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kawzx7
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/17/2002
20:26:26
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 Subject: How do I know when the Ball Joints go?!
IP: Logged
Message:
I have been under my truck to see the lack of greaseable fittings, and hear about a lot of ball joint replacements. How will I know when mine are going/gone? I do have a bit of a noise/vibration when I stop that transfers into the steering column(21,000 miles). Also, I think my steering rack is funked up, because I hit a kind of clunkty spot when returning the wheel to center after making left hand turns(90 degree).
Any info is appreciated.
By the way, I just got DSL, it rules. I highly recommend it.
Later
Chris
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kawzx7
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/20/2002
15:05:42
| RE: How do I know when the Ball Joints go?!
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Message:
Anyone???
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TEAMFAST
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/22/2002
16:18:11
| RE: How do I know when the Ball Joints go?!
IP: Logged
Message:
If your really cheap, take it to midas for a free
inspection. They will tell you what u need and
give you an estimate.
Act like you will schedule an appointment as soon
as payday comes, unless your a complete sucker,
take it somewhere else, Midas will screw you with
hidden fees and outrageous bills. I know a guy who
used to work there....
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Bill
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/24/2002
19:27:32
| RE: How do I know when the Ball Joints go?!
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Message:
The way I know to test them is to sit in your driveway and turn the wheel from hard left to hard right. If you hear clunking, your ball joints are probably bad. Dakotas are known for blowing these since they are sealed and can't be greased.
Bill
Bill's Truck Page
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TEAMFAST
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/25/2002
00:17:36
| RE: How do I know when the Ball Joints go?!
IP: Logged
Message:
tie rod joints maybe but not ball joints.
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kawzx7
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/25/2002
08:25:22
| RE: How do I know when the Ball Joints go?!
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Message:
I do get a clunking when returning the wheel to center while driving. I also feel a clunk when accelerating from a dead stop, and sometimes under braking. I think they're going. Now, my next ? how do I get the dealer to acknowledge this? I have heard horror stories about the dealer blowing legit complaints off. I might go to an independent for an inspection first, then, armed with what I know, take it to the dealer.
I'd rather put MOOG's on, but since it's on DCX's warranty dime, I will let them fix it.
Thanks guys
Chris
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Bill
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
4/25/2002
10:39:01
| RE: How do I know when the Ball Joints go?!
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Message:
Since it is under warranty, I would take it to the dealership and just ask them to fix it. If they are a good dealership they should be willing to fix it. If they won't, try talking to the service director or the general manager of the dealership. If they don't help, try calling DC direct and see if they will help. If that fails, try another dealer. Not sure what else you can do!!
Bill
Bill's Truck Page
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Dave
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/05/2002
18:58:57
| RE: How do I know when the Ball Joints go?!
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Message:
Guys, While crawling under my '97 (60k miles),I noticed the ball joint boots were ripped and oozing grease.Took it to the dealer and since they are riveted on,he had to replace both upper and lower control arms (all 4!) plus the bushings.A huge and expensive job! The new BJ boots are silicone.Thank god for extended warranties!
Dave
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tim hnizdo
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/27/2002
16:40:05
| RE: How do I know when the Ball Joints go?!
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Message:
if you can buy the ball joints seperatly then replacing them is not to big of a deal. i have a custom dakota and i swapped my upper and lower arms 3 times.. just drill out the rivets and replace them with hardware...takes a couple of hours but anyone could do it....just make sure you use grade 8 bolts....not no cheezy stuff....
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ZoochT/A
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/09/2002
22:22:28
| RE: How do I know when the Ball Joints go?!
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Message:
On my '99 Dakota, when I pressed down on the driver's side bumper, the car would creak, squeak, etc.. It sounded like it was coming from the upper A-Arm bushings, but when I took it in to have those replaced, the mechanic said it was the upper and lower driver's side ball joints. $309 including alignment. Covered under my extended warranty.
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slider_buck
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
7/10/2002
19:28:44
| RE: How do I know when the Ball Joints go?!
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Message:
i good way to check your upper and lower ones is to jack up which ever side you want to check and use a pry bar or something to put under the tire and lift up on it. have someone do this while you watch your ball joints to see if they move up or down in the cups. if they do they are shot
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Mimi
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/23/2009
12:59:51
|  RE: How do I know when the Ball Joints go?!
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Message:
To those of you with warrenties to have your parts fixed, more power to you. I need to know if replacing the ball joints will help the alignment part.
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Mimi
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/23/2009
17:02:07
| RE: How do I know when the Ball Joints go?!
IP: Logged
Message:
To those of you with warrenties to have your parts fixed, more power to you. I need to know if replacing the ball joints will help the alignment part.
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daddio
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
5/26/2009
11:48:28
| RE: How do I know when the Ball Joints go?!
IP: Logged
Message:
"I need to know if replacing the ball joints will help the alignment part."
Definitely.
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