Home Page Owners Registry Discussion Forums ProwlerMall Event Scrapbooks About
Prowler Products By Gary Tom Mills / Jefferson Auto
Call Gary E at Prowler Products By Gary - Formerly Carlini Design Call Tom for the BEST Park/Turn Signal Relocation Kit

Click here to return to the Prowler Online Board Main Page
  ProwlerOnline, Plymouth/Chrysler Prowler Discussion Forum
  Technical Questions & Answers
  Prowler steers left and right on its own :( (Page 1)

Post New Topic  Post A Reply
edit profile | register | preferences | faq | search

   Bottom of Page
This topic is 2 pages long:   1  2 
next newest topic | next oldest topic
Author Topic:   Prowler steers left and right on its own :(
tomkovacs
Prowler Newbie

From:Chicago, IL
Registered: Aug 2007
Admin Use

posted 08-01-2018 09:06 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for tomkovacs     send a private message to tomkovacs   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by tomkovacs
Hello everyone!

I have a serious issue with my kat. It sounds like something rattled underneath the floor and the car just wants to go left or right on it’s own. I got out and checked the outer tie rod ends and they seem to be ok, nothing loose or anything. There is steering fluid although it’s a bit murky, has a brownish color. Did anybody ever had anything similar? With the sudden swaying motion? Thanks for any feedback!

garysss




POA Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie

From:Balto. Md.
Registered: Jun 2005
Admin Use

posted 08-01-2018 10:16 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for garysss     send a private message to garysss   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by garysss
Have you checked your ball joints?
Tomcal


POA Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie

From:Commack, NY, USA
Registered: Jan 2005
Admin Use

posted 08-01-2018 10:50 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Tomcal     send a private message to Tomcal   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by Tomcal

I would get car up on a lift ASAP and start checking suspension and steering components, both Front and Rear. Inner tie rods, loose control arms, steering rack and steering shaft.

As garysss mentioned, have ball joints checked.

Brownish color of fluid is normal. Depending on year of car,
some fluid is red and others amber. They all turn brown after many years.

tomkovacs
Prowler Newbie

From:Chicago, IL
Registered: Aug 2007
Admin Use

posted 08-02-2018 06:18 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for tomkovacs     send a private message to tomkovacs   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by tomkovacs
Thanks Gents,

I have checked the car again and still nothing. I have also did some research and this may be a ball joint issue as some of you suggested. This car had a failed balljoint before, my wheel broke out. It was horrific but did not crash hard and a dealer got her back on her feet for free under the balljoint recall. Then, a few years later I decided to powder coat the front suspension parts. The ball joints were removed from the lower control arms and got powder coated. A moronic Chrysler dealer south of Chicago installed the brand new ball joints upside down. Yes, upside down. Then they got new joints (at my expense of course) and installed them. Everything was ok until point but now i wonder if this is the ball joint again? They do not even have 1000 miles on them yet. Plus I moved to Switzerland in the meantime and brought the car with me so of course this is becoming a real nightmare. Anyway, I will try to find some decent car mechanic to check it out and will post the results for others to see and learn from my troubles.

Thanks for the inputs.

Have a great day!

Tomcal


POA Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie

From:Commack, NY, USA
Registered: Jan 2005
Admin Use

posted 08-02-2018 10:52 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Tomcal     send a private message to Tomcal   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by Tomcal
It's doubtful ball joints themselves failed after a 1000 miles. But, dealer could have damaged ball joint boots leading to loss of lubrication or contamination.

Ball joints are pressed into control arms. Repeated removal and install of ball joints can lead to removal of aluminum from control arm socket where ball joint is pressed into.

Since you experienced a really bad dealer install, he may have messed up and distorted/enlarged control arm socket to the point where ball joint is no longer a tight press fit, but slightly loose in control arm.

On Prowlers there is no secondary retainer ring to hold ball joint in place, as in most other cars.

I'm hoping you find that whatever problem is, it's an easy fix.

Keep us updated.

This message has been edited by Tomcal on 08-02-2018 at 11:01 AM

tomkovacs
Prowler Newbie

From:Chicago, IL
Registered: Aug 2007
Admin Use

posted 08-02-2018 11:00 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for tomkovacs     send a private message to tomkovacs   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by tomkovacs
Hi Tomcal,

That is what I am afraid of too! New control arm would run $2K plus shipping, matching paint, install, etc. I’ll never get that back from the morons in Illinois I’ll post the results...

Tomcal


POA Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie

From:Commack, NY, USA
Registered: Jan 2005
Admin Use

posted 08-02-2018 11:07 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Tomcal     send a private message to Tomcal   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by Tomcal

tomkovacs... I edited my last post for clarity.

If you find it's a loose fit balljoint/control arm issue, don't rush to buy new arms. There are ways to solve this type of problem.

