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Rich
Dodge Dakota
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1/15/2006
18:43:25

Subject: steering
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I have a '98 4wd dakota, and I've been having problems with the steering when it's cold. When it's really cold, below 30 degrees usually, the steering feels as if it's still locked up. Usually it's only for a second when you first start it up, and only when the engine is cold. As I said, it's only for a second, then I can hear some kind of noise from the front end, but not sure how to explain the noise. After I hear this, the steering is fine, and if I have my hand on the steering, I can feel the steering loosen up, as soon as I hear the noise. Also, if I start it up, and wait for this to happen, I can shut it off, and start it up right away, and it's fine. This morning, it was about 20 degrees out, and when I started it up, the steering felt like it was locked up for about a minute before it loosened up. I replaced the pump, thinking that was the problem, but it wasn't, so any help would be great.



Trevor
Dodge Dakota
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1/15/2006
20:55:32

RE: steering
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Does the noise sound like a weird car horn? The power steering pump fluid is cold, and when it is cold out my truck makes that weird carn horn sound, so does my Dads 95 1500. I think it is the power steering pump, its nothing to worry about.



caulk04
GenIII
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1/16/2006
02:13:12

RE: steering
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"When it's really cold, below 30 degrees"

Hah...you ain't seen cold yet :-P

For me, I hear a strange noise like that immediately after I start it for no more than 2sec. Temp must be below ~10º for this. Steering is a little stiff for a min or two till the fluid gets circulating and warmed up a little.

I'm assuming that when you changed the pump you flushed the fluid and re-filled with fresh ATF+4? Could always try some Amsoil synthetic.

'02 CC 4x4 4.7 HO
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2147050 <- Check it out!

RadioMan
Dodge Dakota
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1/16/2006
13:40:01

RE: steering
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Rack and pinion seals I bet.




DakRat
Dodge Dakota
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1/16/2006
17:55:15

RE: steering
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RadioMan Rack and pinion seals I bet.
Nice try Grasshopper, 98 4X does not use rack and pinion.




Rich
Dodge Dakota
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1/16/2006
18:29:31

RE: steering
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I didn't flush the system, but it seemed to work better for a while after I installed the new pump. I'm guessing that it was only until the new fluid mixed with the old, but I didn't use ATF+4, just the standard power steering fluid from wal mart. I think my next step will be to flush the system, and use synthetic. Hopefully that'll fix my problem. And yes, it does sound something like a weird air horn.



RadioMan
Dodge Dakota
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1/17/2006
06:38:39

RE: steering
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You sure about the 98 4X4 doesn't have rack
and pinion steering, DakRat? I had a 98 4X4
and I'd bet a cup of jo it did.

How bout it Rich... Your 98 4X4 have rack and
pinion steering? If you don't know, have someone
look for you.





Rustwrenches
Dodge Dakota
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1/17/2006
13:29:37

RE: steering
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I have a 98 Dakota 4x4 and can say for sure mine does not have rack and pinion steering.



Rich
Dodge Dakota
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1/17/2006
16:44:48

RE: steering
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I know for sure that it doesn't have rack and pinion steering, because I had the gear box pulled out of it already to replace the pitman arm.



DakRat
Dodge Dakota
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1/17/2006
17:45:16

RE: steering
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Looks like someone owes me a cup of jo.



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