there? I know there is always a chance the rack is bad that I was sent. The play is so similar to before, I am not sure that this is likely. Any ideas are appreciated!

 

Had this. Ended up being the pinch bolt on the coupler shaft (interior of the truck, on the top of the shaft that comes through the firewall). Mine wasn't even finger tight, I could spin it around by hand. I recommend using a new bolt and tightening to 28 ft-lbs. No problems since. If you have the manual, it's in section 19, page 26.

 

It's a poor design, trying to pinch a square tube over a round tube (or vice versa) just crank it down.

 

Thank you both! Last night I tightened the bolt down. It didn't seem nearly as loose as what you described, but it was just loose enough to be causing the play! Took it for a test drive and it is steering like it is brand new! Wish I had done that before I put the rack on it. None the less, at least it has new inner and outer tie rods!

Thanks!

 

Good call! My pinch bolt nut isn't even there. Any idea what size but would be required offhand?

 

IIRC, it was a 14mm head, which is usually an M8 x 1.5. Definitely double check though.