Whats this i keep hearing about bad ball joints? I've got a 99 Durango with 81,000 miles, are my front wheels about to fly off? How can one tell if they are bad or is that something a pro needs to take a look at?

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HAve the dealer look at it if you think it's a problem. Personally I'd take it in regardless since my family rides in mine. If you have had the vehicle since new or re-registered it to you as a used vehicle Chrysler would hae sent a recall notice. there may also be a sticker under the hood of your Durango showing that the recall was performed already.

 

No recall on the 99. If your bjoints are bad you'll pay for them yourself.

 

Just replaced b joints on 99 for the second time. this set only had 20k on them. first time I used factory parts, this time moog, hope they last longer. also had to replace both hub assemblys 20k ago and a tie rod.
And yes your wheels can fall off if your hub assemblies are bad. you will hear a roar going down the highway when you turn the wheel to the left or right.
If your b joints are bad enough to fall off your tires are probably worn real bad. If thats the case I would have a shop look at them. If you want to check yourself, heres the process I use....

Jack the front tire off the ground from under the lower control arm (a-arm) a couple of inches. Slide a long pry bar or pipe under the center of tire and lift up. If it moves you got a bad b joint. To check the top you can grab the top side of the tire and move in and out to see if there is play or you can pry aginst hub mount. You may need someone else to watch the top since your view will be blocked by the tire unless they are so bad you can feel it.

And you will have to pay for any of the above repairs yourself. No help from Dodge.

My cost on the b joints is about $45each, Hubs were about $60each. And then theres the labor charge. I think the whole job pays about 5 hours ? You also have to get an alignment after, which is about $40 where I live.

I do all my own but I would estimate it could cost you around $800.00 to have all this done.
And you dont want to take this job on unless you have alot of tools and experience. You have to have some specialty tools.

 

What years and models have the ball joint problem? I'm considering buying a 2002 Durango Sport SXT 4.7L 4X2. Any other issues I should be concerned about for a 2002 Durango?
The dealer told me the vehicle has a 6 yr/70,000 mile drivetrain warranty that is transferrable to me, is this correct?

 

ball joint recall is for the 2000 to 2003 model Durangos and some Dakotas.

 

Is the drivetrain warranty transferrable? 2002 Durango SXT 4X4 w/38K miles.

 

According to Daimler-Chrysler yesterday (800 customer service number), the 7/70 drivetrain warranty will not transfer on a 2002 Durango SXT 4X4 I looked at. Odd, it depends on the specific vehicle's build date. They indicated some 2001's might transfer but a 2002 or 2003 might not. Hard to believe.
Also, the 2006 models will not have the 7/70 drivetrain warranty.
Has anybody purchased a 2001-2004/5 previously owned Durango and transfered the 7/70 drivetrain warranty after paying the $150 fee?
Thanks