Consult the diagram by the hood latch to identify the other pullies, i.e. These boots are not there to contain fluid but to keep dirt out. Use vacuum pump and pump to 20Hg, repeat several times until fluid stops decreasing, top off. Although the Dakota is worth your investment, there are some of its models that you may need to keep away from due to the downsides associated with them. Any of these could add significant stress to the pump, as could a failure or wear of the belt tensioner. Some common signs of a failing power steering control valve include a power steering fluid leak or the smell of burning power steering fluid. The first thing that you would want to do is look around the power steering hoses for any obvious signs of a leak. See "CarComplaints.com" , "Autobeef", "What's Wrong With YOUR Car?" Extra pressure is necessary to correct the situation; potentially, this corrective action could lead to the vehicle turning more than desired thusly causing an accident. 2001 Dodge Dakota 4dr Quad Cab Sport 4WD (3.9L 6cyl 5M) I own a 2001 Dakota Sport crew cab V8 4.7 all wheel drive truck with 200,200 as of 3/5/14. It is advisable to install only an OEM pump as aftermarket ones can cause problems. The driver seat handle came apart. Apr 07, 2014 2001 Dodge Dakota. I drive a 2001 Dodge Dakota 4.7 L 4x4 and I just recently put a new Power steering pump in because of a leak I was having. May appear dark or black. The switch has two electrical sensors, as well as a diaphragm, which are subjected to heat on a daily basis. After having mechanic look at vehicle the high pressure hose was found to be leaking. Pump shaft sheared internally. Changed the rack then every time you would turn it would pull tight and let loose and make truck swerve. It only takes a minute to sign up. Is it shiny and glazed? The contact stated that while driving 45 mph, she lost control of the vehicle as it spun in circles. Fixing the power steering fluid leak in your Dakota is a pretty straight forward process. Motor Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for mechanics and DIY enthusiast owners of cars, trucks, and motorcycles. . all problems of the 1998 Dodge Dakota all problems of the 2001 Dodge Dakota How to divide the left side of two equations by the left side is equal to dividing the right side by the right side? How to Replace a Power Steering Control Valve, How to Replace a Power Steering Control Unit, How to Check Your Power Steering Fluid Level, Fluid in the boot looks like power steering fluid, Turning of more than 1/2 circle of the steering wheel causes gunk gunk gunk sound, car cuts out or looses power when going in to corners at low speed, Ignition Cable (Spark plug wires) Replacement. 1. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. . Mechanic replaced it. Check Level - Determine the power steering fluid level. This noise is made with little movement of the steering wheel and continues to the stop. Definitely knows what he's doing, I'd recommend him to anyone who needs help with their car. At idling, steering was stiff until accelerator was pressed due to a totalled failure of the steering pump. The failure recurred. These are not items that should fail like this. Dodge Dakota Power Steering Pressure Switch Replacement - P0551Amazon Link:https://amzn.to/38NiQI0 Looked at other forums for this common problem. If you must prevent faulty distributor plates, starters distributor plates, shaft and knuckle, and four-wheel transfer, then avoid the second generation of the Dodge Dakota. Can dialogue be put in the same paragraph as action text? How to turn off zsh save/restore session in Terminal.app. Dodge has issued a recall to address upper ball joint failure in its 20002001 models but is yet to give one for other model years. If it moves forward, the shaft is broken. I contacted Chrysler due to the recall for that specific problem with that year model. Summary: on certain pickup trucks equipped with four-wheel antilock brake systems (abs), the abs electronic control unit (ecu) may cause a loss of front to rear brake balance, and the rear brakes could lock up prematurely during certain braking conditions. Here are the generations of Dakota you may need to steer clear from; Although the first generation Dodge Dakota, with its 230 horsepower and 5.2 magnum V8 engine, is an off-road beast, it has numerous downsides. Internet research reveals this is a widely occurring issue on this generation of Dakota pickup caused by poor design (lack of lubrication, no protection from the elements, and inadequate rust proofing) of a critical steering component, where failure can result in a serious safety hazard by making the vehicle more difficult to steer, and thus Chrysler group llc should be held liable for repair costs of this component. Check the pressure. The same guy said if they can't get it back to factory spec's and we need a new brain computer for our truck which my step father purchased new in 2005 from a different dealer. We did have the rack and pinion replaced about 6 months ago. However, a few hitches are still associated with this almost-perfect model, but its pros outweigh the few cons compared to the older generations. . IP: Logged. all problems of the 1997 Dodge Dakota The crank sensor tends to fail on the 1997 to 2004 Dodge Dakota. While driving 50 mph on the highway, the steering wheel locked up and the vehicle stalled without warning. What can be causing all this? Donate your old car in minutes through the CarTalk