2004 Dodge Dakota Power Steering

Tiny
TL1369
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 DODGE DAKOTA
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 78,000 MILES
The power steering in our Dakota constantly goes in and out. It will "lock" and "unlock" with every turn, going between "arm-strong" and power steering. We checked the fluid and it's full and is NOT discolored. Thank you for your input.
Friday, November 20th, 2009 AT 11:02 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
KNOWYOURAUTO
  • MECHANIC
  • 113 POSTS
First I need you to do a quick test. When the vehicle is sitting at a stop and the wheel is turned, starting from the far right and then all the way to the left, does it bind in the same spot as you turn it back and forth. Maybe in only one direction at the same spot?

Second, does the steering act up when turning at speeds of 10mph or more? If so is it tighter, looser and is it in one or both directions.

Please post back with the information and we will determine the problem.

Regards.
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Friday, November 20th, 2009 AT 4:46 PM
Tiny
TL1369
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Seems to catch in same spot when stopped and turning wheel. Catches in voth directions. No difference above or below 10mph. Catches in both directions when driving as well. Thank you for your input.
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Saturday, November 21st, 2009 AT 11:11 AM
Tiny
KNOWYOURAUTO
  • MECHANIC
  • 113 POSTS
Because this happens in both directions your steering gear/steering rack has been ruled out. Because the speed of the engine doe not change the symptom, the power steering is ruled out.

The most likely cause is called the intermediate steering shaft. There has been a lot of failures especially in areas where it rains or snows more, like Canada and upper Midwestern to eastern U.S. Replacing this shaft only takes about and hour and is available only from the dodge dealer.

Please post back if you need more information or find a solution to the problem.

Good luck.
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Saturday, November 21st, 2009 AT 1:29 PM
Tiny
TL1369
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
First, thank you so much for your help. I will be using this site again and making donations! I just have one more question for you I called the dealer to order the shaft and they asked if I needed the upper or lower shaft. She said that the lower is below the firwall and is usually what goes out but I wasn't sure if there is a way to tell which it is? Any ideas? Thank you.
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Monday, November 23rd, 2009 AT 9:17 AM
Tiny
KNOWYOURAUTO
  • MECHANIC
  • 113 POSTS
I did forget to mention that it is the LOWER shaft as they recommended. The upper shaft has never failed that I am aware of.

Please post positive feedback for us or post back if you have more questions.

Again, Good luck with your project!
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Monday, November 23rd, 2009 AT 9:25 AM

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