Cost for Clockspring?

[MikeH]

Has anyone actually bought a clockspring from DC? I almost went into shock today. My pampered '98 is making a grinding noise at the top of the steering column. Local 5 star finally got around to looking at it (after the truck had sat in their lot waiting for two full days). Said it's for sure the clockspring and would cost $637 to change. I'll let it grind itself to powder before I do that. I'm kinda new to this town. Did they spot me rolling in or what?



MikeH

 

[MidwestMotorman]

Sorry to hear that...

It appears the older truck are subject to weak clocksprings? Thank goodness mine is doing fine.



My crash manual shows a price of $119 with 0. 8 hrs to change. The manual is a year out of date, but I do not think the price changed that much. Sounds like the parts man needs to make a house payment...

 

[MEWare]

I just got a recall for clocksprings not too long ago. I am not sure if it was for my 94 or for my 01. I am not home or I would double check it. That may be a way around the price gouging.



Matt

 

[nps]

The recall is only for 2001 trucks.



Here are instructions if you end up doing it yourself.



http://dodgeram.org/tech/tsb/recalls/982.htm

 

[TomGolden]

MikeH, When I had mine done at a dealer, under warranty, their invoice showed a total cost, parts, labor, etc. of $150, although, as I said, they did it under warranty so it cost me $0. This was back in early June 2001.



Tom

 

[MikeH]

Thanks to all for the responses. I just looked at the dealer invoice for the diagnostic check. They wrote it up as "needs steering column and clockspring". I guess they intended to replace the steering column too which would explain the big price. I think they just didn't want to do the job and figured they would scare me away. As with everything else, I'll do it myself. nps, thanks for the link. I printed the procedure and will be using it.

MikeH