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rp2bad4u
Unregistered
4/24/2001
00:02:35
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 Subject: Front -end noise
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Message:
Hey guys,
I have a 99 Dakota Club Cab 4x4 (3.9 V6) and ever since I got it there's been alot of noise from the front end and through the steering column when turning extreme right or left. The dealer has replaced basically the whole steering linkage but the problem still persists. Can it be the CV joints??? Thanks.
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Jodie
Unregistered
4/24/2001
21:57:20
| RE: Front -end noise
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Message:
What kinda noise? Took 10.5 months to figure out I had differential probs and the control arms needed replacing...you could feel it in the steering. Still have a bit of a clunk but will keep up my b***hing next time I go in...
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Dakota Man
Unregistered
4/30/2001
22:25:42
| RE: Front -end noise
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Message:
I have experience the same problem. I have brought it back to the dealer several times and they replaced all the linkages to no avail. Finally after some persistance they found out the control arms were lose and caused a clunk noise when I make a sharp turn about about speed of 30-60km/h. Now after it was torqued down the front end was fine. But two weeks later, I am getting the same noise again from the other side of the truck. Only 3 days left of Manufactor's warrenty.
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K
Unregistered
5/12/2001
09:28:47
| RE: Front -end noise
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Message:
I had the same problem, with my 2000 Dakota,
I was told it was just my power steering, then the other day on my long drive home. The steering got real tight and I heard a crunch and then my Airbag light came on and now the Cruise doesn't work. Taking it in today to see what is going on. It isn't the power steering??
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Tad_w
Unregistered
JOIN HERE
5/17/2001
17:53:55
| RE: Front -end noise
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Message:
I had a lot of sqeaking and clunking at 16,000 miles. Just got back from dealer and they said they had to order parts to replace the front sway bar bushings. Hope this is the problem but other people on this website claim that daks have ball joint problems especially since they are sealed and can't be greased.
2000 qc sport 4.7L 4x4 auto tran
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DJ
Dodge Dakota
6/02/2001
10:56:01
| RE: Front -end noise
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Message:
3.9L 2000 quad cab...
I have the same clunk sound and feeling in the steering column of my Dakota when turning at slower speeds.
Had the dealer check it an they told me it may be the Lower Coupling???? They ordered the part and will install it when it arrives.
Hope it works?? What's the lower coupling anyway??
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Tad_W
Dodge Dakota
6/02/2001
11:46:33
| RE: Front -end noise
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Message:
Just returned from the dealer yesterday. THey claim they replaced all 4 bushings of the front sway bar to get rid of the sqeaking. There was no more sqeaks when I pushed up and down on the front bumper when picked up the truck at the dealer. However, this morning the sqeak seems to be returning but not as loud so far. i crawled under the truck and there was new white colored grease by the bushings. Maybe they just lubed them and never really changed them!?!?!? Never the less, if the sqeak returns, i am gonna be po'ed cuz it is three hours roundtrip to the dealer and I have to take a day off from work!!!!
2000 qc sport 4x4 4.7L auto tran
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Greeno
Dodge Dakota
6/17/2001
20:06:39
| RE: Front -end noise
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Message:
Has anybody got a straight answer from the dealer on what this "clunking" noise in the front end when turning and hitting bumps simultaneously is?? There is a TSB #1300100B on this noise. Has anybody's dealer been able to cure it and if so, what did they replace so I can have my moronic dealer do it to mine. they can't figure mine out. I have a 2000 Dak 4X4 AWD CC.
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LSett
Dodge Dakota
6/28/2001
09:02:09
| RE: Front -end noise
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Message:
I made my first (i guess) tight left hand turn up a small incline a few days ago. The wheel was all the way to the left and i got a clunk which really pissed me off. I have never heard a sqeak from this truck (knock on wood) and this made me a little nervous. So far i have not heard it again, but it sounds simular to what you guys are hearing.
'01 QC 4.7 4x4 1,500 miles
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Tad_W
Dodge Dakota
6/28/2001
11:04:44
| RE: Front -end noise
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Message:
I still get extremely annoying squeaking from my front end with up and down movement. THe dealer claimed to have replaced the sway bar bushings. I have sprayed the sway bar bushings with silicone and somewhere on the left front end, it still squeaks. Ball Joints?????
