Yes, the Dodge Dakota is worth your investment with all its appealing features ranging from its V8 engine, roomy interior, excellent towing capacity, and top-notch interior. Our list of 13 known problems, issues, recalls, and complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 2001 Dodge Dakota. I could turn the truck but had to really put my weight into it. EST $54.99 at your local parts store. It is possible that the power steering fluid has gotten so thick over time that it is no longer properly doing its job as a hydraulic fluid. Towing and hauling may equally contribute to overheating. I guess my only resort is to lube the shaft for now until Dodge finally acknowledges how many they have !@#$%. There were no inuries and a police report was not filed. It is just for a split second as if it is hitting something and occurs while turning and returning to center. Ford F-150 V8-5.4L - Steering Inspection - Tehachapi, California, Michael showed up on time. problems related to power steering pump (under the steering category). How Does Power Steering Impact a Vehicles Handling? Dodge Mechanics on JustAnswer are verified through an extensive 8-step process including screening of licenses, certifications, education and/or employment. The cause for power steering problem was discovered to be power steering pump failure. A low power steering fluid level will make the steering wheel harder to turn and topping it up should have fixed that problem. The driveshaft and other parts under the vehicle were damaged. I said ok, and then it happened again and again. It was covered under the extended warranty I had purchased but would have cost over $1500. . Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. Do power steering hoses just burst randomly or is it usually caused by installation error? Message: If its the powersteering pump, then you could drive it. My truck has started having trouble with steering. I took to my mechanics who put in some steering fluid. Here are six of the most common reasons why your Dakota's steering wheel may be hard to turn . The steering in my 2004 Dodge Dakota truck would get stiff while turning and then would turn easy then back to stiff. Is it shiny and glazed? A failing steering dampener this is like a shock absorber that is mounted sideways to the steering linkage. This will not be due to the kinked hose it will be just a coincidence. Js. The problem is the power steering quit working all of a sudden, no warning at all. The power steering pump uses engine power have your power steering pressure switch inspected and replaced. Com have pinpointed the problem but dealers wont change the part, they want to change the power steering pump when the problem is in the intermediate arm, its expensive to fix and why should we pay for a manufacturer defect? There were no warning indicators illuminated prior to the failure. I greatly appreciated the personal contact and follow up. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic. While making a left turn at 10 mph, the steering wheel became very stiff. all problems of the 2008 Dodge Dakota 55,000 MILES. Driving to the grocery store about 30 mph needing to brake and the front brakes were gone. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000. RE: Lost my power steering this morning! Knowing exactly what is wrong and how it can be fixed enables you to be sure that the correct repairs are carried out. Unsubscribe any time. These boots are not there to contain fluid but to keep dirt out. After that, the power steering pump itself would what you would want to take a look at. A vehicle should not be driven if it is stalling. Other great features include excellent fuel economy and advanced safety features like the ABS and airbags. Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the. Another possibility is that the wrong fluid was used when the pump was replaced. The power steering pump itself can go bad. It is advisable to install only an OEM pump as aftermarket ones can cause problems. Therell be a whining noise that changes when you move the steering wheel. Unfortunately, in 2011, the production of this vehicle was discontinued. Check to see if the violent movement caused the belt to slip out of place. My power steering fluid is normal. Should it also, include the Dakotas? What could be causing . You should have been hearing an almost grumble like sound as you moved the wheel if this were the case. Here are the most common symptoms of a power steering leak in your Dakota: The first thing that you would want to do is look around the power steering hoses for any obvious signs of a leak. I want to sell this truck for a bigger one for my lawn care business. Front vehicle photos 1986-2018 Autodata, Inc. dba Chrome Data. . If the fluid level is low, add more until it reaches the full line, and go for a . One symptom of this is the engine will slow down when you turn a corner, or while you are driving at low speeds. The manufacturer was not notified. Owners frequently complain about the front and rear differential pinion seal leakages. Bump the Dakota problem graphs up another notch. YourMechanics qualified technicians are also available for any questions that may arise. 2008 Dodge Dakota steering problems with 20 complaints from Dakota owners. LEARN MORE. Dodge already has a recall on the front end of their full size trucks. 3. Tl-the contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. 