posted 09-05-2024 04:43 PM                  

While there is always a chance that the Dealer/ Service Writer / Parts Replacer think they are correct in their diagnosis, It is entirely possible that the Dealer/ Service Writer / Parts Replacer were trying to "Up Sell" work that may not really need performed in order to make more money on the job as they often seem to do.

I suspect that they recommended replacing the tie rod ends, or entire rack and pinion assembly BEFORE they actually checked on the parts availability.

I would also imagine they will likely start to "Back Pedal" their story at some point.

My memory seems to recall prior discussions about tie rod ends from other vehicles that MIGHT work on the Prowler's but don't clearly recall the outcome of those discussions.

Check Out these threads:

http://www.prowleronline.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/003945.html

ivegotsugar posted 02-10-2010 10:38 PM
"I had my driver side inner tie rod replaced back in Aug 09 ...
It was rough trying to find just the inner tie rod since it shows that you have to replace the whole steering rack .
However Don Ward ( 832) 717 - 4977),was able to find a part to fit and so far so good .
Here is the info ... Mopar Steering Tie Rod part # MR519046
This part came from an 01 - 05 2 door Stratus
Cost for part $72.20
Good Luck .... ~ Sugar ~

{Oops I've corrected the Phone #} Thanks Mickey !

Also the inner tie rod will be a different color than the original rod ...Its lighter in color "

http://www.prowleronline.com/ubb/Forum21/HTML/000019.html

http://www.prowleronline.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/005592.html

Dano posted 10-27-2017 02:28 PM
"Helpful Parts Guy:
I just got off the phone with Chris @ Dallas Dodge (214-319-1228) who was extremely helpful with me to find parts that I needed. I asked if he's mind if I posted his contact info here for others and he said 'please do'. He works with Dallas Dodge parts, specifically in online sales. He has the ability to source parts from private sellers as well as Dodge directly. He said that he constantly helps others procure hard-to-find parts and can take your requests and call you when he finds them. Although he could not sell me the part that I needed, he pointed out the the gas filler neck that I need could be sourced through the Prowler Store - which was correct, they had them in stock and I ordered one today. Very helpful.

Inner Tie Rod ends:
He also pointed out a swappable part number for the inner tie rod end for a Prowler. He said that the Part # MR519046 from a Dodge Stratus would fit the Prowler with equivalent functionality. A little larger, but functional since the old part has been permanently discontinued. I wanted to share that here in case if anyone needs these."

GaryE posted 10-31-2017 11:59 AM
"I do not believe it is a problem obtaining the outer tie rods as they are used on other Chrysler cars. "

http://www.prowleronline.com/ubb/Forum2/HTML/005068.html

ed monahan posted 08-24-2014 02:26 AM
".... before you pay big bucks for a rack and pinion, make sure it is not the ball joint.
There were numerous cases of "mistaken identity" back in the day.
Make sure your ball joint recall was completed and even that is no guarantee that they are still okay."

From an old post in 2002:
"There is a good chance the ball joints are causing your problem.
If the dealer checks the joints the way the book says, they will check out good.
The problem with the joints is that they get too tight. This will require the steering rack to have to build up more pressure than it should.
This is why it is making the noise. If the problem is the joints, It is very possible you may break the ball it stud off while driving!!
MAJOR PROBLEM!!!
Another symptom that goes along with the tight joints that you may be having. Wandering, tight steering, hard to keep in a straight line.
I know of 5 prowlers that had this problem.
At least three of the owners were told the steering rack was bad by the dealer.
I know of one the new rack was installed and didn't help at all.
I know of three prowlers that broke the ball joint stud off. One of which had the new rack installed."

posted 09-05-2024 05:16 PM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by TucsonJer:
I took the Prowler in for and oil change this morning and ask them to check the front end steering assembly because it seemed I was having trouble with it wandering in the lane and I was always correcting when going down the road. The service advisor just called and said it looks like I need a new steering rack and there was excessive play in the inner and outer tie rods. I’m hoping someone might have information on how to find one. Dealer said they wasn’t able to find one from the factory or outside vendor. Appreciate any input I can get. Jer

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Excessive play of inner and outer tie rods and a bad steering rack are two different things. One or two tie rod ends maybe, tie rods and rack both, highly unlikely.

Go to an independent shop for second opinion. Preferable one with a lot of front end experience like alignment shops/tire shops. If alignment guy is over 50 yrs, he knows what he's doing.

As johnstuttle and Chris said, maybe you're being taken. Got to be careful of those stealerships.

Info alrtg posted on tie rod ends is accurate. If my memory serves me, there is no interchangeability of rack with other cars. Someone posted way back that he found a shop that can rebuilt Prowler racks. Prowler rack is unique in way its manufactured and how seals are assembled.

As a side note: Wife recently brought her car to stealership for oil change. They said she needed new brake pads and rotors on all four. Told her car was unsafe and can't be driven. Car has only 15,000 miles on it!!!! Checked pads went she got home. Had at least another 20-25,000 miles left, rotors like new. Conversation I had with Service Manager can't be printed. #@%&*

posted 09-05-2024 06:54 PM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by TucsonJer:
I really do appreciate all of your responses. I think I’m going to get another couple of opinions. It’s beginning to smell a little fishy. My car has 56K miles on it and I’ve had the lower ball joints replaced already. What’s really got me fired up is I found out today that their hourly rate is now $175 an hour. Their estimate for replacement of the rack is over a thousand dollars. I’m going to check with someone who specializes in front suspension work. I’m not going to jump into something I might not even need. I’ll keep you all posted. Jer

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posted 09-10-2024 05:56 AM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by onecatnodog:
Doesn't work here either Tony. it will let me write something but not let me post a image. It's probably a good thing as my pictures are mostly Junk anyway. John(onecatnodog)

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Not too sure about that lol I seen some pretty good pics from you 😉