2000 sport qc 4.7 4x4 auto tran
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Greeno
Dodge Dakota
6/28/2001
16:51:15
| Ungreasable ball joints...who ever thought of this
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Message:
What genius at DaimlerChrysler would ever think of putting non greasable ball joints in these DAKOTAS?? Some engineer that drives a Lexus and sits at a desk all day??? I mean, come on, cars and trucks have had greasable ball joints for years and for a good reason. THEY DON'T MAKE NOISE and keep the ball joint from becoming damaged and wearing out. Is this another brilliant Chrysler plan to cut corners, save money on better ball joints, and have their customers bitch and complain about this incessant popping noise that all Dakotas are now experiencing when hitting bumps while turning? I have had it into the dealer 3 times, 2 different dealers and they say there is nothing wrong. I know what the problem is, the ball joints, you can't grease 'em, they make noise, some more than others, depending upon the bump hit, or incline.
Maybe there's a way to shove some GREASE IN THE BOOTS of the the BALL JOINT? What da ya think? A syringe like instrument with grease shoved into a space of the boot and pumped in there. WHo knows, could work. Do you guys hear what I'm saying?
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Stevie
Dodge Dakota
6/29/2001
13:07:47
| RE: Front -end noise
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Message:
My truck had the smae problems until I myseld Re-torqued the lower control arms, this did the trick I have had no problems since. 2000 v8 4.7 5 speed
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Greeno
Dodge Dakota
6/29/2001
13:56:20
| Hey Steve-about the lower control arms.
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Message:
What bolts do you need to re-torque on the lower control arms? I might just go and do that myself. What torque spec did you torque em to?
Thanks.
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Thisrokz
Dodge Dakota
7/02/2001
16:47:26
| RE: Front -end noise
IP: Logged
Message:
If you have a clunking noise from the front end when braking, turning, and/or going thru a bump it could be your upper control arms. I had all three symptoms 2 weeks after I bought my 2001 Dak. First time the dealers mechanic said it was the bolts that secure the brake line to the UCArm. He said they were stripped and they replaced them. 1 week later it was making the same noise. They had to replace both of the UCarms at 3 weeks. Great huh.
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Lefty
Dodge Dakota
7/08/2001
16:09:23
| RE: Front -end noise
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Message:
There are several TSB's for the front end "clunking". On my '99 R/T the ball joints/control arms on both sides were bad (rusted on the inside). Dealer replaced all under warranty.
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Dan Gruber
Gen III
7/09/2001
12:17:40
| RE: Front -end noise
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Message:
Mine is in the shop today for the front-end pop/clunk, as well as an odd vibration that I've been having for the past 10 months. Multiple inspections and now the second DC tech rep to look at the vehicle to figure out the vibration. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Will post the results when the problem is fixed.
On another front end noise. Since new, I've noticed a harsh creak/groan from the front end over large bumps. It turns out that the torsion bar on the passenger side is rubbing up against a hole that it passes through. I haven't bothered to do anything about that one yet...I'll probably just see if I can bend the metal on the hole since it seems fairly thin. Driver's side torsion bar passes through the center of a similar hole.
Dan
2000 CC SLT 4.7 4X4 Auto 3.55 LSD
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chad
Dodge Dakota
8/06/2001
22:16:44
| RE: Front -end noise
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Message:
i just bought a Dakota '99 3.9 2wd and have heard that clunking too. I have put 100 miles on it and better have it fixed free. I'll fill in the group when I know exactly what the problem is. It clunks when the wheel is turned and going over a bump or incline. Or decline for that matter.
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J. Calhoun
Dodge Dakota
8/07/2001
02:52:17
| RE: Front -end noise
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Message:
My 2000 qc 4x4 had the clunking noise too at 2000 mi. Dealer re-torqued some bolts on front end, I don't know which ones. Seemed to work. Mechanic was gone and counter guy was uninformed. Had the squeek too, I suspect sway bar bushings. I sprayed some dry silicone in there best I could, but it didn't help much. It seems better now. They may just need to "break in". Replacing the bushings won't fix it, 'cause the new ones will start squeeking too. Now have 12,000 mi. on mine, and seems ok, just needs new shocks, and rotors...
John
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steve f
Dodge Dakota
8/31/2001
14:48:46
| RE: Front -end noise
IP: Logged
Message:
I have the same front end clunking/poppoing noise when turning and braking on my 97 dakota 4x4. Had the lower ball joints replaced but this didn't fix the problem. There's a TSB for a poppoing sound in the steering column that I'll check out.
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PHIL
Dodge Dakota
9/03/2001
01:10:17
| RE: Front -end noise
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Message:
I have a '87 LE 4x4 3.9L with 157,000mi. I started to notice a clunk when turing and stopping at the same time around 90,000mi. I looked all around the front end and the only thing I found was the nuts holding the front stub axles were loose. My Dodge service manual says they should be at something like 200ft-lbs. I torqued them up & haven't a clunk problem till just recently.
