Can anyone help? The front end of my 2000 QC is making a squeaking noise. It sounds like it is the shock absorbers. When I push down on the front bumper the truck will squeak. I was told that it was taken in in 12/04 for the ball joint recall so I am ruling out the front ball joints. Has anyone else had this problem? Also, when I am driving slow (10-20 mph) there is a "rubbing" like sound coming from the rear end. I am guessing that it is the brakes rubbing. I don't think it's the rear axle or differential. My guess is that it is either the brake pads rubbing or possibly the axle bearing. The sound isn't a steady or constant rubbing sound but a "wobble" that will increase with speed until you're going too fast to even hear it (35+ mph). Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

2000 Dakota Quad Cab
4.7 V8
4wd
SLT+
Tow Package

 

hey hey!! I finally found someone that has the EXACT same problem as me with the front end! What side is the squeak coming from? and it isn't your shocks or absorbers.. you'll need a new tie rod, and beware, i've had 2 of them put in and the problem doesn't go away. Even the Dodge dealership put in a grease zert and it still does it, they are completely stumped! I'm trading my 2000 Dak for a 2005 Ram.

Hooby

 

Squeaking is coming from the front end (both sides). It's like what you described in your other posts. I am going to get out my Haynes manual and take a look at the tierod ends. I checked my shock absorbers for any film or signs of leakage but couldn't find anything. Thanks for the help. Any thoughts on the rear end noise?

 

do you have drums? could be them rubbing, but its hard to say, make sure your driveshaft isn't screwed up. I have a 2000 and I don't hear a "wobble" I can actually feel it, and its only when I'm on the gas (no matter how hard I push). As soon as I take my foot off the gas, it stops, so I'm guessing it is something to do with the tranny. If not that, then like you said it could be in the differential or something.

Do a self check on the tie rod ends. Get another buddy of yours to help out. To test the left side, turn the wheels left (doesn't have to be fully cranked to the left, but to the left at least a little bit). One guy get down on his knees or just lay on your back under the truck. The other guy can push the truck up and down and you should hear something squeak. Then the guy who is on the ground can hold the tie rod end with his hand and gently try to turn the tie rod end while the other guy still is repeatedly pushing on the front end. The squeak can either go away or change pitch. And just because it goes away doesn't mean its gone for good haha! ALSO, make sure the engine is turned off, for saftey and mainly so that it doesn't cover up the squeak sound. Then repeat for the right side. Mine does it ONLY on the left side, never has on the right and the guys have checked the right and its fine.

Try that and let me know what happens!

Thats one reason I'm trading my Dak (that I had for 3 MONTHS) in for a brand new 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 w/ the Hemi! And my dak only has 44,000 on it!

Hooby

P.S. Have you had to replace the entire rack & pinion yet?

 

I have the same exact squeak in front problem. "Creak" is probably a better description of the noise. 2002 Dakota Quad Cab 4x4. 55K miles. It's been going on for months but has just been a minor annoyance for me. I changed the brake pads today and while I was checking things - guess what? My right outer tie rod end is shot. When the tire is jacked up, I can move it from side to side a good half inch or so... I'm going to order a new tie rod end and change it out as soon as possible.

So hoobasta4, when you replaced your tie rod ends, did the squeak go away for a while and come back or did it never go away?

Thanks!

A.J.