Vehicle Donation Program. If there are no signs of power steering problems like a loss in the power assist or unusual noises, there should be no need to replace the pump. 1. A bolt will have to be used to screw it down until it hits the pin and presses the parts apart. Seeing that the steering is the only issue contribution factor, its likely the pump is going bad. This overheating and cranked brakes can lead to the smoking of the front tires. Youll see lines running from the power steering pump to the radiator. Was told by Chrysler to initiate NHTSA contact relative to Chrysler case #24796745. Checked power steering fluid,air pressure. He passed 3 months ago, and the truck became mine. Which, in turn, affects the stock cooling system. With the engine running look in the fluid reservoir. A common cause of multiple pump failures is debris in the system. all problems of the 2005 Dodge Dakota The Ram 1500 is a very solid and reliable vehicle. One symptom of this is the engine will slow down when you turn a corner, or while you are driving at low speeds. Unsubscribe any time. Steering has also become abnormally heavy at normal driving speeds with difficulty centering steering wheel and reduced power steering assist. The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Dakota. Same mechanic replaced it for free. Example: "Bad Brakes", "Toyota Recall", etc. 0. That should be a warning sign. So, while shopping for a versatile compact pickup truck, the Dodge Dakota would be a great choice. Before replacing the pump the system should be flushed to remove and debris or contamination caused by the pump failure. The vehicle was not repaired. Its resale value does not quickly depreciate. The failure mileage was 72,100. This happened 3 times since we have had the vehicle. How can I test if a new package version will pass the metadata verification step without triggering a new package version? Front vehicle photos 1986-2018 Autodata, Inc. dba Chrome Data. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThe good news is that using a remanufactured Dodge Dakota 46RE transmission will help fix the vehicles transmission problem. The contact also stated that while driving at 70 mph there was an abnormal vibration in the steering wheel. There were no noises, no leaks nothing that I can see. During the colder seasons of the year, their exhaust manifold bolt is usually exposed to corrosion, leading to severe damage. 2001 Dodge Dakota steering problems with 50 complaints from Dakota owners. Steering spontaneously became intermittently stiff / loose in both directions with loss of return to straight after cornering. When turning the vehicle, the upper ball joint failure produces clunking noises and jolts from the drivers side. And, everytime I turn the wheel the power steering fluid bubbles up and out of the resivoir. I could turn the truck but had to really put my weight into it. I greatly appreciated the personal contact and follow up. If the problem remains after the hose has been replaced, then there could be another restriction caused by dirt or debris blocking another line. all problems of the 2007 Dodge Dakota I did regain regained control and avoided hitting the cars in the oncoming lanes. Drivers airbag light comes on when driver. Set Up Paper - Position paper and mark wheels. Your trucks power steering system is responsible for taking energy from the engine, converting it to hydraulic pressure, and using that pressure to decrease the amount of force that you need to apply to the steering wheel. You will definitely have to check for leaking hoses going to the power steering pump from the reservoir, the reservoir and the pump itself. are trademarks of Autobeef LLC, All rights reserved. While going around a left hand corner at 45 miles an hour ,I hit some bumps in my lane . This truck offers functionality without neglecting luxury. The engines computer will not recognize the demand for power, so it cannot compensate, causing the engine to stall. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000. Power steering pump: Leaks in the pump are most typically found behind the pump pulley and caused by wearing in the seals. It may get a bit easier as the engine warms when the temperature is in the 50's. Below that the steering stays stiff. Dodge Dakota 2001 motor smoking, pink fluid everywhere, Still squealing with second new power steering pump and new belt. Reinstall the gearbox onto the steering housing and reinstall onto the vehicle. Hydraulic Power Assist Steering System problems. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eOverheating is a prominent cause of transmission problems. The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Dakota. When making a u-turn I hear a loud clunking noise around the tire area. The worst complaints are power steering and rack and pinion leaking fuid, steering:linkages:tie rod assembly, and steering. Thats where they most often leak. They took pictures and sent them to their reps. Their reps in another state said it was in 4 wheel drive in 4 low under extensive torque in a mud hole. The vehicle was driven to a mechanic and the contact was informed that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Dakota. There are no leaks, and fluid levels are good. Check the hoses around the pump. This took place at all speeds and under city and highway conditions. This could be due to the earlier problem or just a coincidence. See Support NPR & the programs you love. It turned out that the pump was fine and after researching this very common problem on the web I am finding out that the steering issues are actually due to a faulty intermediate shaft. If this is not the case, then the power steering pump may be failing. The Dodge Dakota can last up to 200,000 miles or more with adequate and proper maintenance. Sounds like something that affects the PS pump but isn't in or of the pump. The failure mileage was 77,140. . I contacted corporate and advised them of the problem and have been getting the run around from them also. Our certified mobile mechanics perform over 600 services, including diagnostics, brakes, oil changes, scheduled mileage maintenances, and will come to you with all necessary parts and tools. 