QuestionQUESTION: Mr Finston, Two weeks the power steering pressure switch was replaced the new switch blew out with explosive force taking the threads in the aluminium gear box with it. I say the maechanic used excessive torque when installing the new switch and damaged the threads in the gear box causing the failure. The dealership says its just a coincidence and not their responsiblity. Any thoughts on this problem?
ANSWER: Hi Rodman,
I wonder how things worked out with the pressure switch? You can report back if you like by the 'thank/rate' tab below, without having to wait for me to be 'available' to take a question. While you are there, if my answer was helpful I would appreciate a vote of 'yes' for the 'nomination to be expert of the month'. I am in a close race for that honor so every vote is helful. Thanks in advance.
Hi Rodman,
I consulted my Chrysler factory '98 Sebring service manual, because you didn't happen to mention the model of your vehicle. It states quite clearly, in BOLD TYPE,
"CAUTION: When tightening the power steering pressure switch, after installation in steering gear, do not excessd the torque specification shown in step 1 below. Over-tightening may result in stripping the threads out of the pressure switch port on the steering gear
(1) Install power steering pressure switch into power steering gear by hand until fully seated. Then using a crowfoot and extension, tighten power steering pressure switch to a torque of 15 N.m (12 foot-pounds)."
I am certain that your model also has such a warning, but let me know if you need it for legal purposes.
That torque setting is very low, and so it is very likely that either for lack of a crowfoot wrench or failure to use the torque wrench the switch was indeed overtightened. The housing is "pot" metal and the threads are tapered, which is a recipe for disaster if not done properly. The mechanic should repair the threads if possible with an insert, if one is available, and if not should replace the steering gear. If you cannot get satisfaction you may need to file in small claims court after filing a complaint with the local (state) Bureau of Auto Repair which licenses mechanics.
Roland
PS Use the 'thank/rate' tab below to get back to me, without having to wait for me to be available to take a question. There is a space for comments, to which I will reply.
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QUESTION: Mr Finston, Sadly, them service manager and the owner of the dealership that replaced the pressure switch will accept no responsibility for the stripped threads. It seems my only recourse is small claims court since Chrysler says the original steering box must have been defective. If you can tell me if the service manual for 2002 PT Cruiser (turbo model) has the same warning about the torque specifications as your Sebring manual I would be grateful. If this warning is there could you tell me the full title of the manual and the page number? I wasn't paying attention to the "thank/rate button on the website but will go there immediately as I really appreciated your propmt response to my inital query. Thanks again. Rodman Davis
AnswerHi Rodman,
I don't happen to have a manual for the '02 PT, but I do for the '03 Sebring/Stratus manual and it has the same warning on page 19-13. I would believe that your case would be strong even without a PT manual, as the pumps are identical (you could verify part numbers at a different Chrysler dealer parts counter to show that is indeed the case for the years from '98-'03 including your '02). I would be pleased to xerox the pages from both my manuals and postal mail them to you for presentation at the small claims court. There is a space for comments in the 'thank/rate' tab area to put in an address to which I should mail these. There is also a possibility that your local library system may be able to get you a copy of the manual from its on-line resources. Best of luck on pursing justice!
Roland
Roland
