2000 Chrysler 300M: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Jul 17, 2010 · Steering · 85,000 miles · IL

I noticed when driving my 2000 chrysler 300m over bumps there is a clunking noise. My steering has noticeable play and when I make turns the steering wheel seems to bind slightly and I have to give a little more force to correct the wheel back straight instead of the wheel spinning freely back into place like normal. Also when turning the steering wheel left or right there is this popping noise that I can hear and feel in the wheel. I recently had the inner tie-rod ends, outer tie-rod ends, and adjuster sleeves replaced. A wheel alignment was also done. I test drove my car after the repairs and there is the same exact problem as before. I did see my old inner tie-rod ends and the bushings were worn, but I guess that was not the main problem. We put the car back on the lift rack and all the other visible suspension components were tight. I went online to see if anyone else had this similar problem and I was shocked of the outcome. There are so many complaints of the steering and suspension components of the lh car (300m, intrepid, lhs, concorde). I read that there are many cases of the rack & pinion gears going out. I also read that the bolt that tightens the steering shaft to the rack & pinion shears of and then you loose complete control of the vehicle. I have read that there were a few deaths and possibly more caused by this rack & pinion failure or the bolt shearing off. I now have to bring my car back in and try to explain this to the mechanic. I have read these complaints in so many different websites and there are so many complaints in each website. I hope and pray this problem of loosing control of the steering does not happen to me. I will take my car in immediately for an inspection. In conclusion, chrysler should have come out with a recall for this or at least give out a notice for this known complaint and have and updated bolt kit for the steering shaft so they do not shear off. Everyone should feel safe when driving. I know that I no longer feel safe.

Filed Apr 27, 2010 · Steering, Suspension · 70,500 miles · MA

My steering has a life of its own. Steering pulls hard to the right, almost hit a public bus. I've had 2 alignments and brand new tires, the problem still exist. The front end make a clunking noise and vibrates really badly. I've taken it to a chrysler dealership and got the same response as other have with the same problem "unable to duplicate" the problem. I told them there is a problem. Im afraid of losing my life an risking others on the streets and highway because of this serious issue the no one wants to fix.

Filed Nov 23, 2009 · Steering · 115,000 miles · WA

Light clunking when I purchased vehicle in the steering gear got worse and worse and louder and louder erratic steering fluid leaking very bad and lots of power steering whines and hard to keep straight while driving. Excessive play in steering and wandering and the front wheels have been vibrating and shaking while driving and it makes the car wobble very scared to continue to drive with my young child but I have no choice in the matter I have another rack I got used for 500 bucks but I have no way to get it fixed because my lack of funds I was told that my steering gear bushings where worn out and that I needed my rack replaced a s soon as possible.

Filed Jul 18, 2007 · Steering · 20,000 miles · NJ

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 chrysler 300m. While driving 5 MPH, the contact heard a loud clunk. The steering wheel turned, but the wheels failed to turn. The repair shop stated that the cause of failure was the rack and pinion. The rack and pinion failed once before. The current mileage is 44,444 and failure mileage was 20,000. The consumer stated the second time the incident happend, the bolts sheared while driving. Updated 08/15/07.

Filed Dec 7, 2006 · Steering, Suspension · 50,000 miles · MI

1) car made loud clunking noise when going over bumps and traveling at slower speeds. Had car looked at by 2 different mechanic shops and they couldn't figure out the problem. 2) finally took car in for a 3rd time and mechanic found the problem. 3)car needed new tie rods, sway bars, etc. For steering/suspension problems. Car only had about 50,000 miles on it. Repairs cost over $1000.

Filed Jul 27, 2004 · Steering · 48,600 miles · OH

Rack and pinion assembly failed with only 48,000 miles on vehicle. Steering was loose, clunking sound and sticking during turns. Manufacturer won't cover because car is out of warranty. Cost to me was $1200 for new rack and pinion. I don't feel this serious a problem should occur in a car with under 50,000 miles. If I hadn't had the problem checked out, it could have resulted in a seriour crash. Manufacturer doesn't care about its reputation or about safety for its customers.

Filed Oct 18, 2003 · Steering · 38,000 miles · OH

Steering: loose feel in steering wheel/clunking noise from steering box at end of steering column behind motor.