I just bought a 2000 dakota with a 4.7l 5 speed and only 58,000 miles. The motor runs great and the manual transmission shifts nice, I am very impressed with the tire smoking combo. The problem is the front end is making a whinning noise but its only when the wheel is straight and turning left, the noise goes away when I start turning right and I belive it is coming from the front left. Also when brraking at lower speeds the frond end kind of shakes and vibrates. Does anyone know what the problems might be? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

GO TO THE DEALER AND HAVE THEM INSPECT YOUR BALL JOINTS!!!! they were recalled on your vehicle and probably need to be replaced or at least checked. People have had the same symptoms - and very mild symptoms at that, and lost a spindle/tire assembly because the ball joint came loose. if not that (like if you just had it checked) then your left rotor is most likely a mopar part and warped!

I went to the dealership and they said there was no recall on my truck exept the clockspring and I am out of warranty. They wont look at it unless I pay them $55 which I dont want to do. Does anyone here know what the problem might be? I dont want to replce wheel bearing assymbly at $100 if I dont have to.

Thanks

Whining noise could be a power steering pump....low fluid? Braking at lower speeds could mean the brake rotors are in need of resurfacing and or time for new brakes. Also -
saw on the news last week, they are considering a recall for Dakotas regarding potential steering problems. They did not say more than that, but it was under review. I think it effected the Durango too.....not sure what years they were talking about either.

Jack the front end up untill the left front tire is clear of the ground. Try to wiggle the tire back and forth and up and down, if it moves really easily the bearings are bad.

my front end was making a whining sound it wasn't shaking though, it did it alot if i was in reverse and turning. all it was was a bushing on the sway bar but it did its job and it didn't need replacing or anything. mine made the noise if a bounced on the bumber, and i got my brother to pin point the noise while i shook it. i suggest you try to shake the truck and if it makes the noise have a second person pin point it for you. but if your wheel moves when you jack it up, get the ball joint fixed for sure. most small problems become big ones when gone ignored.