peedee
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
10/23/2004
06:17:49
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 Subject: upper ball-joints failed
IP: Logged
Message:
well, it is certain. My ball-joints are getting bad at 26,000 miles ('02 quad 4WD). I noticed a week ago that the truck was pulling very slightly to the right. A couple of days ago, I noticed a wierd feeling when avoiding a bump in the road. Very slight, but took it to the dealer anyway. They took it for a test drive with me, said it does feel "off balance" when turning left and right. They put it on the lift and guaged the joints. The right was at .008 and the left was at .005 play. They said that chrysler allows up to 60 thousandths play combined upper and lower, but that the amount of play on mine was causing the camber to change when I turned the wheel. I am scheduled for replacement of all four tuesday. They said that chrysler has improved the joints with a different ring inside. I guess we will see. BTW what I noticed was when I turned the wheel to the left - easily not abruptly- it suddenly -but very slightly- felt as though it was grabbing better, or that the road surface changed, or I had a low tire. That is what really alerted me to the trouble. Also: I have them check the joints every oil change (6000 mi) and they were ok 3500 miles ago. My truck is treated properly and has never seen rough service. I avoid most bumps, don't turn hard, or brake hard, never carry real heavy loads etc. ALSO: the old -jack the wheel assembly up by the suspension and check with a bar- test did not show the play. It is so slight that it had to be felt with a guage and the ol' finger feel. But it is enough to cause trouble however slight.
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