Steering column started making a clicking noise as the wheel was turned. Dealer stated that the locking mechanism was failing and could easily lead to a catastrophic and sudden locking of the steering column while the vehicle was being driven at any speed.
1998 Dodge Dakota: clunking or noise when steering
11 of the 544 complaints about the 1998 Dodge Dakota describe clunking or noise when steering.
- owner complaints
- 11
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- typical mileage
- 62,000
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 3 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
Clunking or noise when steering by model year
What owners say
Dt: the consumer had a 98 dodge dakota, took to tire shop, truck could not be aligned because it had defective ball joints. Contact called the daimler chrysler, who informed him that there was no recall on this vehicle after repairs were done vehicle had steering problem. There was a noise in the steering column. Then, at repair shop owner was informed there was a defective steering gear, and would cost $800. Owner did not repair steering and vehicle veered to the right/left. Tire company stated the crown of the road caused vehicle to pull to the left/right. Tire shop indicated they could repair the problem,but there were 500 steering gears on back order. Owner felt there was a problem with the steering gear otherwise there wouldn't be 500 steering gears on back order.
While driving heard a loud squeaking noise. Driver noticed while turning the steering wheel a clanking noise would follow. Driver took vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that upper ball joints needed needed to be replaced.
1998 dodge dakota upper and lower ball joint failure. Reported by repair shop when asked to perform a front allignment. I was told that tey have never seen a worse case of worn out ball joints. They told me that an allignment cannot be performed without the ball joint repalcement. Fron end is loose and makes a popping sound when turning. Truck has approximately 85,000 miles. No repair completed as yet. I was informed by the repair shop that a recall to correct this defect is likely to be initiated soon and that I should wait for the recall and avoid driving the truck until fixed.
Front suspension, ball joints, & stabilizer bars were all replaced due to unusual wear & tear. The steering was popping and my front tires were loose. My vehicle was deemed unsafe by the dealer & needed immediate repair. According to the dealer this is a common problem with the dakotas & durangos & daimler chrysler is fully aware of this issue. I was told it would be in my benefit to bring my particular vehicles problem to the federal safety agency's attention as well as daimler chrysler.
At any speed vehicle was making a clicking sound when turning corners and wearing out tires. The last time consumer replaced a set of tires it was discovered that the upper ball joints had unusual wear. Consumer claimed that he was an engineer, and that there was no way that one could lubricate the upper ball joints. *ak
A clicking noise in the steering column as I drive. A mechanic told me it was related to the air bag. He said it could malfunction in an accident or worse yet could cause an accident.
When turning to the left the steering wheel will lockup and no turn. Heard popping noise and steering worked again. Replaced rack and pinion
While brakes are applied at any speed there is vibration in steering column. There is also a noise coming from steering column during acceleration. Dealership has made no determination as to a cause for this problem. Please provide any additional information / attachments.
Clunk felt in steering column, felt in wheel and pedals when turning. Coupler replaced per tsb19-012-97, only marginally better. Now at 24,000 miles it's back as bad as ever.
Trans. Shifts very hard/popping noise from steering..dealer can't fix..??!!
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1998 Dodge Dakota steering noise
Is clunking or noise when steering a common problem on the 1998 Dodge Dakota?
11 of 544 owner complaints about the 1998 Dodge Dakota (2%) mention clunking or noise when steering. The model year with the most reports is 2000.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Dodge Dakota?
There are 0 recalls and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Dodge Dakota
Ball joint 189Brake failure 17Grinding brakes 17No deployment 16Premature wear 16Knocking 10Harsh shifting 10Headlights 9Pulling 9ABS 7Seat belt 7Stalling 7Transmission failure 6Engine failure 5
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