Power Steering Pump problems of the 2004 Dodge Dakota

Began to experience heavy, difficult steering, especially when cold, and metallic clunking or grinding noises when turning tightly at low speeds accompanied by power steering pump whine on a 2004 Dodge Dakota 4. 7l v8 4x4 quad cab. Steering has also become abnormally heavy at normal driving speeds with difficulty centering steering wheel and reduced power steering assist. Inspection of steering components revealed severe rust on steering intermediate shaft upper u joint caused by road salt and moisture, which resulted in steering difficulty and strain on power steering system. This condition is extremely dangerous due to the extra effort required to steer the vehicle. Lubricating the joint with grease temporarily alleviates the issue, but problem returns after a period of time and will require eventual replacement of upper/lower intermediate shaft(s) at a parts cost of approximately $226, plus labor. Internet research reveals this is a widely occurring issue on this generation of Dakota pickup caused by poor design (lack of lubrication, no protection from the elements, and inadequate rust proofing) of a critical steering component, where failure can result in a serious safety hazard by making the vehicle more difficult to steer, and thus Chrysler group llc should be held liable for repair costs of this component.

Around October started having trouble with steering would be tight then loosen up if it was warm. When it got colder it got very hard to steer. Changed the rack then every time you would turn it would pull tight and let loose and make truck swerve. Figured most have gotten a defective part changed steering rack again. Same problem decided to change steering pump this time. So much for that it didn't help either now I have a whining noise on top of the tight steering. I have already put alot of money into it and nothing seems to be working!!!!!!!!!.

Issue with the steering, appeared to be a problem with the pump. Occurred at about 50k miles, 6 yrs. While driving the steering would get hard like the pump had failed, and then without warning, would return to the power assist and over steer due to the pressure I was already exerting. This took place at all speeds and under city and highway conditions. Very disconcerting. After about a week of this I took it to the dealer. They determined it was a failing fluid control valve in the power steering pump and replaced it. It was covered under the extended warranty I had purchased but would have cost over $1500.

I can hardly steer my truck anymore even after replacing a power steering pump which I was told was the problem. It turned out that the pump was fine and after researching this very common problem on the web I am finding out that the steering issues are actually due to a faulty intermediate shaft. What does a girl have to do to get Dodge to correct this nationwide problem? it's seems only fair that a recall be initiated ASAP. I guess my only resort is to lube the shaft for now until Dodge finally acknowledges how many they have !@#$%.

1) nothing out of the ordinary, just regular driving 2) its very hard to steer sometimes, its like stiff-loose-stiff-loose when I turn either left or right. This has been an ongoing problem and guys on Dodgeforum. Com have pinpointed the problem but dealers wont change the part, they want to change the power steering pump when the problem is in the intermediate arm, its expensive to fix and why should we pay for a manufacturer defect? the consequences unfortunately can be deadly. Sometimes its impossible to steer or make a quick turn, if someone cuts you off and you cant turn, well bad things can happen. 3)I cannot get the part (intermediate arm) because they are on backorder, coincidence??.