tight steering on 2002 Wrangler
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SteelHeadz
Super Moderator
The powersteering pressure line has a restriction valve inside the line. Some are visible with a crimped metal band.
Will it never end? I just received a phone call from the Chrysler dealership saying that the problem is not in the steering gear but rather in my steering column. There is supposedly a bad bearing. They want to replace it along with the "clock spring" which is used in conjunction with the air bag, for only $850.00. Out of the goodness of their heart they are going to lower the price of the steering gear, which should not have been installed, to about $650.00 --- but it comes with a full factory warantee. They must think that I have a letter "S" tattooed on my forehead, for Stupid. I explained again, that the problem occured immediately when we got back into the car and that a bearing would have given me a sign that it was going bad. The bottom line is that I told them to remove the new steering gear (box), and put the car back to its original condition and I would only pay the $50.00 for a "certified mechanics" diagnostic and $10.50 for power steering fluid. They agreed - I will pick up the car tomorrow. Back to square one.
SteelHeadz
Super Moderator
Ahmm,Noooooo. Correct me if i understood this in a wrong way, they want to replace the Airbag and the clockspring because the column has a bad bearing?, Absolutely not. If thats a five star dealer you should get the number from them for chrysler and let them know how unsatisfied you are with their service dept. Dealerships like that should get their five star rating pulled. Now back on the steering issue, if you've never had an issue with an inoperable horn, airbag lamp on the cluster staying on or intermittently flashing, then the clockspring and the airbag module should not be replaced. The steering column on that 02 is a rebuildable unit.
Steelheadz,
They did not say that the airbag needed to be replaced, just the clockspring. Realistically, I think they are trying to make up the difference from the screw-up on the steering box and an attempt to get more money. There was never an issue with the steering column. I guess a lot of customers just go along with what they say. The reason they originally replaced the steering box was because "someone (me) had tried to adjust the box" and it planely stated in the Chrysler "Bible" that it should only be adjusted with the box removed from the car. The mechanic and I use this term loosly, further stated that the steering box was in "bad shape". The car is on 02 with only about 25K miles and has never been off roading. The "Bible" also stated that the clock spring should also be replaced anytime the steering column is removed for service. I asked if they check the high pressure line and obviously they said that it was checked. I seriously have my doubts and have already ordered a new line and will install it when I pick up the car today. Wish me luck and thanks again for all the help.
They did not say that the airbag needed to be replaced, just the clockspring. Realistically, I think they are trying to make up the difference from the screw-up on the steering box and an attempt to get more money. There was never an issue with the steering column. I guess a lot of customers just go along with what they say. The reason they originally replaced the steering box was because "someone (me) had tried to adjust the box" and it planely stated in the Chrysler "Bible" that it should only be adjusted with the box removed from the car. The mechanic and I use this term loosly, further stated that the steering box was in "bad shape". The car is on 02 with only about 25K miles and has never been off roading. The "Bible" also stated that the clock spring should also be replaced anytime the steering column is removed for service. I asked if they check the high pressure line and obviously they said that it was checked. I seriously have my doubts and have already ordered a new line and will install it when I pick up the car today. Wish me luck and thanks again for all the help.
SteelHeadz
Super Moderator
The only time that a clockspring is Required to be replaced is if it was faulty or an airbag has been deployed. A properly trained technician would know that if the steering column is being serviced, the clockspring cannot be rotated and must be installed the same way it came off. The steering gear box CAN be adjusted while its on the vehicle.
I just returned from the dealership with the car. The original steering box was put back in the car and there were no charges. They further admitted that unfortunately they mis-diagnoised the problem. At the present time the tight steering is all but gone? This seamed to be an "exercise in futility". I truly think that the original problem could have been solved by replacing the high pressure line, as was suggested. The garage informed me there was no piece of test equipment to check the power steering pump. Seams strange to me.
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SteelHeadz
Super Moderator
Special tool 6815, power steering analyzer kit. This is a required special tool for ALL dealerships to have in their tool room.
What does this dealer "deal" in??? BS??? 'Cuz they sure have LOTS of that, oozing at the seams! I actually have a good TJ box off a 99 that was parted (for some unknown reason) back in '01 and this box has been in dry storage (out of the weather) since; I have no current use for it, just collecting dust at present; probably WON'T ever need it if I keep it; but I have that sinking feeling that if I do sell/trade it; then I'll "suddenly" need one!
It's possible (I've seen it if the customer raises enough grief and/or the shop realizes it "screwed up") that they did find and fix the actual problem and just didn't tell you about it; because they were too embarrassed to!
It's possible (I've seen it if the customer raises enough grief and/or the shop realizes it "screwed up") that they did find and fix the actual problem and just didn't tell you about it; because they were too embarrassed to!