The sound I have now seems to be coming from the lower steering column area and happens during stopping and or going over small bumps.
Hope this helps-phil
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mark mitchell
Dodge Dakota
9/27/2001
21:57:20
| RE: Front -end noise
IP: Logged
Message:
2001 Dakota Qcab w/4.7 V8 4X4 2100 miles. 1 mo. old
I was sort of tick when I started hearing a creeking noise from my front end after about 1000 miles, I search the web to see if I could get a little insite to what the problem may be and lo and behold here I am. I read through the data that you guys have posted and hoped I would find a way to avoid the dealer but that didn't pan out. Anyway the creeking noise in the front end while turning the wheel from left to right sounded like an old door. I had my truck at the dealer today and they seemed to be pretty sharp ( I'll know down the road ) they found from the frame to the main front cross member where the steering components are mounted were not flush when they were welded. After the paint and what ever else wore off it started to creek. They ended up taking a punch and put a couple of dents in the steel that was creeking to tighten it up and it worked. I was told because of the flexing of the steel during a turn ( during a stand still on dry road )those 2 points rub together causing the creeking. I guess you could relate it to an old bed getting a work out. thanks for the info
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Jeff T
Dodge Dakota
10/08/2001
00:33:46
| RE: Front -end noise
IP: Logged
Message:
Not sure if this will help anyone. But, my 2000 CC SLT 4wd had the creaking noise some have mentioned. If you would turn the wheel left-right, especially when pulling out at intersections etc., you'd hear the noise and feel a pulsation in the steering column. The dealer replaced both control arms on the driver's side. This didn't help at all. The second time they replaced the rack and pinion assembly and it seems to be fine now. Whether it was the new linkage or just the mechanics taking everything apart and putting it back together...hard to say which fixed it. Just a suggestion.
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bluangeldak
Dodge Dakota
10/08/2001
20:24:13
| RE: Front -end noise
IP: Logged
Message:
hey guys...i had a popping noise in my front end
as well on a 2000 club cab 4x4 dak. I well hell
bent that it was the ball joints, b/c of the way
you can move the wheels in and out if you only
jack up one side at a time. I have taken it in a
few time about it and well after doign the tsb on
the insulation, and checking the ball joints 3
times they decided that it was the stering column
itself!!! not the linkage, the ball joints or
anything else. They had to order a new stering
column, and in one week it was finally in. They
replaced it and no more clunking in mine. the
dealership states that it was a bad bearing in the
column itself. So maybe have them check that out
on your daks!!!! hope it helps....but i also agree
these ball joints SUCK!!!!
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Pete
Dodge Dakota
10/11/2001
15:05:23
| RE: Front -end noise
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Message:
I have noticed a click, it sounds like something is loose but I have been under the truck a number of times and found nothing. The clicks seem to be coming from the front and rear of the truck and are intermittant. I have been waiting for the problem to manifest itself so the dealer doesn't think I am crazy. No clunking or problems with steering or vibration. Anybody with a similar problem? I will post my resolution.
Thanks. 2001 quad cab V8
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pete
Dodge Dakota
10/14/2001
12:29:06
| RE: Front -end noise
IP: Logged
Message:
Went under the truck 1 more time while someone pushed down on the rear bumber...good news! I finally located my clicking sound. Turns out that it was just the heat shield flexing. Fixed the problem myself. Hope this helps some of you out. I think its worth looking into before your dealer performs an unneccessary repair of something that may not be broke. Not to mention the inconveniance. The clicking was very pronounced and sure sounded like a suspension problem.
Good luck.
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JMII
Dodge Dakota
10/15/2001
19:43:28
| RE: Front -end noise
IP: Logged
Message:
Just noticed this seems to be a 4X4 only
problem... anyone with a 2wd having this problem
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jat
Dodge Dakota
10/17/2001
01:52:27
| RE: Front -end noise
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Message:
Yeah! I have a 01 quad cab 4.7 2wd and I am experience exactly what everyone else is talking about. When you are turner or going over a speedbumb I can hear an aweful sound from the front end. It sounds like something is about ready to break. I have 12,500 miles on my truck and it seems to be getting worse every day. I am taking it in to the dealer ship for some other work might have them check into it. Or maybe not from what everybody else says. Has anybody had problems with their front breaks. Mine seem to be wearing out fast. I have been thinking of supercharging my truck but maybe not if it will fall apart before the warranty is even up. jat
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sprocket
Dodge Dakota
10/17/2001
17:29:04
| RE: Front -end noise
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey Jat
I have a 2000 4x4 QC 5.9l at approx. 11,000 miles
i had to have the front rotors replaced and again at around 18,000 miles it started hopping again at 24,000 miles and dealer would'nt do anything.
