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2001 Dodge Dakota Squeak when turning wheel.

Tiny
MMIKE990
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 DODGE DAKOTA
Steering problem
2001 Dodge Dakota V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic 90000+ miles

My truck sqeaks when I turn the steering wheel. It is a mid to high pitch squeak that I hear almost all the time. Parked or driving, traveling fast or slow, turning the wheel fast or slow. I hear it the loudest and clearest when stopped and turning slow but I do have exhaust so that may be overpowering the squeak. Fluids were low but after filling it the noise is still there. Also, this may be unrelated but I just replaced the power steering pressur switch becuase of the check engin light. Is there a way to avoid the shop?
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Thursday, February 18th, 2010 AT 12:44 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Check out the rubber bushings on the sway bar bushing, shock mount. All rubber mounts. If they look dry or worn, try spraying them with something like WD40.

Let me know what you find.
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Friday, February 19th, 2010 AT 9:00 AM
Tiny
MMIKE990
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OK. Would you be able to point me in the direction of a schematic or diagram? I am a visual learner! Is one of them behind the steering wheel where I would need to take off the airbag and wheel to lub it up?
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Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 AT 12:49 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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As far as the parts I am refering to, they are all under the front of the vehicle. You could try a manual for the visual. I know they offer on online on this site that is cheaper than purchasing one.
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Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 AT 1:48 PM
Tiny
MMIKE990
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  • 17 POSTS
I subscribed to but they don't seem to have many diagrams. I found one that has the sway arms. They have alot of details on different problems and repairs but do not give locations. I guess I'll just crawl under there and look for rubber hahaha I can't even find the fuel filter location or diagrams of 02 sensors!
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Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 AT 5:06 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Actually, most people can't find the fuel filter on this vehicle. It is mounted on top of fuel tank, in fuel pump module. Not the first place one would look.

As far as the "rubbers" LOL, you will see many of them. If you have questions, please let me know and I'll do my best to identify it for you.
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Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 AT 7:32 PM
Tiny
MMIKE990
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  • 17 POSTS
I finally made time to work on all the problems I have with my truck tomorrow. I will be working on the other posts about my rough idle as well as a new EVAP error (P0442) since it seems that through my inability to make time to work on my truck the squeek when turning has gone away. Thanks for all your help with the rubbers! I will be sure to let you know my luck with the EVAP and vac leak. You guys are awesome!
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Sunday, March 21st, 2010 AT 6:25 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi:
Don't be surprised if the noise comes back when the temps drop again. They seem to shrink when the temp drops and the noise comes back. Let me know about the EVAP.
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Sunday, March 21st, 2010 AT 9:14 PM
Tiny
MMIKE990
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Just finished tinkering on the truck. Everyone will see that I've had a problem with rough idle on my '01 dakota. When I was about to check my vac lines for cracks I got yet another error code, P0442 - small EVAP leak. I found two quick cracks. The first was a vac line going into the right of the throttle body. The second was on the EVAP line next to the green cap. Luckily I had slack so I did not need to buy new hoses. A quick snip and I was in business. The second thing I did today was a good throttle body cleaning. Some spray and a toothbrush and it looks good as new. I let the truck run for a little and deleted the EVAP code, so far everything seems nicey-nice and the idle is smooth!
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Monday, March 22nd, 2010 AT 3:04 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Vacuum leaks cause more problems than people realize. As cars age, they dry out and crack causing problems that no one can find.

Regardless, I'm glad you found them. You got lucky on the EVAP. Usually you need to have the system fogged to find a leak. Good job!

Take care and let us know if you have other questions.

Joe
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Monday, March 22nd, 2010 AT 10:14 PM

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