1997 Dodge Dakota steering problems

Filed Nov 18, 2013 · Body, Brakes · 190,000 miles · AR · crash · 1 injury

Locked vehicle in four wheel drive high, started going through flat pasture, either brakes locked up or front pumkin turned up and locked front wheels up, lost control and rolled onto driver side.

Filed Apr 30, 2009 · Steering, Suspension · 180,000 miles · MI

Due to poor choice of materials (I assume) the front hub and spindle assembly wears. Leaving front brake slider pins unattached to caliper mounting plate. When this happens, the front caliper wobbles in it's place, possibly ejecting the slidepins because they "wobble" in the knuckle holes designed to retain them. This causes excess wear on the front hub assembly, increased wear in brakes, and stress on the hub bearings. Having read the "alldata" data base, there is a redesigned knuckle with improved slide pin supports. There also is a repair kit involving the usage of "heli-coil" inserts to secure brake pad carrier to spindle assembly. (slide pins) I feel totally unsafe with this arrangement. I prefer to have the re-designed spindle assemblies installed for free by dealer with up-dated part numbers. The dealer wants $1000 per side for the redesigned units. I think this is absurd. This is a safety hazard and could cause loss of life due to loss of control. The only thing holding the brake assemblies in place is the wheel, itself!!

Filed Mar 29, 2008 · Brakes, Steering · 70,000 miles · AR

The front brake caliper bolts to the steering knuckle on a 1997 dodge dakota, 4wd. Due to the nature of the design, the threads that hold the brake caliper mounting studs can strip out, thereby leaving the caliper to float on the knuckle. Under prolonged use, these studs can back out, letting the caliper fall off, which could lead to a crash. On my particular vehicle, this has happened for the third time now, once on the driver's side and twice on the passenger side. The threads strip out, and the mounting boss section is so small that a larger thread cannot be retapped without danger of breaking the hole out. Auto parts suppliers sell slightly oversize, self tapping studs, but these do not last long. The steering knuckle is a very pricey part (on the order of $600 just for the part) and continuing replacement is cost prohibitive. My vehicle is apparently not the only one with this problem, as a search of salvage yards revealed numerous stripped out threads on vehicles where the steering knuckle was actually available.

Filed Mar 15, 2005 · Steering, Suspension · 100,000 miles · NC

The upper and lower ball joints and tie rod ends wore out completely. Consumer was concerned that the wheels will fall off while driving. *ak

Filed Jan 7, 2005 · Engine, Steering · 35,000 miles · NY

Consumer was replacing upper and lower ball joints every 35,000 miles. Also, consumer replaced the idler arm. Consumer contacted the dealer, who informed consumer that they will not warranty the suspension parts. Provide further details. *ak the consumer stated the manifold plenum gasket was leaking oil into the intake. The consumer replaced the gasket himself.

Filed Jul 23, 2004 · Steering, Suspension · 48,956 miles · PA

My 1997 dodge dakota-with 48ooo miles failed safety inspection, due to bad ball joints and unsafe steernig. During repair process I discovered that this is a common and even expected event with these vehicles (with low mileage) and also durangos. It is so commonplace that dodge repair people expect it. Obviouosly tis is a sfatey defect and should be remedied at no cost to consumer. It will only be a matter of time until the parts fail; and a catastrophe happens to some un suspectig driver,unless there is a recall and permanent quality replacment of the parts.

Filed Apr 8, 2004 · Steering, Suspension · 127,000 miles · MO

Front end failed. Consumer stated front end was on the verge of collapsing. *ak consumer also stated that ball joints, inner and outer tie rods failed.

Filed Apr 1, 2004 · Brakes, Fuel system · 55,000 miles · OH

Consumer complained about a steering box problem. Also, dealer replaced the ball joints and idler arm. *ak consumer is keeping an eye on the fuel filler tube because it seemed to be rusted. Also, brake line is also rusted.

Filed Mar 11, 2004 · Steering, Suspension · 50,000 miles · MI

Premature failure of ball joints & lower steering column u-joints. Upper ball joints need to be replaced again.

Filed Mar 3, 2004 · Engine, Steering · 75,000 miles · ME

Ball joints failed.