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Kurt
Dodge Dakota
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10/25/2005
03:37:43
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 Subject: Play in Steering ?
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Message:
I have a 93 Dakota 4X4 with the 5.2...120,000 miles
Checked the ball joints, fortunatley they are perfect.
When i drive down the road I have about 1.5" of free play in my steering wheel before the truck reacts to the steering. Tie rod ends seem good? Is this common? Perhaps its the pitman arm or idler arm bushings?
Any suggestions?
Thanks!!
- Kurt
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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10/25/2005
09:41:23
|  RE: Play in Steering ?
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It's pretty common in all vehicles. R&P is a little less so than a box, but still common. Over the miles things wear out. There's a little wear here, and a little there. It all adds up over time, and there you are.
Have someone turn the wheel back and forth that 1.5" while you watch the steering mechanism. You'll be able to see all the little places where you have excess movement. The rag joint is one of the most common places, plan on replacing that first.
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Kurt
Dodge Dakota
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10/25/2005
16:42:41
| RE: Play in Steering ?
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Which one is the rag joint? Where is it?
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.boB
Dodge Dakota
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10/25/2005
18:26:26
| RE: Play in Steering ?
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The rag joint is somewhere in the lower column, usually just above the connection to the steering rack or box. It's made out of a fiber material (hence the name "rag joint"). More correctly called a flex joint. It's purpose is to be soft and flexible to absorbe road feel. In performance applications, it's replaced with a U-joint.
It's usually about 6" around. Think of a washer with abolt through it. Take a look and you'll see it.
Here's an interesting article that may help you: http://www.off-road.com/dodge/ramcharger/tech_tips/SteerSlop.html
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Kurt
Dodge Dakota
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10/27/2005
16:58:15
| RE: Play in Steering ?
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Message:
I cannot find this rag joint anywhere? Is it inside the cab or outside. There does not seem to be one at all on the steering shaft anyone got any pics of one?
For now I have traced back the most amount of play in my pitman arm - likely 75% of it. I am looking to order both outer tie rod ends and the idler arm while I am in there....
anything else I should do while I have ripped apart? My ball joints are A-ok.
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