2000 Dodge Dakota Steering wheel slips

Tiny
MCISIEBS
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 DODGE DAKOTA
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 135,000 MILES
I recently had a front end alignment done. My steering wheel "slips" and the pickup will turn slightly to the left or right. This happens paricularly when braking or accelerating. The steering wheel is in a position that looks like I'm making a quarter turn to the right when out of line (although it still drives straight) and will slip back to a straight ahead position after accelerating. Any suggestions?
Wednesday, December 10th, 2008 AT 7:05 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
I would have the rack and pinion unit checked out to see if it has any problems and I would also check to make sure that the tie rod ends are tight and the the jam nut it tight. Thanks and let me know what you find.
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Wednesday, December 10th, 2008 AT 8:25 PM
Tiny
MCISIEBS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I first called the shop that did the alignment. They also said it sounds like the rack & pinion, and that it might be covered under a mfg recall. I called the dealer and described the problem. They said it sounded like an issue that happens very occasionally with alignments. They said it sounds like the control arm didn't get tight enough and that some of the shims may have come loose or even out. I brought it back to the place that did the original alignment, and they had to redo the alignment. Sure enough, it works great.
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Thursday, December 18th, 2008 AT 12:22 PM
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
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Great glad to hear it. Every once in a while as we are human we forget or over look something. Thanks for the update, if you need anything else just ask.
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Friday, December 19th, 2008 AT 10:34 AM

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