I want to first say thanks for this forum. I have an 02 Durango SLT 4x2 here are the things that I have done in the past two months and have used this place to repair many issues.

lower/upper ball joint replaced
new shocks all around
inner/outer tie rod
brakes/rotors/shoes/caliper
new tires, balanced and alignment (twice)

well I have replaced all of these things and I'm still having a few issues.
1.vibration of the cabin at speeds above 55.
2.constant pull to the left at high speeds.
3.when going over bumps the steering wheel will jerk.

overall im a disappointed with the handling of the Durango, just looking for some direction in how to improve these issues. Yes I've used the search I think the vibration is a bearing issue, but I am a complete novice so its me, you and Haynes. Thanks.

 

Well to be perfectly honest (and in my honest opinion) I think the Durango front suspention could be a LOT better than what OEM did.


Anyway, pulling to the left is a problem concerting the crown in the road should take you to the passenger side. This could be caused by a tire pressure issue. Go out in the early morning BEFORE the sun comes out and set the front at 37 psi and the rear at 35 psi and come back and tell us if there is still and issue.

 

Correct. It is woefully undersized because it was the Dakota setup reused for the Durango. Even undersized for some Dakota uses.

IndyD

 

Well thank you for the replies. I did as instructed, also I live two miles from my job so I rarely do any highway driving. But I did go on a 30 mile highway trip this morning. Its not pulling constantly to the left as I thought. It will pull for a few minutes then stop, then start again. Any suggestions?

Also do you think its a u-joint issues that's causes the vibration?

What about the steering wheel jerk? Anyone have any ideas?

I would like to tackle these issues this weekend, but no rush. Thanks again.

 

try lifting the front wheels and giving them a good spin.. you could have a wheel bearing going out on you.. just one of many things to check

 

Could also be a brake caliper.

 

Bam! Your right about the caliper. In my novice words; there are caps on the inside part of the caliper that retains grease well those caps were never put on. So the grease dried out. That solved the pulling issue.

So the steering wheel shake going over bumps is the last one, and Ill check the bearing/u joint issue on Friday.

 

I have that same problem with the jerk over bumps, but I also have a leak in my rack, so I constantly drip Power Steering fluid which never helps.

 

I get a cookie!.......LOL


Take a good look at all the steering components.