1996 Dodge Intrepid: clunking or noise when steering

Filed Dec 9, 2003 · Steering · 30,000 miles · NY

In apirl 1996 I purchased a new 1996 dodge intrepid (VIN 2b3hd56f3th52925) from philips motors in philip sd. After approximately 2 years and 30,000 miles I began to notice a grinding noise and clunking in the steering while driving the vehicle from a "cold soak" condition. After approximately 5 minutes and once the car warmed up, the noise would cease. Over the course of the past 5 years I have taken the vehicle to five different repair shops in an attempt to isolate and repair the problem. Only when I moved to germany (current assignment in the usaf) did a german mechanic discovered the problem; worn rack and pinion steering gear bushing which are allowing the entire unit to shift left and right whenever the steeringwheel is moved. Over the past five years I've lived with this problem, I've noticed a continued degredation is steering crispness and increase noise as described above. Only when I researched the problem on the internet did I find 2 service recalls for this problem (19-03-97a and 19-001-01). The problem has gotten so bad, about 3 weeks ago I nearly lost control of the car in a sharp turn on a country road here in germany. I was able to recover from the turn (with the assistance of the front tire hitting the curb and bouncing me back into the lane) -- no one was hurt and the car (except the tire) was undamaged. I find it amazing that published service bulletins go un-noticed and high risk components such as steering systems go un-recalled despite potentially catastrophic consequences. My particular problem is further exasperated by the high speed nature of german autobahns.

Filed Mar 5, 2003 · Steering · 77,000 miles · WA

Steering issues rampant with my 1996 dodge intrepid. I have already had to have some work done on it and now I have a problem with the steering making a clunking noise when the steering wheel reaches the center point.

Filed Jan 23, 2003 · Steering · IN

Excessive rack and pinion steering noise especially in cold weather, rack and pinion mounting bolt bushings almost completely gone. Car has severe steering shifting when rounding corners or curves. Diagnoses requires new rack and pinion replacement.

Filed Feb 1, 2002 · Steering · MD

Steering wheel makes a grinding noise while turning vehicle, dealership is aware of problem, rack pinion failure caused vehicle to run off the road.*ak

Filed Jan 7, 2002 · Steering · VA

The failure component is the steering rack assembly. The failure indication was a clunking sound, heard when the vehicle was cold (under 40f.). Once the vehicle/steering warms up, the clunking noise goes away. Apparently, from reading other reports, the clunking sound is the precursor to total steering failure. In my case, I am having the dealer replace the assembly at a cost of approximately $1200. This is a very basic component, which should not fail during the normal course of vehicle ownership. I am attempting to have damler/chrysler either cover the cost of failure up front, or reimburse me for the repair. So far, the dealer has indicated to me that the failure is not covered by any warranty process. I feel that this is a very serious safety issue and should be covered by the manufacturer. Loss of life could occur if the steering fails.

Filed Aug 6, 2001 · Steering · FL

Steering gets loose and making a clunking noise. Over bumps vehicle moves around alot. Consumer has repaired rack and pinion a total of 3 times. Driver's side is the most recent. Mehanic has seen5 different vehicles in the past few months.

Filed Apr 19, 2001 · Suspension · GA

Makes popping noise when turning ,shakes when applying brakes. Had front align. Tires replaced. Tie rod bolts keep becoming loose. After reading complaints now scared to drive car esspecially since I have a toddler.can I get more information.

Filed Jan 23, 2001 · Steering · NV

Rack and pinion steering was making noise. Then, took vehicle to repair shop and it was repaired.

Filed Jan 3, 2001 · Steering · CT

Consumer states that a popping noise could be heard while turning the steering wheel, the vehicle had been taken to the dealer several times, however no problems were found, now that the vehicle has 24000 miles on and is out of warranty, the dealer is stating that the rack and pinion steering needs replaced.

Filed Dec 1, 2000 · Steering · NJ

In cold weather (under 40 f) after the first couple of years the steering makes loud banging noises when wheels are turned for the first 10 minutes after startup. Cause: rack & pinion bushings dry out. Ultimate risk: steering will loosen over time. Cure: on 1996 model only, bushings are not replaceable. Entire rack must be replaced at a cost of $1200. Poor design means 1) potential for steering failure 2) warm-weather drivers won't have any warning 3) price discourages repair. This could turn into a problem as these cars age.

Filed Jun 19, 2000 · Steering, Suspension · KS

Steering wheel is shimmying and knocking. *ak right tie rod failed.

Filed May 24, 2000 · Steering · MN

My problem started out with the steering making a popping noise when turning to the left. This problem had worsened to a point where the steering would lock up at a certain position while turning left. It gradually progressed to be a safety issue and also started to be a problem when turning right. Now this problem is so bad my wife refuses to drive the car at all, especially if the children are in the vehicle. I had just noticed recently that the middle portion of the gear rack, where the tie rods connect, is very loose. It almost seems that the rack may be broken at that area. The car has never been in any accident at all. It is obvious to me that this part is defective, and may be a hazard to the vehicle ocupants as well as people in other vehicles. This defect has the potential for loss of steering capabilities at any time.