my 97 was done in 01 when I bought it. Thats been about 100K ago. They are bad again and Chrysler has refused to do them under recall......

Seems to me Chrysler is doing anything possible these days to skimp out on $$$ even if it means the safety of their customers. P^SS POOR service!!!!

This how Chrysler will be soon be in the same shape they were in back in the late 70's and this time I hope they go under!!! With the way they've treated me and my family (numerous vehicles) they shouldnt be allowed to sell cars!!!!!!

 

I think since the bankrupcy, alot of "lifetime" recalls have become one timers. Anything to save a buck I guess.

 

I am sick of replacing these control arms/balljoints. I have a 3rd set on now over the last 2 years, and they need to be replaced again.

This recall is BS

Anyone know where i can get GOOD control arms that won't fail in less then a year?

As much as i love the car, im getting to the point to just get rid of the damn thing.

 

Mine have boon on since 2000 no troubles

 

Does the recall apply to dealership bought cars only? I bought mine from a private seller [today] and if this is gonna be an issue I want to know what my options are.

 

No it's attached to the vehicle no matter where it's bought ... \
Take it in and either have it inspected or have the VIN # run to see if they have been replaced

 

The recall says that only the ball joints are to be recalled, am i missing that the control arms are covered as well? When I went to get this recall performed and they inspected them and said that my ball joints were fine and that i needed a new lower left control arm. Basically i left with a overpriced dealership tag on some stuff i should do. this included a lower left control arm they want like $500 for ( no way in hell i am paying that ) Any insight would be greatly appreciated

 

There are two arms one is covered , one is not
one is curved the other is straight , which one are they saying is not covered

 

They told me that only the ball joints are covered, and said that my left lower control arm is bad and needs replacing. The dealer i went to has never done this recall before, so i am going to another who has to discuss it further. thanks for the reply bad venge

 