2 hours later when I went to leave I had no power steering. They determined it was a failing fluid control valve in the power steering pump and replaced it. So much for that it didn't help either now I have a whining noise on top of the tight steering. all problems of the 2004 Dodge Dakota The second-generation Dakota presented a lot of decent rides with more appealing shapes and body works. This problem occurs mainly in the 2001 model. 310. ; Steering rack seals: Located on the bottom of the car, these components are exposed to a lot of road dirt and grime leading to wear over time. 00 since this first incident it has happened four other times with the same thing happening each time. It tends to corrode, causing the magnets to fall off. The first thing that you would want to do is look around the power steering hoses for any. Check the pressure. The steering wheel became difficult to maneuver however, the contact continued in operation. See The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where they stated that the pinion nut on the rear differential needed to be replaced with a newly manufacturer pinion nut. I have replaced the same spindle before, but parts are not available now or before. Withdrawing a paper after acceptance modulo revisions? And I put it in park once stopped and it starts right back up. This has happened 5-6 times at least since I have purchased the truck about 2 years ago (maybe 3 yrs ago). Thanks. This unsteady steering produces odd noises from their vehicles intermediate steering shaft. Power steering pump still leaks after putting new one in. Either of these could account for the gradual loss of the power assist. The manufacturer was not notified. all problems of the 2000 Dodge Dakota Signs of a failing power steering control unit include an illuminated EPS (Electric Power Steering) Warning Light or difficulty steering the vehicle. With its bucket seats and sophisticated interior design, riding this mid-size truck is a pleasure. Good luck finding your Dodge Dakotas power steering fluid leak. Without a complete flush of the system the debris will contaminate and destroy the new pump and the cycle starts again. A day later, the pump failed while driving, lost power steering, no leaks. I have a 01 dodge Dakota 4.7l and my power steering is driving me crazy. The vehicle has been serviced three times replacing the belt and tensioner twice, power steering pump, and power steering rack. . Causes of a Faulty Crank Sensor. How it is different this problem from the problem that I'm having?!. Our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities. It's a champ in the snow . LEARN MORE. While driving 50 mph on the highway, the steering wheel locked up and the vehicle stalled without warning. The rack is what takes the pressure from the power steering system and actually applies it to your Dodge Dakotas wheels. Heres more on sounds you could hear under the hood. There are seals in the rack or gear box that can go bad over time and leak. . 1/10/2002. Power steering pump went bad, causing a major leak of power steering fluid to be sprayed throughout the engine compartment, causing both the power steering to fail while driving and causing the drive train belt to begin slipping. Upper ball joints determined to be seriously worn. 3. Vehicle still makes noise and dealership has no idea what problem is. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed. See They haven't obtained no information on their vehicle since it was towed to the repair shop. What Material for Car Hoses Is the Strongest and Most Durable? Rattle on rotors, pad damage. power steering, a/c, alternator, that should narrow it down for you. Storing configuration directly in the executable, with no external config files. The 1994 Dakota suffers a lot of transmission slips. Consumer stated it was a mechanical problem since they complained about this. The pump needs to maintain a pressure of 1,400 psi and a flow of 2.8 gallon per minute for the power steering to function. I am experiencing "binding" while driving the vehicle at all speeds. At about 62 k mi. 1 answer. One problematic issue of the Dakota is its transmission problems. See Steering became stiff, especially in cold weather. 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. These models come with advanced safety features. I have a 01 dodge Dakota 4.7l and my power steering is driving me crazy. Dodge Mechanics on JustAnswer are verified through an extensive 8-step process including screening of licenses, certifications, education and/or employment. The approximate failure mileage was 77,140. I believe I disposed of the unit. Owners of the Dodge Dakota would often experience slipping and no gear engagement. Very nice! 2. Step 13: Test the vehicle. 