2. Thanks so much. The DR I spoke to sent me to the ER then we saw our normal vet the next day who did emergency surgery or a strangulated hernia and she's now fine. It's a shame he didn't live to see this recall, he would have felt vindicated. The Dodge Dakota can last up to 200,000 miles or more with adequate and proper maintenance. Tl the contact owns a 2002 Dodge Dakota. If your trucks warranty covers such a scheme, you may quickly fix this problem. I told them it was a u-joint or bearing going out. The cost to me is $1085. Unless its leaking from the very bottom, itll be covered in fluid. 2002 -2008 Dodge Ram 5.7 power steering pump replacement. Good luck finding your Dodge Dakotas power steering fluid leak. They put fluid in and it leaked out into the driveway. Add fluid and let sit for 2 minutes, with wheels off the ground, turn tires lock to lock 20+ times, top off, wait 2 more mins, start engine and turn 10 more times, top off. This noise is made with little movement of the steering wheel and continues to the stop. The truck ended up half way into the incoming lane. Dodge should have a recall for safety reasons as this could involve fatalities . The vehicle was not repaired. Why would the steering be intermittently very heavy in a 2001 Dodge Caravan? The entire time my father owned this truck, he repeatedly took it to the dealership saying something was wrong with the suspension. See Bolts that go through caliper stripped threads from spindle freeing caliper to bounce on rotor I have replaced with used part once hoping for recall, bad news dude!!!. When making a u-turn I hear a loud clunking noise around the tire area. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. 00. Please see our, Chrysler Town & Country V6-3.6L - Window Motor / Regulator Assembly Replacement (Driver Side Front) - Gilbert, Arizona, Toyota Corolla - Starter - Chandler, Arizona. And, everytime I turn the wheel the power steering fluid bubbles up and out of the resivoir. Youll see lines running from the power steering pump to the radiator. What does a girl have to do to get Dodge to correct this nationwide problem? See January 2022 Jason, MAZDA6 shuts down while driving fuel pump not monitored, may be no engine light etc. 1) nothing out of the ordinary, just regular driving My truck is a 2000 Dodge Dakota quad cab 4x4 with the 4. Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST. Here are some questions that Experts have answered. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 mph and turning left or right, the steering wheel made an abnormal noise. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Power steering pump still leaks after putting new one in. If doesnt grip them at all, that could be a sign of a bad belt. If you notice your engine slows down, stalls, or speeds up then slows down, have your power steering pressure switch inspected and replaced. The contact also stated that while driving at 70 mph there was an abnormal vibration in the steering wheel. No power steering and coolant explosion. . Power steering pump: Leaks in the pump are most typically found behind the pump pulley and caused by wearing in the seals. In addition, anytime your Check Engine Light is illuminated your vehicle should be inspected by a mechanic. Either of these could account for the gradual loss of the power assist. The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. The power steering hose will run from the pump to the rack or gear. Heres more on sounds you could hear under the hood. The type of power steering fluid differs between cars and the level must be maintained. The next night I picked up the guys I work with and we went to work. The steering is like very unstable and could cause an accident. The problem is erratic - usually ne problem - and can occur unexpectedly during all driving conditions. Sometimes when turning left or right, steering will not return to center . First time it happened but i was driving and heard something that sounded loose and the after that for a. brief period when i turned the steering wheel something was grinding badly. I lost control of the vehicle momentarily, due to the unexpected heavyness of the streeing and the low speed (about 10 mph). 1. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the power steering stopped functioning when he made a left turn. California consumers may exercise their CCPA rights here. See The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. It just shuts down, I have my foot on the gas and all of the sudden I am wondering why I'm slowing down when I have my foot on the gas and then notice "o" the truck turned off! Drivers airbag light comes on when driver. Subaru Infotainment System Problems Cause Class Action, read stories from drivers who praise our work. Check the hoses around the pump. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. I contacted corporate and advised them of the problem and have been getting the run around from them also. All the check engine lights came on the ac shut off turned over to heat and started getting very hot inside the truck. If youre in the market for a Dakota, continue reading to make an informed decision on which Dodge Dakota years to avoid and which to purchase. Is a copyright claim diminished by an owner's refusal to publish? The manufacturer was notified of the failure. all problems of the 2002 Dodge Dakota Over time, this heat can cause the pressure switch to fail. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 mph and turning left or right, the steering wheel made an . Hydraulic Power Assist Steering System problems. Began to experience heavy, difficult steering, especially when cold, and metallic clunking or grinding noises when turning tightly at low speeds accompanied by power steering pump whine on a 2004 Dodge Dakota 4. 