Steering Rack @ 43K?

[Spenser]

need to ground truth something here-just had my jeep in for GOF and asked that new shocks and related components be re-torqued as I noticed louder "clunk" over bumps or offroad since I installed new tires. Dealer just called and said that the steering rack is worn, and needs to be replaced, and oh yeah, it is out of warranty unless I can convice Jeep to extend warranty 7k......and guess what, no luck there, and good luck trying to talk to them as their warranty assitance line is now in India, after you get through voice mail h***. So, is 43k early for rack to fail? This is a new one to me.....thanks for any input, as I trust the shop doing work, they always have taken good care of my wifes Wrangler.

 

[sdjeep]

That does seem a bit early, but the Chrysler racks do have a bad reputation. On some, like the Caravans and Durango's, they seem to go out about every 40k. I had an 04 2wd ram and i went through 2 in 35k. I work at a dealer and checked to see how many we have sold in the last year and it's only been 2, but we do a lot of collision parts so they may have been accident related. We are also a Dodge dealer so it's usually only the Enterprise rental car Commanders we get. I have an 06 Commander with 24k and haven't had any problems, at least not yet.

 

[Spenser]

Thank you SD, this is the first issue that I have had. Except for the call to warranty service....other than that, love the Commander. I will suck it up and write the check then, the options arent too good given the used commander market!

 

[sdjeep]

I feel you on the Commander market right now. I am now toying with the idea of making the Commander my EXPO rig since it is more comfortable and has more room, and leaving my Wrangler more for day trips to the desert and rockcrawling. I figure if i can't get rid of it, i might as well have fun with it!

Also, if you happen to be in the San Diego area, i might be able to get you a little better price on the part.