Hopefully it's something else.

mslc10



POA Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie

From:Bulverde, Texas, United States
Registered: Nov 2009
Admin Use

posted 08-02-2018 10:08 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for mslc10     send a private message to mslc10   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by mslc10
I had the steering shaft replaced by dealer. I drove it home and noticed more slop in steering than when I took it in . Got home and loosened and re-torqued the bolt that connect shaft to steering column stub. This took care of problem . Car was veering left and right but steering wheel was not following the wheels....so if the steering wheel pulls in your hand as car veers then I would say this is not your cure. But if it seems like there is play in the steering, then I would loosen that bolt and re-torque it. Two dissimilar metals heat and cool and expand at different rates so it can give you some play if not re-torqued.
tomkovacs
Prowler Newbie

From:Chicago, IL
Registered: Aug 2007
Admin Use

posted 08-03-2018 08:58 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for tomkovacs     send a private message to tomkovacs   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by tomkovacs
Thanks mslc10, I’ll check it out!
mslc10



POA Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie

From:Bulverde, Texas, United States
Registered: Nov 2009
Admin Use

posted 08-27-2018 09:37 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for mslc10     send a private message to mslc10   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by mslc10
Any updates?
CAT-A-TONIC


POA Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie

From:SANTA CLARA,CA.
Registered: Apr 2001
Admin Use

posted 08-28-2018 12:01 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for CAT-A-TONIC     send a private message to CAT-A-TONIC   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by CAT-A-TONIC
I run this by you. Since you had the control arms removed from the car (couple of times) and since you had and incompetent dealer pull them in from the wrong side, if they followed the factory TSB spec wise, then they might have followed the incorrect torque value listed for the upper ball joints. The factory TBS has some incorrect and unnecessary procedures. If they followed them then check your upper joints. The torque value for them listed in the TSB is WAY off the proper spec. If they followed the TSB then they've over torqued them. You may have some slop in that area.
tomkovacs
Prowler Newbie

From:Chicago, IL
Registered: Aug 2007
Admin Use

posted 08-28-2018 10:07 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for tomkovacs     send a private message to tomkovacs   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by tomkovacs
Hi, thanks for the follow up and the suggestion. I’m terrible at interpreting abbreviations. What is TSB? Is there a link where I can find the correct values so I can give them to my new mechanic? I have the Prowler manual but you sound like he should not necessarily follow the values from it...thanks
ed monahan





POA Lifetime Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie
Personal ScrapBook

From:Cincinnati, Oh, USA
Registered: Jul 2000
Admin Use

posted 08-28-2018 10:12 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for ed monahan     send a private message to ed monahan   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by ed monahan
Technical Service Bulletin (sent to the dealers from Chrysler)
tomkovacs
Prowler Newbie

From:Chicago, IL
Registered: Aug 2007
Admin Use

posted 08-29-2018 12:20 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for tomkovacs     send a private message to tomkovacs   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by tomkovacs
Duh, ok, thanks. Do you think it’s possible that the service bulletins and service manuals have conflicting information?
robin


POA Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie

From:St Thomas Ontario Canada
Registered: Nov 2013
Admin Use

posted 08-29-2018 10:13 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for robin     send a private message to robin   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by robin
I now have a copy in my hand. It reads as follows,
****************************************************
From: HUNTER, J.B. 4/17/2003
Subject: UPDATE - SAFETY RECALL C03
ATTN: Sales and Service managers
To: DRALLS ALL DEALERS
Update - Safety recall #C03 - Revised upper ball Joint Torque Specification
Involved Vehicles:
1997-2002 (PR) Plymouth/Chrysler Prowler
Torque Specification Correction
The torque value specified on page 6, step 27 of the recall C03 for tightening the upper ball joint is incorrect. The proper torque specification is 65 ft. lbs. (88 N.m.)
Please correct all copies of the Recall C03 to reflect the proper torque specification of 65 ft. lbs. (88 N.m.)
The MDS2 and DealerCONNECT versions of this recall will be updated to reflect this change in the near future.
NOTE: The torque value specified in the Prowler Service Manual will also be revised.
If you have any questions regarding this action, please contact your Service and Parts District Manager.
Joseph Hilger
Vice-President, Global Service
************************************************
So there you have it!
All of the manuals are wrong!
THE QUESTION NOW SEEMS TO BE,,,WHAT WAS THE TORQUE VALUE APPLIED AT THE FACTORY?
robin


POA Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie

From:St Thomas Ontario Canada
Registered: Nov 2013
Admin Use

posted 08-29-2018 10:18 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for robin     send a private message to robin   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by robin
http://www.prowlerexcitement.com/BallJointRecall/ServiceInstructions/Page001.htm

70 for the lower.

