Steering Rack problems of the 2002 Jeep Wrangler

We are a Jeep family. Jeep liberty 2002 was brought in for recall on the ball joints on 11/26/06. In early Dec we started experiencing problems with steering. Brought the Jeep into dealership and they quoted us $1680 to replace power steering pressure line &switch & rack and pinion. I was surprised that a Jeep this new would have this problem. Dealership told us that 3 other Jeep libertys were serviced for the same problem within the last weeks. They said it was strange because the libertys had all just had the recall work done on the ball joints. All 3 Jeep libertys had the same power steering, rack & pinon problem after the recall work was completed. Dealership said they thought maybe there was a connection to the recall but could not say that it was definite. I told the dealership that I would contact Chrysler Jeep and see if there are any other problems similar to mine recorded. 1/31 I contacted Jeep customer service (reference #15916486) and talked to senior staff agent angela. The agent said that she researched and no other problems have been reported ; Jeep did not agree that the problem could be related to the recall. I did go on the internet and there are complaints noted on the internet about the same problem. I feel that the Jeep ball joint problem contributed to the steering problem and that Jeep should repair my car at their expense. Jeep disagrees. Do I have any recourse or appeal process to make Chrysler fix the rack & pinion problem or at least contribute to the repair.