Went to aftermarket Raybestos rotors and pads they lasted about 24,000 miles before I had them turned. Mechanic told me the brakes just are
not big enough for these trucks.
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jjj
Dodge Dakota
10/25/2001
19:18:07
| RE: Front -end noise
IP: Logged
Message:
lsett,
The noise you are hearing maybe the lower control arm making contact with the knuckle ( I think ). Only does it on a full turn and bump combination, the steering turns alittle too far and it is not a big deal. Just don't turn as sharp, of course DC could have done that with the rack beforehand and you wouldn't have noticed it. I have the same noise and haven't tried to see if I can grind some clearance there. Turn your wheel hard to the left and crawl under the truck you should see the problem.
Jeff
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Charles
Dodge Dakota
11/20/2001
16:17:03
| RE: Front -end noise
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Message:
I'm experiencing the same problems. I've taken it in twice and they couldn't find anything wrong.
Now I know what the commercial says "Dodge...Different" You get a different answer everytime you ask a question to the service departments at each dealership.
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steve f
Dodge Dakota
11/22/2001
14:49:59
| RE: Front -end noise
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Message:
After about a year of head scratching, the popping/clunking sound while turning/braking is fixed. The mechanic wrote down that it was "a loose bolt on the right side of the frame cross- member just behind the engine" I didn't get the chance to talk to him in person so I don't know exactly which bolt. Before this, two dealerships and another mechanic swore that it was the lower ball joints. Be careful!
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D Mires
Dodge Dakota
12/03/2001
22:05:42
| RE: Front -end noise
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Message:
Hello, I have a quick question...
I have a 97 dakota with a 5.2, and is 4wd. Yesterday, while driving up a winding road, the right hand steering link came out of the rack and pinion unit, causing me to go into the ditch, and causing much damage....thankfully no one was hurt.
Has anyone heard of or seen this happen to their dakota?? The dealer says that there are no service bulletins or recalls on this item.
I am sure that the dealer will tell me that the end came out on impact, not before the accident??
thanks for any help.
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4wDakota
Dodge Dakota
12/04/2001
10:02:50
| RE: Front -end noise
IP: Logged
Message:
D Mires, A 97 4x4 doesn't have rack and pinion steering. It has the "recirculating ball" or Pinion arm steering. I'd look again to see what came apart
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big blk dack
Dodge Dakota
12/14/2001
23:39:01
| RE: Front -end noise
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Message:
I bought my truck used and thought it was in a wreck. It makes a clunk sound when turning slow left in right front area. I am taking it in to dealer asap. Will post dealer response.
2001 4.7 Auto 3.55
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Jason L
Dodge Dakota
12/18/2001
14:58:57
| RE: Front -end noise
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Message:
2001 quad 4X4 4.7
My truck makes a clunk sound when turning hard left. It also sounds like there is a shock loose when going over roughf pavement.
Have not taken it in yet...
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DeaPee
Dodge Dakota
12/19/2001
00:17:33
| RE: Front -end noise
IP: Logged
Message:
OK, so we've narrowed it down -- it can basically be anything from control arms to steering stabilizers and sway bars. But we're all pretty sure that it can't possibly be the positive battery terminal, correct?
I just want to get on the same page as everyone else here.
- Dave
- 01 RC SLT 4x4 3.9 BLACK
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Craig
Dodge Dakota
12/20/2001
11:02:41
| RE: Front -end noise
IP: Logged
Message:
My clunk... hard left turn, slow, dip, bump (Insert any of the numerous other posts here). Try this, turn your wheels all the way to the right and park. Wedge your head (may need flashlight) into the space created behind the wheel. There is a mark where the nuckle hits the arm. When you turn the wheel all the way to the left and go through dip, bump, etc... these two pieces rub against each other. I can re-create it consistently. Dealer put some grease on the spot and it went away. We both no that is a very temporary solution. As long as I'm not creating long term mechanical problems than I'm fine with it. Besides, if I stop one inch short of a full left turn there is no contact anyway. At least this was my problem but it sounded exactly like a lot of yours and I was pretty worried about the shackle, swing arm, ... horror stories. Here's hoping your issues are nothing worse than a little friction like mine!!!
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dave
Dodge Dakota
12/31/2001
16:12:17
| RE: Front -end noise
IP: Logged
Message:
I had the clunking while simultaneously turning & hitting a bump etc. they replaced the steering column, problewm solved. they also infomred me that the proceedure was "Hit & Miss" since some of the replacement parts had the same manufacturing defects as the originals (some tolerances), some vehicles they claimed to have services the same way several times in order to fix it.
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