2005 Dodge Dakota Steering

2005 DODGE DAKOTA
27,000 MILES • 3.7L • V6 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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SKI2FISH
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  • 8 POSTS
The steering on my truck seems to get stiffer as the weather gets colder. On warm days, the steering seems fine. I have checked the fluid level & belt which are fine. I jacked up the front of the truck, removed both tie rod ends from the spindles and the steering stiffness didn't change. I am assuming the pump, hoses or the steering rack could be causing the problem. How can I determine which part is at fault without blindly replacing them thru process of elimination?
Jun 6, 2014 at 7:39 AM
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HMAC300
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 48,601 POSTS
check pump pressure first and if truck has grease fittings try greasing it before anything
Jun 6, 2014 at 10:29 AM
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SKI2FISH
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I disconnected the tie rods from the spindles so that should eliminate the binding of the ball joints & tie rods.
Jun 6, 2014 at 12:47 PM
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SKI2FISH
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
How can I tell if the pump pressure is ok? Is there a spec to go by?
Jun 11, 2014 at 11:29 AM
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HMAC300
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 48,601 POSTS
have a pro check it it will probably need adapters to put a gauge on it. but if you must it should have 125 psi then once above idle should have a flow rate of 50-60 psi at 1500 rpm.
Jun 11, 2014 at 12:05 PM