Steering issue - dealer says RPG tie rods are the cause?

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Txfight00

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2013 Screw
Been having some steering issues - feels "loose", too much feedback, etc. Just like many on here have had.
Took truck to San Tan Ford and they are saying that my RPG tie rods are allowing dust/debris into the steering column since the factory boots in that location are now gone due to the aftermarket install. This is causing a rack and pinion problem. Therefore unlikely to be covered by warranty.
Does this make sense? Any help/advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance
 

Huck

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Makes all kinds of sense. You need the boots to keep debris out of the rack. Even with the Rpg instructions it shows how to modify the boots. I've also been told 3 times that the heims transfer too much force into the rack. (I've had 3 racks replaced under warranty)


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Fred

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Do yours look like this?

Mine were installed with the boots...did notice the clamp came of one though...
 

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Yukon Joe

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2013 Screw
Been having some steering issues - feels "loose", too much feedback, etc. Just like many on here have had.
Took truck to San Tan Ford and they are saying that my RPG tie rods are allowing dust/debris into the steering column since the factory boots in that location are now gone due to the aftermarket install. This is causing a rack and pinion problem. Therefore unlikely to be covered by warranty.
Does this make sense? Any help/advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance

The rack n pinion take a beating off-road. I have had them replaced under warranty as well. Try another dealer. Our reinstall your stock tire rods and take it in. It should be covered.

Yukon Joe
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JeepSRT8

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I am dealing with the same exact issues today. Finally took it to my local mechanic after all the above symptoms along with some noise, being told it looks to be due to the Heim Joints / Rack n Pinion. I am trying to work with one of my local dealer now to make sure I can get it repaired under warranty. My install was done at Outlaw, and while I did notice they put the boots on, they did not have hose clamps sealing them so it looks as if dust as such can just as easily get it... I will follow along and hope for the best.

Edit: I want to try and get this done without swapping out to my stock tie rods, to same on time money and headaches.

Second Edit: Does any one know the following; Time to replace rack n pinion set up via dealership assuming they have all parts in stock -- If it is not covered under warranty how much roughly could this cost?
 
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treypal

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There could be play in the heims too. They're only good for a little while. Probably 15k miles at worst.
 

Yukon Joe

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I am dealing with the same exact issues today. Finally took it to my local mechanic after all the above symptoms along with some noise, being told it looks to be due to the Heim Joints / Rack n Pinion. I am trying to work with one of my local dealer now to make sure I can get it repaired under warranty. My install was done at Outlaw, and while I did notice they put the boots on, they did not have hose clamps sealing them so it looks as if dust as such can just as easily get it... I will follow along and hope for the best.

Edit: I want to try and get this done without swapping out to my stock tie rods, to same on time money and headaches.

Second Edit: Does any one know the following; Time to replace rack n pinion set up via dealership assuming they have all parts in stock -- If it is not covered under warranty how much roughly could this cost?

The rack cost about $900 or so. There is a core charge as well. Full replacement is about $1,800. At least that is what my first one cost.

Yukon Joe
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Ingot SVT

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(stock rack and tie rods) I am having the same issue I have a rattling noise on my drivers side only when offroad that I have pin pointed to my rack with only 5300 miles. First dealer blames it on the sb about shock noise I call bs! I am a master certified shop foreman and have double checked all fasteners on the front end myself before taking it to the dealer. I showed the foreman at the dealer the play and made the noise and he says it is normal play but when we went to a new 2014 and I grabbed the tie rod it had very little play and no noise at all. I will be taking it to a diff dealer and show them the noise and excessive play that is present when I grab the drivers side tie rod and shake it.
 
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