| From | Message |
GasHog
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/01/2004
17:50:49
|
 Subject: Everyone should read this!
IP: Logged
Message:
I have a 2000 Quad Cab Sport 4x4 and while driving recently I noticed a vibration that was being sent thru the steering wheel which was more noticeable at higher rpms. Not being sure what this was and having a new baby on the way I thought I should take the truck in and have everything checked out. I knew going in that at least one of the ball joints was shot because I had been hearing the tell-tale clunking noise for a while. After the diagnosis I was told that both upper ball joints would need to be replaced and that the left inner tie-rod end was loose. The tech thought that the tie-rod end being loose was the cause of the vibration problem as it would let the wheels toe out under acceleration. The biggest problem with this was that you cant just replace the inner tie-rod, you have to replace the entire steering rack! After hearing that I knew the bill was going to be high. I was quoted $1100 for the assembly, ball joints, and labor, the majority of that being the $650 cost of the steering assembly. I will say that I was a little unhappy considering that the truck only has 45000 miles on it and hardly ever goes off pavement. I went to pick it up knowing that I couldnt afford that cost right now and thinking I could replace the ball joints on my own some time in the near future. When I spoke with the tech, who I know thru a friend, he told me that these are well known problems and that I should talk to Dodge about them and see what they would do. I called Dodge the next day and spoke with someone in the recall department who took down all of the info and said she would make a file for reference, but I didnt see how any of that would help me. Then she transferred me to someone in the customer service dept. and I told her the story, after listening to me she said that she had to put me on hold and see what she could do. After about 5 to 10 minutes she came back on the line and said that her manager and the manager of the Dodge dealer where I had the diagnosis done were trying to work something out. About another 5 minutes later she came on the line again and said that they were willing to make me a offer, they would pay for the cost of the parts as long as I paid for them to be installed. I have to say that I was quite happy as my repair bill had just gone from $1100 to about $300. She also told me to make sure I held onto the paperwork because if the ball joints would be recalled in the future I would be reimbursed for the labor cost as well. I accepted the offer and thanked her for her help. I then called the service shop and set up an appointment for the repair, he said they had all of the info and that it should be no problem. I did take it in and have the work done and the truck now drove much smoother and they clunking and squeaking was now gone but the vibration that the truck had originally been brought in for was still there! I was pretty disappointed in the world now. I took the truck back a couple days later and had a tech drive it while I was riding in it so I could talk to them about it in person and see what they thought. We drove around for a little while and he said he couldnt feel it that much and maybe I should bring it back on a day when it was acting up. Not buying that something wasnt really wrong with it I made them put it up on the lift and told him to check everything that had anything to do with the drivetrain. After a couple of minutes he called me over to him and showed me the u-joint on the rear of the driveshaft, one of the ends was completely rusted up and was binding every time the shaft would rotate thus causing the vibration I was feeling. I was then given a quote of $90 to replace it and told I would not be charged for the diagnosis time since I had paid for it on my last visit. The work was done and the truck drives like it is brand new now.
I wanted to post this experience with everyone to let you know what happened. I have seen a lot of talk on here lately about the ball joints and thought that by putting this out there some of you may be able to get the same help I did. Also, I have mixed feelings about the whole thing myself, they know that the ball joints are bad and they should recall them, but other than the things I listed above the truck has been rock solid and I love the combination of utility, power and looks that it has.
Please comment back on this as I would like to know what everyone thinks.
|
Grampa Joe
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/01/2004
18:02:52
|  RE: Everyone should read this!
IP: Logged
Message:
|
Chiz
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/01/2004
18:51:13
| RE: Everyone should read this!
IP: Logged
Message:
I dunno about you, Grampa, that sounded pretty clear to me.
GasHog, sounds like you got a pretty good deal there. Looks like the techs were just trying to do their job, even if it makes them look like jerks. To get what you want, it's good to go above them, even if your opinion getting heard is all that results.
I have spoken to Chrysler's customer relations center after some issues with my dealer, and they seemed more than happy to deal with the concerns I had. Granted, they didn't give me $800, but they did give me a good feeling about where Dodge was coming from.
I would like to know what dealer that was or just your whereabouts.
Hope everything goes well with your son/daughter.
|
GasHog
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/02/2004
09:29:45
|  RE: Everyone should read this!
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks Chiz! That is the kind of feedback I was hoping to hear. I guess Grampa Joe just doesnt get it.
I live in North Dakota. No, we dont still use covered wagons and say 'ya, sure, you betcha' all the time. The dealership is known for having horrible salesmen but good service and body shop techs. I was very suprised when Dodge offered to pay that much, the best I was hoping for was half.
And my new daughter is doing great, thank you.
|
Graham
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/02/2004
22:05:30
| RE: Everyone should read this!
