| From | Message |
Chuck
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/29/2002
16:19:54
|
 Subject: RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
I have a 2000 club cab 4x4. Was told by a mechanic that I had premuture wear on ball joints. Took it to the dealer and they said that they measured just fine. What gives. After reading other messages it seems that the dealer is full of it.Let me know on how to deal with them if anyone can Thanks
|
Jonathan
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/04/2002
09:24:05
|  RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
Chrysler Scam
Attention to those people with Dodge Dakota's or Durango's 1998 or newer. In these vehicles both the upper and lower ball joints are failing prematurely. Chrysler has not been willing to address the problem due to the exorbitant cost of a recall. (To my knowledge, the problem has not caused any accidents or deaths) To compound the matter local dodge dealerships (Miller and Royal) have been covering up the problem by checking the joints the wrong way. To properly check ball joints the suspension must be compressed sufficiently to eliminate all the weight from the ball joint. To do this the truck must be jacked up by the lower control arm as far outboard as possible. The best way is to do one side at a time. The dealerships are lifting the trucks, on both sides, on the lower control arm right under the torsion bar mounts. Lifting at this point ensures there are still adequate forces (from the suspension) acting on the ball joint so it appears to have no play. The dealerships motivation in this scam is to cut down on warranty work. Of course, if you are over the 36,000 mile threshold they will check the ball joints properly and you will be stuck with the exorbitant bill.
How do I know this? I brought my 99' Dodge Dakota to an independent mechanic who informed me my ball joints were shot. So, I brought my truck in to Royal Dodge at which time they showed me there was no problem. Of course they were jacking the truck up the wrong way….. At the time I didn't know that. Then four months later the same thing happened except I went to Miller dodge knowing full well of the above scam. Sure enough as I was standing over the mechanic he proceeded to jack the truck up the wrong way and show me there is no play in the ball joint. At this point, with my service representative watching, I call them out on the scam. The out come…… the mechanic pleaded ignorance and I receive four new ball joints and a front-end alignment.
|
99Dak5.2L4x4
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/04/2002
11:50:25
| RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
I'm sure there is something going on. Because I know when I took off my upper ball joints last month and cut the boot open, nothing but dirt poured out of there and the joint was loose as a goose. I mean the thing was so worn that if I tried I might have been able to just pull the joint out of the socket. A bit of exagoration maybe.... but they were definetly shot to hell.
|
arcticgorn
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/05/2002
14:10:06
| RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
I have a 99 Dakota with 30,000 KMS on it (not miles), and my dealership, upon doing a checkup, told me that the ball joints are all shot and need to be replaced. They said it is a $1400 (CDN) job, and is covered under warranty. Oh dear...I hope this doesn't happen in ANOTHER two years.
I just bought 32x11.5x15 MT/R's too. Yay!
When I bought my truck, one of the Infinity speakers in the $800 optional system was blown and rattled.
|
99Dak5.2L4x4
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/05/2002
16:06:41
| RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
arcticgorn
you can pretty much count on having to replace the upper ball joints later on because there are not grease fitting on them. That's why every ones putting the moogs on. The lower ball joints have fittings but those ones just aren't that good thats why you're having to replace those. I'd say around 70-80k expect to have to replace all four again, if not before. When you hear the poping noise when turning you'll know.
~Bill~
|
Trip
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/17/2002
02:29:45
| RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
I was just told by an independant shop, that my ball joints were gone. They took me back into the shop, jacked up the truck on an alignment rack, and then raised the control arms to show me the "looseness" of the ball joint. It was amazing how much it moved. I will have to replace them soon. I was only looking at the lowers. Should I do the uppers at the same time anyway? How many hours should this job take by a solid mechanic? Any answers appreciated,
Trip
99 DAK 4x4 CC 3.9l etc....
|
BLeagues
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/19/2002
18:26:38
| RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
I had an independant mechanic tell me and show me the same thing recently about my ball joints. It was in for the annual inspection. It failed because of the ball joints.
I took it down to the Dealer and the dealer told me that they are within Chrysler's limits, I was told that it was 60 thousandths of an inch. I took it back to my mechanic, told him what the Dealer told me and he told me that he wasn't passing it on the inspection because of the ball joints.
I went back to the dealer, told him what the mechanic said. So they replaced the drivers side ball joint and said that the passenger side ball joint is fine.
I went back to my mechanic and told him what they did, he passed it because the drivers side ball joint was by far the worse of the two, but said the passenger side will be like that in a month or so.
What I am saying I guess, is this. Does Chrysler have a tolerance, or measurement that is acceptable with the looseness of the ball joints? Are they not opening themsleves to potential lawsuits if an accident happens because of a failure of the ball joints?
I read here somewhere before about starting a petition of something to that effect and sending it in to Daimler Chrylser and hoping to get a recall on the ball joints. Whatever became of this intiative?