Here is a copy of the recall that was sent to the dealers. If you would like to know if the recall is still good, I do have access to chrysler. Send me the last 9 of the vin and a email address to return the information and mileage and i can run a function 14.
Dealer Service Instructions for:
Safety Recall No. 967
Lower Lateral Arm Ball Joints
Effective immediately, this recall (No. 967) cancels and supersedes Recall No. 827
– Lower Lateral Arm Ball Joint Boots. Please remove and discard from your files
all copies of Safety Recall No. 827 (dated July 1999). The service procedure in
recall No. 967 has been revised and 1997 through 2000 model year vehicles have
been added to the vehicles involved in this recall.
1995-2000 (FJ) Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring Coupe
1995-1998 (FJ) Eagle Talon
The front suspension ball joints on about 375,000 of the above vehicles may allow
dirt or water to enter the ball joint. This could result in premature ball joint wear
and can cause the ball joint to separate. Ball joint separation can result in a loss of
steering control and cause an accident without prior warning.
The left and right lower lateral arm ball joints must be inspected. If a ball joint
boot is damaged or a ball joint is worn, the affected lower lateral arm assembly
must be replaced. If a ball joint is within specifications, the bottom of the ball joint
must be sealed.
Models
IMPORTANT: Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer used vehicle inventory. Dealers
should complete this recall service on these vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers should
also perform this recall on vehicles in for service. Involved vehicles can be determined by using
the DIAL VIP System.
Subject
Repair
Safety Recall No. 967 -- Lower Lateral Arm Ball Joints Page 2
Part Number Description
05080664AA Ball Joint Sealant
MR972465 Lower Lateral Arm Package - Left
MR972466 Lower Lateral Arm Package - Right
Each package contains one lower lateral arm assembly and one ball joint retaining
nut.
Each dealer to whom vehicles in the recall were invoiced (or the current dealer at
the same street address) will receive two right and two left Lower Lateral Arm
Packages. Each dealer will also receive a one quart can of Ball Joint Sealant.
NOTE: There is enough ball joint sealant in each one quart can to seal
approximately 50 ball joints.
Use of a special spring scale is required to perform the service procedure.
All Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealers received one (1) Spring Gauge (Miller Special
Tool #8828) in May 2001 free of charge. Additional spring scales may be purchased
from Miller Tool. Additional spring scales are not reimbursable by DaimlerChrysler.
Parts Information
Special Tool Requirement
Safety Recall No. 967 -- Lower Lateral Arm Ball Joints Page 3
A. Inspect Lower Lateral Arm Ball Joints & Measure Ball Joint Play
1. Raise vehicle to a suitable level on an
appropriate hoist.
NOTE: The front tires must be
allowed to hang from the suspension.
2. Check the play of the left front ball
joint by shaking the front tire by hand.
If a large amount of play is detected,
continue with Section “C” - Lower
Lateral Arm Replacement. If no
excessive play is found, continue with
Step 3 of the inspection process.
3. Inspect the LEFT ball joint rubber boot on the lower lateral arm. Using a
light, look for cracks, cuts and/or other damage by pushing the boot with
your fingers . The boot is damaged if there is evidence of grease
leakage. If necessary, use a clean cloth or cotton swab as an aid to
determine if grease is present.
4. If the rubber boot is damaged or leaking grease, proceed to Section “C” –
Lower Lateral Arm Replacement. If the rubber boot is not damaged,
continue with Step 5 of this inspection procedure.
5. Remove the front wheel and tire
assembly from the vehicle.
6. Measure the bottom of the lower
lateral arm ball joint as shown in
Figure 2. If the ball joint
measurement is 1-1/8” to 1-5/32”
(28mm to 30mm), the ball joint is
considered a 1-1/8” (28mm) ball
joint. If the ball joint measurement
is 1-1/4” to 1-3/8” (32mm to 35mm),
the ball joint is considered a 1-1/4”
(32mm) ball joint.
Service Procedure
Figure 1 – Left Side Shown
Figure 2 – Bottom View Shown
Safety Recall No. 967 -- Lower Lateral Arm Ball Joints Page 4
7. Insert a brake pedal prop rod
between the brake pedal and seat
cushion to apply the brakes. This
will prevent the brake disc from
rotating during the inspection.
8. Place the steering wheel in the
straight ahead position and remove
the ignition key from the key
cylinder.
9. Install lug nuts to secure the brake
disc to the spindle hub (Figure 3).
Tighten the lug nuts to 95 ft. lbs.
(128 N×m).
10. To measure the vertical motion of the ball joint, set up a dial indicator with a
magnetic base onto the left brake rotor and place the dial indicator measuring
plunger on the center of the bottom cap of the lower lateral arm ball joint.
11. Place the hook of the spring gauge (Miller Tool #8828) on the drive shaft
nut.
12. Pull down on the spring gauge until
the needle on the spring gauge
reads 33 lbs. (15 kg) and zero the
dial indicator (Figure 4). Then
slowly release the spring gauge.
CAUTION: Do not pull down on
the spring gauge with more than
33 lbs. (15 kg) of force. Excessive
force from pulling on the spring
gauge will cause the suspension to
flex slightly and the dial indicator
will give an incorrect reading.
Service Procedure (Continued)
Safety Recall No. 967 -- Lower Lateral Arm Ball Joints. 13. With the dial indicator still attached
and set to zero, use the spring
gauge to apply 33 lbs. (15 kg) of
upward force to the driveshaft nut
and read the dial indicator (Figure
5). Record the amount of total
movement of the ball joint.
Ø For 1-1/8 inch (28mm) ball
joints, if the total movement
recorded is less than 0.020”
(0.5mm), continue with Section
“B” – Apply Sealant to the
Ball Joint Cap. If the
movement recorded is 0.020”
(0.5mm) or more, the lower
lateral arm must be replaced.
Continue with Section “C” -
Lower Lateral Arm Replacement.
Ø For 1-1/4 inch (32mm) ball joints, if the total movement recorded is less
than 0.004” (0.1mm), continue with Section “B” – Apply Sealant to the
Ball Joint Cap. If the movement recorded is 0.004” (0.1mm) or more,
the lower lateral arm must be replaced. Continue with Section “C” -
Lower Lateral Arm Replacement.
14. Repeat steps 2 through 13 to inspect the right side ball joint.
Safety Recall No. 967 -- Lower Lateral Arm Ball Joints.
B. Apply Sealant to the Ball Joint Cap
1. Clean and dry the bottom of the ball
joint cap and case with a clean shop
towel.
CAUTION: Do not use solvents
or detergent to clean the bottom of
the ball joint.
2. Using a small brush, apply the
sealant (P/N 05080664AA) to the
bottom of the cap and case of the
ball joint (Figure 6).
3. Do not touch the sealant once it is
applied. The sealant will take
approximately three hours to dry.
However, the vehicle may be put back
into service before the sealant is fully dried.
C. Lower Lateral Arm Replacement:
NOTE: Only lower lateral arms with damaged ball joint boots or excessive
play, as determined by the inspection in Section “A,” require replacement.
1. Loosen, but do not remove, the ball
joint retaining nut.
2. Using special tool MB991113, separate
the ball joint from steering knuckle.
CAUTION: Be sure to tie the cord of
the special tool to the damper fork.
3. Remove and discard the ball joint retaining
nut.
Safety Recall No. 967 -- Lower Lateral Arm Ball Joints Page 7
4. Loosen, but do not remove, the lower
lateral arm-to-frame mounting nut and
bolt.
5. Remove the damper fork mounting bolt
and nut.
6. Remove the lower lateral arm-to-frame
mounting nut. Pull the bolt
rearward far enough to clear the lateral
arm bushing and remove the lower
lateral arm from the vehicle.
CAUTION: It is possible to inadvertently install the lower lateral arms
on the wrong side of the vehicle. Verify that the correct arm is being
installed on the correct side of the vehicle by comparing the new arm to
the old arm.
7. Apply a light coat of Mopar wheel bearing grease (P/N 04318064) or
equivalent to the top of the ball joint boot lip, around the ball joint stud on
the new lower lateral arm. This helps to prevent ball joint boot wear after
installation.
CAUTION: Do NOT apply grease to the ball joint stud or threads. If
any grease is inadvertently applied to the ball joint threads it must be
wiped clean.
8. Place the new lower lateral arm into position and loosely install the lower
lateral arm-to-frame mounting nut and bolt, but do not tighten.
9. Loosely install the damper fork mounting nut and bolt, but do not tighten.
10. Start the new ball joint retaining nut onto the ball joint stud by hand.
Safety Recall No. 967 -- Lower Lateral Arm Ball Joints Page 8
11. Place a jack stand under the damper
fork bushing and apply sufficient
pressure to the bottom of the lower
lateral arm to prevent the ball joint stud
from spinning (Figure 9). Tighten the
ball joint retaining nut to 47 ft. lbs.
(64 N×m).
CAUTION: Do not place the jack
stand directly under the lower ball
joint. Damage to the ball joint
sealant may occur.
12. Install tire and wheel assembly.
Tighten the lug nuts to 95 ft. lbs.
(128 N×m).
NOTE: If both lower lateral arms require replacement, repeat steps 1
through 12 to replace the other arm before continuing with step 13 of
this procedure.
13. Lower the vehicle.
14. With full vehicle weight on the suspension, tighten the left and/or right
lateral arm-to-frame mounting nut and bolt to 78 ft. lbs. (106 N×m)
(Figure 8).
15. Tighten the left and/or right damper fork mounting nut and bolt to 64 ft. lbs.
(88 N×m) (Figure 8).
CAUTION: Failure to have full vehicle weight on the suspension
before tightening lower lateral arm and damper fork mounting
fasteners may cause lower lateral arm rubber bushing failure.
16. Place the vehicle on a front-end alignment rack. Install the wheel
alignment equipment onto the vehicle per alignment equipment
manufacturer’s instructions. Adjust the vehicle’s front wheel total toe-in
settings to 0.0 in. ± 0.12 in. (0.0 mm ± 3mm) on all models.