IP: Logged
Message:
Hey GasHog I enjoyed reading your article, that is very interesting, I own a DODGE and I don't care what someone can say about putting there 2 cents to talk sh!t. I do have to say that is very nice how Chrystler (dodge) helped you out. I live in Arizona and I have to say if I have trouble with my Dodge I hope I get service like you did.Once again thanx for the fine article.
|
DSW
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/02/2004
23:08:28
| RE: Everyone should read this!
IP: Logged
Message:
Gashog, I don't know what the 4x4 steering looks like, but I replaced the tie rods on my 00 2wd Dak a couple years ago with units from NAPA.
Seems kind of odd to replace the steering rack when the tie rod ends unscrew from the rack. What the heck they paid for all the parts, $400 for tie rod ends, ball joints and a U-joint doesn't seem too bad.
|
01quad
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/02/2004
23:14:18
| RE: Everyone should read this!
IP: Logged
Message:
Just thought I would drop a comment. I had my right front upper ball joint go bad with about 18K miles on it. Dealer fixed it under warranty, but took 2 to 3 visits for a diagnosis.
It's been ok since. Now have about 25K miles. But I have just recently gotten a very bad squeak in the front end, Really noticeable when going over speed bumps or other slow speed suspension compression.
The Ball joint thing makes me wonder about the trucks durability.
|
WipLash
R/T
3/02/2004
23:34:39
| RE: Everyone should read this!
IP: Logged
Message:
I haven't done it in over 15 years, but my dad and I both used to drill holes in the top of the ball joints and insert grease zerks on all our Fords back in the 70's and 80's. It is possible to get debri in the joint. I magnetise my drill bit with a permanent magnet and drill slowly. Then I insert the grease zert with a hammer and the special drive tool. I might do this to my R/T in a few weeks. We were doing it to Fords 20 years ago. Ford tried to save some pennies back then by leaving out the grease fittings.
I think 2hrs of preventive maintenance will solve everyone's problem.
|
Matt
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/03/2004
06:10:29
| RE: Everyone should read this!
IP: Logged
Message:
GasHog, off topic, but where are you in ND? I'm in Minot. Hopefully the dealer you're talking about is not.
|
GasHog
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/03/2004
09:55:35
| RE: Everyone should read this!
IP: Logged
Message:
Thanks for the response everyone, I was hoping to hear these kinds of things.
Matt, I live in Bismarck, the dealership is Cedric Theel Dodge. I actually bought the truck from the Minot Chrysler Center and they were great to work with, I would highly recommend them.
|
Breadman
GenIII
3/03/2004
13:35:32
| RE: Everyone should read this!
IP: Logged
Message:
As you can see in my garage on the right sits a '95 caravan with the infamous 4sp ultradrive. The 41TE(A604) in my van has 94K on it and still shifts well due to fluid changes every 15K. At 55K, just out of warranty, the van developed a fluid leak and was returned to the dealer who serviced it since it was new.After a lengthy diagnosis they determined that the front pump in the tranny was gone. I told them to call Chrysler and a potential 1700.00 rebuild came down to 850.00. This was several years ago. But now the kicker. Took the van to another dealer and was told that the trans was overfilled and when running hot would push fluid thruogh the filler tube. No bad pump. Always get a second opinion when working with a dealer and out of warranty. Also had a 450.00 EGR valve replacement (ob diag code) turn out to be a faulty vacuum hose. Again the dealer wants to replace the part based only on the computer diag.and it ended up costing a buck for some new hose. I'm working with a Jeep service dealer in my area now who seems to be better than any of the dodge dealers I've tried.
|
ecallen
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/03/2004
15:04:31
| RE: Everyone should read this!
IP: Logged
Message:
I know what you mean. I have a 2001 QC 4X4 and have had practically the WHOLE FRONT END replaced already. I only have 60K miles on it!! Replaced ALREADY...
All Ball Joints
All Sway Bar links (front and rear)
Power steering rack (inner tie rod related)
Sway Bar Bushings (4X)
Outer Tie Rods
I wonder if there's anything else that will go wrong!!
Also, it is now making a hollow sounding knocking nose when going over bumps which the dealer can't figure out!! (it is coming from the front end as well)
|
DSW
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
3/03/2004
15:48:00
| RE: Everyone should read this!
IP: Logged
Message:
ecallen, bad wheel bearings? Mine are a little loose and need to be replaced. The bearings run fine on smooth road, but get on bumps or rough pavement and they start making an odd noise. Finally figured it out last weenend while changing the oil, passanger side tire would rock back and forth a little. Got to love those sealed bearings!
|
| | P 1 |
|
Post a reply to this message:
Username Registration: Optional
All visitors are allowed to post messages
|
