Questions and Answers

Dodge Dakota Popping Sensation/Noise Q. I hear and feel a Popping Sensation/Noise In Steering Column While Turning. I had a mechanic friend take it for a drive to see if he could diagnose the problem. He only had to back out and turn the wheel to feel and hear the same. He popped the hood and had me turn the wheel. He said I have a broken U-joint in the steering.

My question is, can I replace this U-joint or do I need a whole new steering column or what? I don't want to get burned when I go to a repair shop to get it fixed. Is this something that only a dealer would be able to do or can I take it to my local auto shop?

• 1998 Dodge Dakota
• 5.2 liter V-8 magnum
• Manual transmission
• 87,000 miles
• Fuel Injection
• ABS brakes
• P/S, A/C, Cruise control

Thanks,
Melissa

A. Obviously you have seen TSB number 19-05-99 dated July 23, 1999.

NUMBER: 19-05-99
GROUP: Steering
DATE: Jul. 23, 1999

SUBJECT:
Popping Sensation/Noise In Steering Column While Turning

OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves repositioning the steering column on the steering column mounting brackets.

MODELS:
1997 - 2000 (AN) Dakota
1998 - 2000 (DN) Durango

SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
A popping sensation/noise can be felt and/or heard in the steering column during sharp turns (parking lot maneuvers).

DIAGNOSIS:
Start the engine. Rotate the steering wheel to the extreme right and then to the extreme left while monitoring for a popping noise or sensation. If a popping noise or sensation can be heard and/or felt in the steering column while turning, perform the Repair Procedure.

REPAIR PROCEDURE:
Note: This repair is compatible with Daimler-Chrysler's mobile service program and does not require hoists or other full service facility special equipment.

1. Start the engine.
2. Rotate the steering wheel so that the steering wheel is in an upside down position then remove the ignition key to lock the steering wheel in this position.
3. Remove the three screws that secure the lower edge of the steering column opening cover to the lower instrument panel reinforcement.
4. Using a trim stick or another suitable wide-bladed tool, gently pry the upper edge of the steering column opening cover. Pry just below the cluster bezel on each side of the steering column away from the instrument panel far enough to disengage the snap clip retainers from the receptacles in the instrument panel.
5. Remove the steering column opening cover from the instrument panel.
6. Loosen the steering column attaching nuts.
7. Bounce the steering wheel lightly in a vertical motion to normalize the alignment.
8. Without influencing the new location of the steering column, tighten the passenger side rearward nut to 12 N.m (105 in. lbs.).
9. Next, tighten the front driver side nut to 12 N.m (105 in. lbs.).
10. Tighten the remaining steering column attaching nuts to 12 N.m (105 in. lbs.).
11. Tighten the upper intermediate shaft attachment bolt to 57 N.m (42 ft. lbs.).
12. Position the steering column opening cover to the instrument panel.
13. Align the snap clip retainers on the steering column opening cover with the receptacles in the instrument panel.
14. Press firmly on the steering column opening cover over the snap clip locations until each of the snap clips is fully engaged in its receptacle.
15. Install and tighten the three screws that secure the lower edge of the steering column opening cover to the lower instrument panel reinforcement. Tighten the screws to 2.2 N.m (20 in. lbs.).
16. Start the engine then, rotate the steering wheel back to its normal position.

POLICY:
Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

Time Allowance: 0.2 Hours (12 minutes).
Labor Operation No: 19-20-83-96
Failure Code: XX - Service Adjustment

If you feel this is beyond your abilities then my first choice would be a Dodge Dealer or your regular mechanic. Just print this out and take it with you. Note the time allowance, this job should take less than 30 minutes, tops, to do.

Of course if the steering U Joint is indeed broken, then it will have to be replaced.