Just recently found out about the ball joint recall and had the dealer install these. BUT- before I found out, my drivers side joint and drive axle broke TWICE while driving and did some body damage to the front.
The real problem is now I am having rear end noise and handling problems. When I go over even the smallest bump it sounds like the car is hitting a 8" deep pothole- a loud BAM! sound, and the rear end skitters from side to side. Like I'm rolling on tires carved from stone. I have to take turns VERY SLOWLY or the rear end gets squirelly on me.

 

Oops- wasn't done with that post... anyway- I also have grinding and metallic sing when I put brakes on in reverse (quiet for brakes in drive).
Could I have damaged something in the rear from having the from ball joint/drive axle related crashes? (The car just crashed into the ground when thte axle broke both times) Would the dealership have even seen this damage when doing the balljoint recall replacement?
Sorry this is so long- it's my first time here- I'm a little freaked out by how unstable the car feels under my butt these days- it used to feel tight and solid even pushing it at the turns.

 

jack up the rear end and pull on the tires and look for movement ...might have bad bearings causing the movement examine the tire for wheel wear ...

 

Hey BV- thanks for the tip- sounds reasonable considering the tires are worn very unevenly in the back. They're bald on the inside and look untouched towards the outside.
Any opinion on what are the best tires for this car when repairs are done and I replace them?

 

Is your car lowered ??? It might also be bad camber from lowering ...
Tires I love the Nitto 555 Extreme and the BF goodrich G sports ...

 

Haha- nope. Not lowered. This is a new development since the balljoint/drive axle breakage and repair. Groaning and clunking and slamming on every little bump. But only in the rear. The front is all good now.

 

OK- so i got it jacked up and it looks as though the problem is bad rear bushings. Don't have the tools or manpower to do the repalcement myself. Any idea of what reasonable charges for this type of repair would be?

 

Bushings are a rather easy fix Really all you need is a vice and a socket set ... Took me 2 hours to do ALL bushings in polyurathane front /rear/sway bars ect ect ....
Energy suspension sells a complete kit for $100 or so ... No idea on labor

 

Hey BV- thanks for more good info.! I will still have to get this done at a shop- (being a tiny older female with zero automotive knowhow and no garage) But at least I know what is involved now and less likely to get ripped off )
Peace!

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If you take it to a shop they'll likely use a press to get them out ... Check for shops that will allow you to bring in the poly bushings as they last longer and give better performance