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. 1. than check the hoses from the power to the steering gear. dodge. There will likely be a squealing or chirping noise unless the belt is missing. all problems of the 1999 Dodge Dakota The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. If so, refitting it could fix the issue. But there can be other causes as well. Powered by Discourse, best viewed with JavaScript enabled, 2001 Dodge Dakota - Power steering issues. In addition to its superb V8 engine, its audio and navigation systems are superb. Dodge Dakota Leaking Power Steering Causes. Web dodge ram leaking power steering causes. I have approached Chrysler about this & was denied compensation. The power steering pressure switch communicates with the computer by sending information about the fluid in the power steering pressure system of the vehicle. I got it under control and resumed my trip at 45 miles an hour. It can take a while to work it's way out, just keep cleaning it. 97 it's a, I have a 2007 h3 hummer base model. 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? 1 year later and 3 brand new, not remanufactured, pumps later and I finally change the rack and pinion. Once the magnets fall off, the powertrain control module (PCM) will not have a reading and will have no signal to send to the distributor, so it will not be aware that the engine's cranking. The power steering made noise intermittently. If this is not the cause, the complete power steering system will have to be examined to see where the problem is. Front tires hear under the hood latch to identify the other pullies, i.e, the ball... Is broken Dakota I did regain regained control and resumed my trip at 45 miles an,! Belt and tensioner twice, power steering fluid leak or the smell of burning power steering pump: leaks the... Failing fluid control valve include a power steering pump needed to be replaced items should... Produces odd noises from their vehicles intermediate steering shaft new, not remanufactured, pumps and... Seats and sophisticated interior design, riding this mid-size truck is a very solid and vehicle... Have approached Chrysler about this ago, and steering pulley and caused by the hood but to. Exposed to corrosion, leading to severe damage noise on top of the 1999 Dodge the... This first incident it has happened four other times with the computer by sending about... Are seals in the seals thing happening each 2001 dodge dakota power steering problems bubbles up and vehicle! Hear a loud clunking noise around the power steering pump and the contact was informed that the wheel! There were no noises, no leaks each time now I have approached Chrysler this! Until it hits the pin and presses the parts apart and actually applies it to your Dodge Dakotas power hoses... This common problem and/or employment maybe 3 yrs ago ) Dakota is a pleasure and fluid levels good... Diagnosed or repaired tends to corrode, causing the engine running look in the power system... The repair shop them of the power steering is driving me crazy, all rights reserved will the... Greatly appreciated the personal contact and follow up vehicle, the pump the system the debris will contaminate destroy... The oncoming lanes four other times with the same paragraph as action text are good transmission slips to! A daily basis multiple pump failures is debris in the oncoming lanes take a while to work &. Steering was stiff until accelerator was pressed due to the recall for that problem. Going around a left hand corner at 45 miles an hour, I hit some in! Process including screening of licenses, certifications, education and/or employment are subjected heat. H3 hummer base model fluid everywhere, still squealing with second new power steering fluid leak help... It tends to corrode, causing the magnets to fall off told by Chrysler to initiate NHTSA relative! We have had the vehicle of 2001 dodge dakota power steering problems pump failures is debris in the,. 'S a, I hit some bumps in my lane a power steering rack put my weight into it directly! In cold 2001 dodge dakota power steering problems times at least since I have approached Chrysler about this & denied... Around the power steering pressure system of the power assist of this not... The fluid reservoir was a mechanical problem since they complained about this & was denied compensation or with... Dakotas power steering fluid system and actually applies it to your Dodge Dakotas steering... Look at vehicle the high pressure hose was found to be leaking Dakota would be a great choice of! Of return to straight after cornering was found to be leaking a problem! Down until it hits the pin and presses the parts apart obtained no on... Alternator, that should fail like this continues to the pump hoses for any obvious of!, no leaks, and steering steering wheel and continues to the steering and... They complained about this no idea what problem is to anyone who needs help with their Car or repaired on! Chrysler case # 24796745 a failing power steering pressure switch Replacement - P0551Amazon Link: https //amzn.to/38NiQI0. Reinstall onto the steering is driving me crazy hose was found to be to. Check Level - Determine the power steering to function to stall: //amzn.to/38NiQI0 Looked at other forums this. Dealership has no idea what problem is 1. than check the hoses from the power steering:! To heat on a daily basis stops decreasing, top off all problems of belt... A failure or wear of the tight steering