I have a 2001 Intrepid SE (2.7 liter) and I have recently developed a steering problem. When driving normally, the steering works just fine but when I come to a stop, the steering wheel is very difficult to turn. Once I begin moving, the steering works great again. I suspect it is the steering pump but have been told it could also be a rack and pinion problem. How can I tell the difference between a pump problem and a rack and pinion problem? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
:confused:
Intrepid
01-25-2003, 12:19 AM
Since the pump is going to cost a lot less than the rack and pinion...you know it's going to need a new rack and pinion. I don't know if there's any easy way to test which one is the problem but you might call the local bone yard and find a used pump. I don't have any idea what that might cost but I think thats the place to start anyway.
midnightbluert
01-31-2003, 04:20 PM
Its unfortunate that most shops want to replace both because they cannot tell which is which in that type of situation.:dunno:
dodge77
02-11-2003, 08:49 PM
HOLY SMOKES BATMAN!! The steering problem was, in fact, a bad rack and pinion assembly. By the time I got it repaired and out the door, the total cost was $1577.00 at the local Dodge dealer. I can't understand how a complete steering assembly can crap out in just a little over a year. Of course, the warranty expired a month before the problem occurred. Oh well, live and learn!
Intrepid
02-13-2003, 10:24 PM
:DROPJAW: $1600.00:YUK:
Sorry to hear about your loss. :rolleyes: It sucks to have to drop that kind of cash on a car repair when there's so many TOYs out there calling our names! What the hell....it's only money...you'll make more! Ouch!;/ :bawl: :hair: :pissmonke
carguy2
02-13-2003, 10:32 PM
sounds like you were robbed. No way a rack and pinion should cost that much. Did they at least kiss you first?
No kiss :VHOT: just your plain old everyday dealer screwin'
Painless
02-15-2003, 03:35 PM
i hate dealers.
especially my local one. maybe an independent car repair shop woulda been cheaper
dodge77
02-15-2003, 03:48 PM
Yeah Painless........I guess I should have checked for an independent repair shop. It couldn't have been any worse. I had to have it done right away and the dealer said they could have it for me the next day. I guess I've got more money than sense!! I'll know better next time. :dunno: (Clueless)
Intrepid
02-15-2003, 06:31 PM
Dodge77, don't feel too bad. An independent will tear out your spinkter just as bad IF NOT WORSE than a dealer. Yes this is the voice of experience. I've been raped by two of the biggest scumbag independent shops in town the only two times I chose to say "The heck with it, I'll just pay someone else to fix it". Lesson learned. I worked in an independent shop for about 5 years, 15 years ago. Damn all of a sudden I feel old...15 YEARS ago!? Yes we had tools back then. Anyway I usually do my own work and after my last two experiences, I will continue to repair my cars/trucks/motorcycle MYSELF. Unless its something in the transmission. I don't do trannies. I must have worked at one of the VERY FEW legitimate shops in the USA because we NEVER tried to take advantage of anybody.....not even woman! I don't mean that in a bad way, most shops prey on women. Replacing a rack and pinion can be a huge job. In some cars you almost have to remove the engine. Your spinkter and your wallet will heal. Some of us only have one car and when it breaks down it could mean the difference between getting to work or not. The way I see it, you made the ONLY choice. A hundred years from now it wont make any difference. Now go bang your wife or girlfriend or BOTH and forget about the cash....once it's gone, it's gone. :) :) :) :) :stk: :stk: :stk: :stk: :stk:
dodge77
02-15-2003, 06:54 PM
Intrepid.......thanks for the reality check. I guess, under the circumstances, I may have done the correct thing. The dealer told me that they had to remove the engine to replace the rack and pinion. That certainly is a job that I would not even attempt to do myself. At least by going to the dealer, I guess that I will have some sort of limited warranty if something goes wrong with the steering in the next few months. I guess for the cost of the part and the work that they did, the price was pretty much in line. It just seemed like a bundle at the time. I did need the car immediately and they had it completed the next day. I guess that I'll go get a couple of beers and forget about it.