Balemans Belding
|
Jredding
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/03/2002
12:31:20
| RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
I was also told of the 0.060" tolerance. They measured 0.032" with both wheels in the air. Makes me think maybe I could make it to the 0.060" mark if they checked one at a time. At this point my front right tire is wearing incorrectly. I paid for an extended warranty and I want them to fix it. Good deal: sell an extended warranty have owner buy one and pay for repairs too.
Can anybody find tolerances at inspection stations for ball joints? I always thought if they moved at all they were bad.
|
SKaNaDiaN
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/03/2002
15:58:51
| RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
About 2 months ago, I replaced the 2 ball joints and the tierod on the driver side because I felt a vibration in the steering wheel. It has 75k KM. Is this normal to replace joints with this millage?
1 month after, the problem returns. I went to the garage, and everything seems ok but when I drive on bad road at low speed, I feel that something
is shaking in the steering. It seems to come from the driver side. I can hear a popping noise when the window open. What could it be? Ball joints and tierod were replaced!
|
helton
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/06/2002
17:26:52
|  RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
I have to ask, have a lot of you had problems with your factory ball joints? Believe it or not, I have replaced all at least once, and the upper-drivers side twice. I asked the Dodge garage if they have heard of any problems, and they, of course, said no. Let me tell ya, it sure as hell ain't cheap. Over $600 total, and the upper are REALLY hard to get.
|
helton
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/06/2002
19:38:02
|  RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
Ca Also, can somone PLEASE tell me a good parts place to pick up or order the MOOG ball joints? I can't find one anywhere. Thanks.
|
Zooch T/A
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/09/2002
22:13:29
| RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
Just had the Upper and Lower Ball Joints on the Driver's side replaced, (Thought it was upper A-Arm bushings). Replaced with Napa Parts. Don't know if they have grease fittings or not.
'99 Dakota V6 Club Auto 4x4
|
helton
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/10/2002
17:27:28
| RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
Just to let you guy's know, NEVER have the ball joints replaced with O.E.M. parts. Make sure to get ones that have grease fittings, 'cause that is the biggest reason they go bad, no grease to keep them lubed. Go to www.rockauto.com, they have them from Moog for $40-43 a piece and they have the fittings.
|
BLeagues
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/11/2002
02:12:46
| RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
I have had my drivers side upper ball joints replaced twice and my passenger side uppers three times. I have a 99 Dak with 63,000 KM's on her.
The worst part about all of this is that I know the passenger side uppers are gone again. But am not sure if they are past the 60 thousandths on an inch that chrysler requires before changing them. So I am waiting a lil while before I go to the dealer to get em replaced again!
I have asked them about replacing them with Moog (after market) ball joints and they said that they would not while under warranty.
So until my extended warranty is up, I will continue my, what seems like, yearly jaunts to the dealer to get em replaced.
BLeagues
|
pbxr
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/11/2002
11:08:54
| RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
Dodge is notorious for passin the buck on "should be" recalled parts. Word of advice on ball joints, get 'em checked, lost ball joint @75mph in wifes 95 avenger, not a fun experience, but dodge did reimburse, only after I had attorney notify them of representation. Dont understand why they are willing to shell out for tire, rim, axle, upper/lower control arms, ball joints, and free oil changes for life, verses a simple "right off" of a recall. Reading these posts has rose my urgency to get my ball joints checked on my 01 xcab 3.9 dak. Thanks to all for making this board a reliable sometimes hillarious resource for Dak's
|
Brendan
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/11/2002
22:02:29
| RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
Note to the gentleman who posted about
wife's '95 Avenger who had the ball joint fail:
There was a recall in effect on FJ (Talon/
Avenger) bodies for that problem. That was
easily 3 years ago that I had heard of it... How
long ago did the accident happen with your
wife's car?
P.S. Chrysler isn't the only company out there
weighing the cost of litigation vs. the cost of
fixing vehicles. Anyone remember the Pinto
barbecue issue? 'nuff said.
|
pbxr
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/12/2002
07:43:46
| RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
Brendan, the "recall", was to inspect the ball joints, and replace if nessesary, which was completed a little over a year ago. Actually we had them inpected twice. Ironically 2 weeks after the last "proper dealer inspection", is when I left a 100+ft skid / scrap mark on the pavement.
Inspections by Dodge, are only out there, in my opinion to appese the public, they had no plans on replacing such parts. Especially when the upper arm ball parks for around $250.00. Besides after reading this site it seems to be a Dodge tradition to keep their customers in harms way. Don't get me wrong I love my Dak., but don't you think there should be some accountability for this irresponsibilty from a multi billion dollar company? Don't know about you, but I spent 17K on my 01 sport dak, shouldn't a chuck of that change go towards consumer safety?
|
Brad
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/12/2002
14:43:07
| RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
My sister has a 99 dodge avenger and we just got a recall notice for all 95 - 00 avengers and sebrings to get ball joints inspected or replaced if necessary. Hope we don't lose one before getting it in to the dealer!!
|
pbxr
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/12/2002
19:45:22
| RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
Hopefully not man. I can tell you from experience, that losing one @ 75 mph is not fun. All I can say is do not trust the dealership. Have a mechanic that does not have a dealer bias to inspect, prior to bringing it to the dealer.
