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Brad
Dodge Dakota
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2/08/2006
11:25:44
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 Subject: Front End Creaks/Ball Joints
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I have a 2001 4x4 Dak quad cab, and recently it's started having creaks in the front end drivers' side - esp. when I turn to the left and always when I'm driving really slow, like pulling into/out of parking lots or drive-ways. Also sometimes when driving over bad bumps or rough asphalt, but again, only when going under 20 mph. Turning to the right doesn't seem to do the same thing.
Could this be a ball joint problem? And if so, what do I look for in a bad ball joint - are there any sure signs that it is bad?
I know all about the sway bar bushing squeaks because I've had to fix that before, and even took it off and cleaned/lubed it up last weekend to make sure that wasn't the problem.
Thanks for any advice/help.
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Brad
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/09/2006
13:45:07
| RE: Front End Creaks/Ball Joints
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Any ideas at all? Does this sound like a ball joint problem? I've read through older posts and I've found similar issues, I just wondered if anyone had the same problem or knew what to look for in a bad ball joint.
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ewraven
Dodge Dakota
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2/10/2006
12:22:48
| RE: Front End Creaks/Ball Joints
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I'm not a professinal mechanic or anything; but this is how I check mine...
To check the ball joints; jack up the front of the truck and put it on jackstands. Then grab either of the front tires on the top and bottom and try to move the tire by pushing in the top and pulling out on the bottom at the same time and vice versa. And go ahead and repeat for the other side too. There shouldn't be any play in them at all in those directions. If there is, it is a good chance that you have a bad ball joint or two.
Just be sure to use jackstands; if your jack failed with your hand on bottom of the tire, that would be bad news for your hand. lol
You can also just eyeball and feel the rubber boots of the ball joints to check for tears. If there are tears in the boot; then that ball joint has to be replaced.
Isn't your truck under the recall for the new ball joints though? If you don't know, take it to your local dealer, they should be able to check by just by running your VIN through there computer.
Good luck.
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ObieWonDakota
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/10/2006
12:36:06
| RE: Front End Creaks/Ball Joints
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Brad,
I have an '01 Dak CC, 2 wheel drive. The warranty on the ball joints for my version was extended to 100K miles. I had mine replaced for free from the dealter at 85K. Check into it and yes it does sound like ball joints from what you described. Same noise mine was making and dealer said it was ball joints. Replaced and fixed the noise. Of course, they will replace them with the same kind, so later on, they will need replaced again. But hell, it's free, so get it done. Good Luck!
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Peter
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/16/2006
02:01:08
| RE: Front End Creaks/Ball Joints
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just to point out what ewraven said , his desciption will only give you the heads up on the UPPER b/joints . To test the lowers , jack the vehicle up , but make sure its on the control arm as close to the wheel as you can . Take a pry bar{as I use} put it centered under the tire , which ideally should be 2-3 inches from the floor . Lift and release pressure on the tire while resting your free hand on the top of the tire , you will feel any play if you have it , easily . I have those noises too and replacing those b/joints didn`t work to my surprise even though they were finished , now I`m looking into control arm bushings , they can make the same noises too . Hope this helps
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Spacinjason
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/19/2006
10:17:14
| RE: Front End Creaks/Ball Joints
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I had the same problem with my '01 QC 4x4, even after having the ball joints replaced under the recall. My noise ended up being the sway bar though, and now I have the dealer lube the sway bar bushings every time I take truck in for oil change. I had the bushings replace at about 50k, but they still started creaking/squeaking about 10k later. Lubing them seems to stop the noise at least temporarily. Do you drive on dirt roads a lot, or get the front end in a lot of water (crossing creeks, big puddles, etc.)? Dealer said that will cause the bushings to dry out and make noise. If I have to replace them again, I will definitely go with aftermarket parts. Good luck.
Spacinjason
'01 QC Sport 4x4
4.7L, 5 sp., 3.55 LSD
Magnaflow exhaust
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truck guy
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/25/2006
08:44:13
| RE: Front End Creaks/Ball Joints
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Good luck tring to find poly bushings for dakotas. I have a 99 4x4 and wanted to replace the whole frontend with poly bushings, but nobody makes them for this truck. If you want to lower or raise the truck they have all kinds of parts for you. If all you want to do is replace the stock bushings with poly one's then your out of luck.
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maynard
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
2/28/2006
22:54:28
| RE: Front End Creaks/Ball Joints
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even though there was a recall on ball joints.dont get paranoid about it. your better off staying away from these forums,they are filled with problems that people cause to there own vehicles.my front end makes a little noise too when I turn hard too the left,only at a creepin speed and its a 04 model q/c. my balljoints are fine.If your balljoints are really squealing or knocking even when turning in all directions,then I would say there is a problem. A blown engine can be alot worse than ball joints,just get a betterset when they do go,eventually they will.
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