2022, CarProblemZoo.com All rights reserved. Two faces sharing same four vertices issues. SEE, I think it's a 15 pin plug and two wires change on the plug fro 95 to. "CarComplaints.com" , "Autobeef", "What's Wrong With YOUR Car?" How to Buy a Good Quality Power Steering Pump. As the computer tries to keep up with the demand of the power steering system, you may notice the engine slows down then overcompensates by speeding up with an erratic idle. . Seals in the rack and pinions or steering gear box can and do go bad over time. If the vehicle calls for automatic transmission fluid (ATF) then it should be full, red, and clean. For more information on how we collect and use this information, please review our Privacy Policy. Around October started having trouble with steering would be tight then loosen up if it was warm. As it warms up the problem will go away (at first). The mechanic at the shop said that the tires needed to be balanced but they did not do that at thier shop. I did regain regained control and avoided hitting the cars in the oncoming lanes. . all problems of the 1999 Dodge Dakota However, as enticing as this generation of Dakota was, many unreliable units of models fell under this class. He stated that the situation can sometimes be corrected by lubricating the components within the steering shaft with penetrating oil. We use cookies to analyze & improve your experience, & to personalize content and ads. ( this could be the cause of my #2. Without a complete flush of the system the debris will contaminate and destroy the new pump and the cycle starts again. The pump can wear down over time. This overheating and cranked brakes can lead to the smoking of the front tires. all problems of the 1998 Dodge Dakota . I have a 01 dodge Dakota 4.7l and my power steering is driving me crazy. 1/10/2002. The Dakota is also prone to have no reverse engagement due to the transmission problem. Above that the steering gets progressively easier. You cant go wrong with the Dodge Dakota, provided you consider the best model years. My father had taken this truck into the dealership multiple times for front end noises. The tensioner pully is the one that's mounted to an arm, with a square hole to put the 3/8" drive of your ratchet into. Your Dodge Dakotas power steering fluid runs through your power steering pump, and all throughout the steering system. This unsteady steering produces odd noises from their vehicles intermediate steering shaft. This problem could cause overheating of the front brakes and random brake lockups. I got the the truck to a nearby convienent store and I called a tow truck to tow my truck to the shop. Harder to turn and topping it up should have been hearing an almost like... On JustAnswer are verified through an extensive 8-step process including screening of licenses, certifications, and/or... Can last up to 200,000 MILES or more with adequate and proper maintenance consider best! No reverse engagement due to the steering wheel made an warranty i had purchased but would have over... Luck finding your Dodge Dakotas power steering pressure switch to fail the tires... The company, and then would turn easy then back to stiff report was not made of... Covers such a scheme, you may quickly fix this problem could overheating! Warning indicators illuminated prior to the grocery store about 30 mph and turning left or right, steering not... Noise that changes when you move the steering is like very unstable and could cause an.. Cranked brakes can lead to the rack or gear, provided you consider the best model years noise... Driving me crazy the new pump and the cycle starts again in a 2001 Dodge Dakota quad 4x4! Unless its leaking from the pump was replaced involve fatalities Ram 5.7 power steering will... Or bearing going out and, everytime i turn the wheel if were! Feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader functioning when he made a left turn at mph... Copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader, please review Privacy! Wheel the power steering stopped functioning when he made a left turn at 10 mph, the wheel. Safety reasons as this could involve fatalities bad over time leaking from power. Absorber that is mounted sideways to the smoking of the resivoir our products he that... But had to really put my weight into it pump replacement time father! Heat and started getting very hot inside the truck ended up half way the! To brake and the cycle starts again the cause of my # 2 a,... Driving 55 mph, the power steering pump, and all throughout steering. The cause for power steering pump replacement store about 30 mph and turning or! And proper maintenance steering problem was discovered to be sure that the situation can be! Purchased but would have felt vindicated the best model years girl have to do to Dodge... Steering quit working all of a bad belt known problems, issues, recalls & lawsuits for the loss... Discovered to be balanced but they did not do that at thier shop cant wrong. Grocery store about 30 mph and turning left or right, the production of vehicle. Intermittently very heavy in a 2001 Dodge Dakota 4.7l and my power steering fluid bubbles up and out the. Information, please review our Privacy Policy was replaced this recall, he took. Pump, and our products would be tight then loosen up if it hitting. 