Good luck, and keep the rubber side down(all 4 that it is)...
|
RTjohn
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/20/2002
10:07:25
| RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
I had my 99 dakota R/T at the dealer several time for front end noise and a popping in the steering wheel and nothing was done. This was at 28,000 miles, now at 50,000 the problem is much worse and I have to replace all the ball joints. Chrysler wants me to pay the 758.00 for junk parts, but they will pay the labor. I laughed as I am getting 4 spicer greesable ball joints installed for half of that. This is my last dodge product. I am only 22 years old, so they lost a customer who has many many more cars to buy.
Later
RTjohn
|
gunboat
GenIII
7/31/2002
20:04:15
|  RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
hi evveryone
just finished installing moog upper & lower balljoints on my 2000 dakota quad cab. the moog part #'s were for a 1999 dakota. fit great. had talked to a moog tech rep he could not tell me if the 99's would fit on my 2000. told him that the new 2003's would be out soon. said the front office was aware of the problem. so i took matters into my on hands, decided to install the parts anyway. like i said they fit fine. hopes this helps. don
|
helton
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/31/2002
23:51:42
| RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
Well guy's, we're about to do the Moog ball joint install this week.
|
Bill Smith
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
8/03/2002
00:06:20
| RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
guys the dealers will/would be paid for the joint replacement under warrenty... the sad part is ,they only pay the poor b@sterd TECH! about half the d@mned time it actually takes to do the job! so let me ask you ... HOW many 5 hour jobs(for conversational perposes) would YOU do and get paid an 1.5 to 2 hours for?????? not many and lets say you get 3 or 4 of these in the same week... you basicaly work 2 days for free!!!!! do you REALLY blame these guys for streachin the limits of "in tolerance "when you know your gonna work all day on some @ss holes truck and only get paid for 2 hours?I REALLY don't think so. It's not the dealer or the techs that's the Problem,,, its the way the guys are paid that is causing all the crap! was a dealer tech for GM for 25 years and went home with 20 hour checks more than once because of the FLAT RATE system.when they fix THAT!, you'll get better,safer service.untile then... I'm sorry. I'll get off my soapbox now!
|
slider_buck
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
8/03/2002
00:51:27
| RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
i'm with you on that one rtjohn. i will never own another chrysler product again. it has been non-stop problems with my 99 r/t. a couple of guys my dad works with has rams, they both had the front ends fall out from them and several others have had all kinds of problems. a friend of mine has been having alot of problems out of his v6 dakota, just had the water pump go out before that it was the ball joints, then the rotors. i really enjoy my r/t when it is running but i'm about fed up with fixing it all the time. think i'm going to trade it in or sell it then get a lightning.
|
helton
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
8/03/2002
02:15:19
| RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
Well, just installed the MOOG balljoints. And it rides sweet. Lowered 2" in front in those balljoints, and not one vibration.
|
Kyle
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
8/06/2002
19:28:56
| RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
Well I am glad to have found this site. I have a 98 Dakota Club Cab Sport with 92,000 miles. It is a 5.2 liter that I installed duals and flowmasters on. It has been a fun truck and I have enjoyed it. I am now replacing the ball joints with Moog. Any suggestions on how to get the rivets off the old ball joints?
|
Richie
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
8/07/2002
07:01:03
| RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
My 98 Dakota Club Cab,5.2L with 128000 miles just had the balljonts and tierods replaced. I am not sure which parts the shop used but they are greaseable. The mechanic said he would never install factory parts because they have no zerk fittings. I looked at the old balljoints and I might be mistaken but they sure looked like the internals were plastic
|
Dak0ta911
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
8/07/2002
14:44:00
| RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
Kyle,
For my '98 I just removed the upper control arm and used my bench grinder to grind the heads off. Then I just punched the rivets out. If you have a small portable grinder, you may be able to use it and not have to remove the upper arms. Either way you'll need an alignment. Hope this helps.
Brian
|
Kyle
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
8/07/2002
18:39:52
| RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey thanks Brian I do have a hand grinder that I used then I just drilled a hole in the center and they came right off. I am going to go ahead and do the passenger side now. I am probably going to do the lower ones too. Like I said I love my Dakota and hope to save it for my son who is 13. He really wants to drop it and put some rims on it. I will enjoy helping him do it. Thanks again
Kyle
|
Knobbyman
*GenIII*
8/12/2002
16:40:36
| RE: Ball Joints
IP: Logged
Message:
Are the 2000 & 2001 models the same? I really NEED!! ro replace my upper & lower ball joints & tie-rod ends.. But I don't want to go w/ OEM but it's to the point now that I have no choice but to replace them with what ever is available.
'01 Graphite QC 4x4
4.7 3.55 LSD
6" Suspension Lift
305x70x16 GoodYear MT/R's
http://www.knobbyman.com
----Speed only breaks it faster----
|
| | <<Previous Page P 2 Next Page>> |