Vehicle Owner:
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle
Safety Act.
DaimlerChrysler Corporation has determined that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists
in some 1995 through 2000 model year Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring Coupe and 1995
through 1998 model year Eagle Talon vehicles.
NOTE: The 1995 and 1996 model year vehicles listed above were involved in a previous recall for the
same issue. To properly correct the condition, these vehicles must also have this recall performed.
The problem is... The front suspension ball joints on your vehicle (identified on the
enclosed form) may allow dirt and/or water to enter the ball joint. This
can result in premature ball joint wear and cause the ball joint to
separate. Ball joint separation could result in a loss of steering control
and cause an accident without warning.
What DaimlerChrysler
and your dealer will
do...
DaimlerChrysler will repair your vehicle free of charge (parts and
labor). To do this, your dealer will inspect both lower lateral arm ball
joints. If the ball joints are not damaged or worn, the ball joints will be
sealed. The inspection and sealant application will take less than an hour to
complete. If lower lateral arm replacement is necessary, another hour will
be required. However, additional time may be necessary depending on how
dealer appointments are scheduled and processed.
What you must do to
ensure your safety...
Ø Simply contact your dealer right away to schedule a service
appointment. Ask the dealer to hold the parts for your vehicle or to order
them before your appointment.
Ø Bring the enclosed form with you to your dealer. It identifies the
required service to the dealer.
If you need help... If you have questions or concerns which the dealer is unable to resolve,
please contact the DaimlerChrysler Customer Assistance Center at
1-800-853-1403. A representative will assist you.
If you have already experienced the problem described above and have paid to have it repaired, you may
send your original receipts and/or other adequate proof of payment to the following address for
reimbursement: DaimlerChrysler Customer Assistance Center, P.O. Box 1040, St. Charles, MO
63302-1040, Attention: Recall Center.
If your dealer fails or is unable to remedy this defect without charge and within a reasonable time, you
may submit a written complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
400 Seventh Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20590, or call the toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at
1-888-327-4236.
We're sorry for any inconvenience, but we are sincerely concerned about your safety. Thank you for
your attention to this important matter.
Customer Services Field Operations
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
967
Buckle up
for Safety