1997 Dodge Ram 1500 Multiple Problems

DODGE RAM
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CUTDOGG
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
1997 Dodge Ram 1500 8-cyl 5.9L mileage: 124614. I have a number of problems with my truck. First, my truck is leaking antifreeze very close to where the radiator drain plug is located, but i'm not sure if thats the problem or not. I already flushed and refilled the cooling system, but i still couldn't tell where the leak was coming from. Second, whenever i turn the steering wheel while driving, the steering wheel makes a clicking sound, and i don't know what causes that. Lastly, the front end area makes a metallic grinding sound whenever i'm backing up, coming to a stop, and only sometimes when i give it some gas. Any ideas to what the causes could be?
Mar 13, 2006 at 3:42 PM
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RAYHUT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 134 POSTS
i wolud have to say you do have minor problems.
#1. your radiator has a hole somewhere.drain it and take it out. after that run some water through it to locate the leak then have it repaired. if you don't have the money to do that then hers a little problen solver, take a table spoon of black pepper and put down in the radiator after you install it back in and fill it back up.that will help untill you can get it fixed.

#2. you cv joint is going out have it replaced.

#3. that grinding noise could be your breaks.
Mar 13, 2006 at 10:17 PM
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Suggested Repair

Remove the radiator, run water through it to locate the leak, and have the radiator repaired. A tablespoon of black pepper in the coolant was suggested only as a temporary measure until the radiator is fixed. Replace the failing CV joint causing the clicking when the steering wheel is turned while driving. Inspect the brakes for the metallic grinding noise when backing up, stopping, or accelerating.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 5.9L reported an antifreeze leak near the radiator drain plug, a clicking noise when turning the steering wheel while driving, and a metallic grinding sound from the front when backing up, stopping, and sometimes accelerating. The expert said the radiator likely has a hole and should be removed and tested with water, then repaired, with black pepper mentioned only as a temporary stopgap. The clicking was attributed to a failing CV joint that should be replaced, and the grinding was thought to be the brakes.

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