This message has been edited by robin on 08-29-2018 at 10:19 AM

ed monahan





POA Lifetime Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie
Personal ScrapBook

From:Cincinnati, Oh, USA
Registered: Jul 2000
Admin Use

posted 08-29-2018 11:10 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for ed monahan     send a private message to ed monahan   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by ed monahan
Tom, the DUH was not necessary. I have had to ask lots of questions that EVERYONE knew the answer to, but if you never came across it, how would you know.
tomkovacs
Prowler Newbie

From:Chicago, IL
Registered: Aug 2007
Admin Use

posted 08-30-2018 02:14 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for tomkovacs     send a private message to tomkovacs   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by tomkovacs
Hi all, thanks for the help! This is really big! I don’t think any of the bolts were torqued properly to be hones. This time, I will go into the shop and watch them (new mechanic) do it. I’ll request an alignment to be done at the same time. I would love to do it myself but I don’t have the tools for the alignment. In any case, I’ll let you all know of the result and what the issue was once it’s done. Thanks again!
RPL




POA Lifetime Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie

From:Rochester Hills, MI, USA
Registered: Jul 2000
Admin Use

posted 08-30-2018 02:16 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for RPL     send a private message to RPL   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by RPL
Remember the alignment specification calls for 150# in the driver's seat if I' not mistaken.
tomkovacs
Prowler Newbie

From:Chicago, IL
Registered: Aug 2007
Admin Use

posted 08-30-2018 02:18 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for tomkovacs     send a private message to tomkovacs   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by tomkovacs
In case anybody is wondering, I am buying new nuts for the ballpoints as I believe they are one time use only and should not be torqued and retorqued again.
Tomcal


POA Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie

From:Commack, NY, USA
Registered: Jan 2005
Admin Use

posted 08-30-2018 04:40 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Tomcal     send a private message to Tomcal   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by Tomcal

NO NOT replace the lower ball joint nuts. They have a special plastic crush collar on them to prevent the ball joint stud from rotating as you tighten nut.

Also, the original upper ball joint torque spec error was higher (95 ft. lbs.) than revised downward in TSB (65 ft.lbs.)

Thus, upper ball joint will not be loose if torqued to 95.

If upper ball joint is at, or about 65- 95, I would not touch it.

robin


POA Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie

From:St Thomas Ontario Canada
Registered: Nov 2013
Admin Use

posted 08-31-2018 09:17 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for robin     send a private message to robin   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by robin
I have spare nuts. (didn't think I would ever say that)lol I have a upper and lower. just let me know you just pay shipping I'm in Canada.
We can do and over night. But that usually cost a little more.
These are original never use.

robin

But if like Tom said the tops are not loose I would leave them alone.

tomkovacs
Prowler Newbie

From:Chicago, IL
Registered: Aug 2007
Admin Use

posted 08-31-2018 03:37 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for tomkovacs     send a private message to tomkovacs   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by tomkovacs
Ok, thank Tomcal! Question: it looks like the front right shock is toast. Since I brought the car with me to EU, I can’t just walk into a Mopar store to pick up new ones. Do any of you know how can I get new shocks (front) in Europe?
Larry Lord


Prowler Junkie
Personal ScrapBook

From:Colton, CA
Registered: Jul 2000
Admin Use

posted 08-31-2018 10:01 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Larry Lord     send a private message to Larry Lord   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by Larry Lord
I have front Koni shocks in stock and ready to ship.

------------------
Larry (Cruise Control) Lord
Larry@FMBbox.com
Products for your Prowler and Trailer:
Wonder Bar Stabilizer Bars - Deck Lid Hinge Protectors - Replacement Mud Flap Brackets - Trailer Latch Reinforcement Kits - Upright Trailer Storage Stands - PCM Heat Shields -
Keyed Alike Chrome Coupler Locksets - Chrome Receiver Locks - Chrome Coupler Locks

FMB Truck Outfitters Facebook page
FMB Truck Outfitters Online Store

robin


POA Site Supporter
Prowler Junkie

From:St Thomas Ontario Canada
Registered: Nov 2013
Admin Use

posted 09-01-2018 11:45 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for robin     send a private message to robin   Edit/Delete Message   Reply w/Quote   Search for more posts by robin
Is the car staying in the EU?
If not you could wait and order a set from Larry when and if you come back to the states. It won't Effect the ride that much.

This topic is 2 pages long:   1  2 

All times are CT (US)  Top of Page  Previous Page

 Return to Technical Questions & Answers  next newest topic | next oldest topic



Administrative Options: Close Topic |Make Sticky | Archive/Move | Delete Topic
Post New Topic  Post A Reply
Hop to:

Contact Us | Prowler Online Homepage

All material contained herein, Copyright 2000 - 2012 ProwlerOnline.com
E-Innovations, LP

POA Terms of Service