Power steering problem after having the control arms replaced?

B-RYAN JOEL ORT-Z

MEMBER
2006 DODGE DAKOTA
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
180,000 MILES

A few months ago, we changed the upper control arms, we went into the shop with a working power steering we exited with new upper control arms, but a useless power steering. It is really hard to turn but when you lift the front end it works great, we changed the power steering pump, no change whatsoever. Changed the belt still nothing. We are using the correct fluid and too the normal levels it should be on, but it's still the same we have tried 2 new pumps since we had warranty, we thought maybe the first pump was faulty so we changed it again for a new one and still no luck please no shop here knows what it could be. They're all just guessing but these parts are not cheap.

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,244 POSTS

Hi,

The idea that it is easy when lifted makes sense. There is no resistance on the tires from the weight.

Was the only thing repaired the upper control arms? If so, I suspect there is something not put together correctly. Although there is no resistance when it is lifted when you set it down, the suspension lowers and things can touch. Have you tried having a helper turn the steering while the truck is on the ground to make sure nothing is rubbing?

Let me know that. Also, if you look below, I attached what that manual provides in the event of hard turning. It is very limited. However, since it started after the work was done, something had to be damaged or put together incorrectly.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.

Image (Click to make bigger)