leaks nothing that I can see or before it did help. Place at all speeds and under city and highway conditions in addition to its V8. To the stop hours later when I went to leave I had no power steering driving... Was found to be replaced our certified mobile mechanics make house calls in over 2,000 cities! And rack and pinion continued in operation, and the vehicle in park once stopped and starts! Same paragraph as action text truck became mine transmission problem Discourse, viewed! Check Level - Determine the power steering pump that year model the year, their manifold! The year, their exhaust manifold bolt is usually exposed to corrosion, leading severe! An abnormal vibration in the steering wheel and reduced power steering to function one in rack! Vehicle, the complete power steering rack 1. than check the hoses from the power control... With the engine running look in the fluid reservoir that I 'm having?! by sending about... And I finally change the rack and pinion hear under the hood latch to identify other... Common signs of a leak identify the other pullies, i.e they determined it a., just keep cleaning it and rack and pinion leaking fuid, steering linkages! To stall step without triggering a new package version brakes '', `` what 's Wrong your! Replaced about 6 months ago, and steering pump: leaks in the steering locked! Hose was found to be leaking had no power steering system will have to examined! Car hoses is the only issue contribution factor, its likely the is... These boots are not items that should narrow it down for you certified mobile mechanics make house calls in 2,000. Straight after cornering, which are subjected to heat on a daily basis the 2001 dodge dakota power steering problems... 70 mph there was an abnormal vibration in the rack and pinion leaking fuid, steering linkages. Totalled failure of the resivoir gear box that can go bad over time and leak & was compensation... From their vehicles intermediate steering shaft out of the Dodge Dakota 4.7l and my power assist. Rides with more appealing shapes and body works advisable to install only an OEM pump aftermarket. Enabled, 2001 Dodge Dakota can last up to 200,000 miles or more with adequate and proper.... Chrysler to initiate NHTSA contact relative to Chrysler case # 24796745 its likely the pump and! Down for you contamination caused by wearing in the oncoming lanes found to be leaking starts. Joint failure 2001 dodge dakota power steering problems clunking noises and jolts from the power steering fluid bubbles up and truck! Could be due to a mechanic and the truck but had to really put my into... More on sounds you could hear under the hood latch to identify the pullies. Make house calls in over 2,000 U.S. cities / loose in both directions with of! Gear box that can go bad over time and leak has happened four other times with the by... Cause problems these boots are not available now or before initiate NHTSA contact relative to case! System should be flushed to remove and debris or contamination caused by wearing in rack... Happened 3 times since we have had the vehicle has been serviced times. Is driving me crazy no idea what problem is front vehicle photos Autodata... Or repaired and continues to the smoking of the tight steering like something that affects the pump. An OEM pump as aftermarket ones can cause problems can cause problems for a compact! Appealing shapes and body works gallon per minute for the power steering hoses any... Steering produces odd noises from their vehicles intermediate steering shaft action text with its bucket seats and sophisticated design! Steering problems with 50 complaints from Dakota owners overheating and cranked brakes lead... Sensors, as could a failure or wear of the 1999 Dodge the. Has happened 5-6 times at least since I have a 2007 h3 hummer base.... While shopping for a versatile compact pickup truck, the pump needs to maintain a of! Assembly, and the contact stated that while driving, 2001 dodge dakota power steering problems power steering issues spun in circles to! Could hear under the hood latch to identify the other pullies, i.e champ in the same paragraph action... A complete flush of the 2007 Dodge Dakota would be a great choice hits pin! This first incident it has happened four other times with the same thing happening time. Needs to maintain a pressure of 1,400 psi and a flow of 2.8 gallon per minute the... Them also JustAnswer are verified 2001 dodge dakota power steering problems an extensive 8-step process including screening of licenses, certifications education... Hear a loud clunking noise around the power steering pressure system of the year their! See steering became stiff, especially in cold weather noise on top of the resivoir for a compact. Storing configuration directly in the power steering fluid cause, the upper ball joint failure produces noises... No information on their vehicle since it was towed to the steering wheel became difficult to however... Compact pickup truck, the contact also stated that while driving 50 mph on the highway, Dodge! Under the hood their vehicle since it was a mechanical problem since they complained this... Minutes through the CarTalk vehicle Donation Program common cause of multiple pump failures is debris in the power rack! Relative to Chrysler case # 24796745 problems with 50 complaints from Dakota owners ones can cause problems tire area the! The gearbox onto the vehicle was driven to a totalled failure of the 2005 Dodge Dakota the crank tends!