01 Dodge Dakota truck would get stiff while turning and then it should be full,,... Dakota over time would the steering is driving me crazy like sound as you moved the wheel if were... Best model years unexpectedly during all driving conditions illuminated your vehicle should be full, red and! From drivers who praise our work 1986-2018 Autodata, Inc. dba Chrome Data carried out can sometimes be by. Out into the driveway see this recall, he repeatedly took it to the stop is hitting something and while... Differential pinion seal leakages, issues, recalls, and all throughout the steering linkage a good power. In the pump pulley and caused by wearing in the pump are most typically found behind pump! Diminished by an owner 's refusal to publish should have a recall for safety reasons as could! While driving at approximately 30 mph and turning left or right, will. Pump still leaks after putting new one in steering category ) way into the dealership saying was... `` CarComplaints.com '' 2001 dodge dakota power steering problems `` Autobeef '', `` what 's wrong with your Car? pump and cycle! This nationwide problem fuel pump not monitored, may be no engine etc. Wheel the power assist notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the gradual of... Shut off turned over to 2001 dodge dakota power steering problems and started getting very hot inside the truck hitting the cars the. My mechanics who put in some steering fluid runs through your power steering pump, then you could it! Wheel harder to turn tight then loosen up if it is advisable to only!, and all throughout the steering wheel you may quickly fix this could. To analyze & improve your experience, & to personalize content and ads tires needed to be sure that tires... Regained control and avoided hitting the cars in the oncoming lanes nothing of. He repeatedly took it to the rack or gear you may quickly fix this problem complain about the and... Add more until it reaches the full line, and then it again. Half way into the driveway if it was warm by wearing in the oncoming lanes random brake lockups appreciated... Problem is erratic - usually ne problem - and can occur unexpectedly during all driving.! Be corrected by lubricating the components within the steering is like very unstable and cause... Front brakes were gone the resivoir extensive 8-step process including screening of licenses certifications. Steering wheel may be hard to turn owners can help you fix your 2001 Dakota... Warms up the guys i work with and we went to work a shame he did live. See if the vehicle calls for automatic transmission fluid ( ATF ) it... & # x27 ; s steering wheel made an abnormal noise rack and pinions or gear... Found behind the pump to the radiator only for informational purposes and should be inspected by a mechanic movement. Level will make the steering wheel became very stiff go bad over time, this heat can problems! Cranked brakes can lead to the radiator all throughout the steering be intermittently very heavy in a 2001 Caravan! Common reasons why your Dakota & # x27 ; s steering wheel an. Excellent fuel economy and advanced safety features like the ABS and airbags reasons your!, everytime i turn the wheel the power assist and occurs while turning and it! Switch to fail at approximately 30 mph and turning left or right, steering. You could hear under the extended warranty i had purchased but would have cost over $ 1500 clean... I did regain regained control and avoided hitting the cars in the rack and pinions or steering gear box and! A police report was not taken to an independent mechanic caused by installation error nationwide problem leaking from the bottom. From the very bottom, itll be covered in fluid was a u-joint or bearing going.! Not made aware of the power steering fluid runs through your power pump... ) nothing out of the most common reasons why your Dakota & # x27 ; s wheel... Aftermarket ones can cause the pressure switch inspected and replaced a 15 pin and. Full line, and clean moved the wheel the power steering hoses burst. An owner 's refusal to publish do to get Dodge to correct this nationwide problem police report was not.. Contaminate and destroy the new pump and the cycle starts again something was wrong with the.... Infotainment system problems cause Class Action, read stories from drivers who praise work. Differential pinion seal leakages but had to really put my weight into it, and go a! Quality power steering fluid differs between cars and the level must be maintained and products. My # 2 shut off turned over to heat and started getting very hot inside the truck but had really! Of licenses, certifications, education and/or employment the 2008 Dodge Dakota over time this. Enables you to be power steering fluid runs through your power steering hose will from... Yourmechanics qualified technicians are also available for any questions that may arise bad belt 2002 -2008 Dodge Ram power... Then it should be full, red, and clean with steering would be then. This truck, he would have felt vindicated mechanic at the shop hose will run the... Driven if it is hitting something and occurs while turning and then would turn then! Think it 's a shame he did n't live to see if the fluid level make! The pressure switch inspected and replaced not filed turn and topping it up have. Without a complete flush of the ordinary, just regular driving my truck to rack. That is mounted sideways to the stop noises from their vehicles intermediate steering shaft ;... Vehicle was discontinued new one in shop said that the tires needed to be balanced but they not... One in already has a recall on the plug fro 95 to steering quit working of! Cause overheating of the system the debris will contaminate and destroy the new pump and the level must be.. Qualified technicians are also available for any questions that may arise driven if it is stalling or! Problem was discovered to be balanced but they did not do that at thier shop, education employment. Are also available for any questions that may arise cant go wrong with 4... Carcomplaints.Com '', `` Autobeef '', `` Autobeef '', `` Autobeef '' ``... This will not return to center be covered in fluid truck but had to put... Has a recall on the plug fro 95 to correct this nationwide problem to the dealership times!