Yesterday the local dealer replaced the rack & pinion steering unit on my truck ('03 QC 4.7 8Ft Bd). Have other RAM owners had the same or similar repair? Was wondering whether this was a one time repair or symptomatic of bigger problems yet to come. The replacement was covered by the truck's extended warranty - big savings!! To date, this is the truck's second major repair; it has 38,000 miles. This is my first Dodge truck and am wondering whether I should expect a string of repairs? I like the truck, it meets my vehicle needs just fine - just hope there isn't a reliability issue.

 

the only thing I'm looking at right now is a problem with the weather stripping at the door. it's a known problem and is actualy a design flaw with the way the door is made and closes.

now while I only have a bit over 8K on mine I have yet to have any problems other than trying to find out how to make my turbo whistle like I want it to

I have heard quite a few problems with the ball joints on the 4x4's and a vibration problem that is usualy solved by replacing the front drive shaft.

 

I just had my rack and pinion unit replaced due to a blow seal on the passenger side. Old, out, new in. 2hrs in the shop. I was actually the 3rd one to this shop, in a week to have it replaced. From what i read around on other forums, was once the stock one was replaced, they never had another problem with it agian. Ive got 13,500km on my 2004 Ram 1500, with the Hemi. Hope it helps, other then this, and my leaky grab handle, and the classic door seal torn, im happy with my truck, just unhappy with dealer warranty, but thats the same for everyone.

 

Yep - the OEM racks are garbage.

I had mine changed under warranty at 40000kms(March 2003) - and it's shot again at 65000kms.

Spoke to these guys: www.carsteering.com/steering_rack_and_pinion.htm

They say that rack and pinions do not belong in 4x4's.

Stealership wants $1K+ installed for the SOS with a 12 month warranty.

[sm=headbang.gif]

Solution - get a remanufactured unit with bushings that can actaully stand the pressure from the link above $400CAD for the part (exchange - 36M warranty).

Apparently - this takes care of the problem (they have had no returns on their improved '02 Dodge Ram racks to date).

Spoke to a Dodge mechanic - he's going to swap it for $80 cash (may or may not need a $50 alignment). Should be around half the price with triple the warranty.

The real kicker - the Dodge mechanic is an expert at it. He changed three Dodge Ram 1500 racks earlier that day!

Perhaps the cold weather up here is contributing to the failures - no excuse.

It's a good thing the 5.9 pulls like crazy and the truck looks so nice.

I hate to curse - but it feels like I bought a Furd...

Dave

 

All,

Thank you for taking the time to reply. Guess it comes down to "wait & see". Fortunately, I don't have to work my truck hard, a 2500 dually Q/C would be fun but I don't require more than I have (wouldn't work to have less either). I'm covered till 70,000 miles for most problems; hope though that I'm finished replacing big ticket parts.

My sister just brought home a special-order '05, top-of-the-line F250 Q/C - nice truck! Mine is the first Dodge truck in the family since 1972 (that's about 12 Fords, 3 Toyotas (2 used for Farm Use), 1 Chevy & my Dodge). This will give me an opportunity to compare basic mechanical reliability with other brands.

 

Mine started leaking between 8,000 and 9,000 miles. Replacement had to be ordered since rural dealer didn't stock it. I just heard it came in so back to another dealer appt. [sm=badbadbad.gif]

Mine is a '04 2WD 1500 w/V6 and is not taken off roading. Yes, 2 wheeling can be as much fun as 4 wheeling. It's more than just hardware, it physics and the drivers experience with that model. Like hydroplaning and momentum can help just as much as hurts.

 

My steering rack has failed twice on my 2002 1500 4x4 with 5.9L.

The first was at two years old with 30,000 kms and was covered under bumper-to-bumper.

Last week it failed again, but this time isn't being covered.

The failure resulted in a complete lack of steering (while at speed) and near crashes. It requires hulk-like effort to turn the wheel even 2 degrees after this happens.

If anyone wishes to discuss this matter, please call or write:
Sean Newman
Petawawa Ontario
(613)732-6139
karrie7@sympatico.ca

 

I've got an 02 4x4 with the same problem. The dealership want around $800. I only have 40,000 miles. Anyone have any luck getting this covered by Chrysler customer service? The dealership recommened I call them to see if they would cover any of it seeing as the low mileage. Just wondering if anyone has tried getting it covered after the bump to bumper has expired.

Thanks

 

To my surprise Chrysler customer service came through. After spending some time on the phone with them they are replacing my rack and pinion assembly and leaky crank seal for $150 even though the warranty has expired. The original estimate was $909. It pays to be persistant.

 

what are the symptoms of a rack/pinion steering going bad?