Four problems related to steering have been reported for the 1997 Dodge Dakota. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Locked vehicle in four wheel drive high, started going through flat pasture, either brakes locked up or front pumkin turned up and locked front wheels up, lost control and rolled onto driver side.
Due to poor choice of materials (I assume) the front hub and spindle assembly wears. Leaving front brake slider pins unattached to caliper mounting plate. When this happens, the front caliper wobbles in it's place, possibly ejecting the slidepins because they "wobble" in the knuckle holes designed to retain them. This causes excess wear on the front hub assembly, increased wear in brakes, and stress on the hub bearings. Having read the "alldata" data base, there is a redesigned knuckle with improved slide pin supports. There also is a repair kit involving the usage of "heli-coil" inserts to secure brake pad carrier to spindle assembly. (slide pins) I feel totally unsafe with this arrangement. I prefer to have the re-designed spindle assemblies installed for free by dealer with up-dated part numbers. The dealer wants $1000 per side for the redesigned units. I think this is absurd. This is a safety hazard and could cause loss of life due to loss of control. The only thing holding the brake assemblies in place is the wheel, itself!!.
Nhtsa# 13411-01-v-153-000: clock spring material, could interfere with the clockspring ribbon and cause an open circuit the driver air bag system will become disabled and the air bag warning light will be on. Consumer states has the same problem his vehicle. Please provide any further information. Ts.
While driving steering wheel locked/bound-up, resulting in a accident.