In preparation for a significant road trip/vacation, I took the DBL-D in for a rotation/balance + alignment (She's been pulling to the right). Dropped her off and we went on with other errands. I get a call about an hour&half later, advising me that they are unable to complete the task at hand. I am told that the following work is needed:

Left lower ball joint............> Parts: $105.00/ Labor: $127.50/ Total: $232.50
Rgt. lower ball joint............> Parts: $105.00/ Labor: $127.50/ Total: $232.50
Left outer tie rod...............> Parts: $054.40/ Labor: $068.00/ Total: $122.40
Rgt. outer tie rod...............> Parts: $054.40/ Labor: $068.00/ Total: $122.40
4 wheel align, w/ rear adjust> Parts: $000.00/ Labor: $069.99/ Total: $069.99

Parts Total.......... $318.80
Labor Total.......... $460.99
Misc Shop Supplies $19..73
Sub Total............ $799.52
Sales Tax............ $25.31
Estimate Total...... $824.83

I was further advised that the ball joints were on a national back order, and that they needed to
be ordered directly from Dodge (arrival date unknown).

I DECLINED.

Secondary inspection later that day by a family member and experienced mechanic revealed:

Tie rods had some "play", nothing that needed to be addressed PDQ, no signs of wear or distress
at ANY of the ball joints.

This is street driven '05 4x4 Dak with just over 50,000 miles.

Thoughts/comments are welcome.

 

Wow...sounds like you have a corrupt mechanic bro. Seems to be a lot of real a-holes trying to rip people off...

 

there is a recall on the ball joints. they dont acctualy fail, they break the rivets that hold them inplace. once they start to walk around in the control arms, they begin to wear, causing some movement. i have had both sides replaced already at dealer cost. seeing it is an 05, there is still plenty of warrenty left. look into it. tell the dealer everytime you go around corners or even a little bump. you hear the frt end make a poping noise. they will replace everything.

 

listen to superdak05, he knows his stuff. take it to the dealer! it truely sounds like you were going to get the shaft up the whazu from a corrupt mechanic.

 

Interesting....06 Dak 38,000miles. Whenever I take a right turn into my driveway, I hear a lower frequency groan/creek fromt he front end, but not a pop. Nothing seems loose by yanking everything by hand. (already replaced tie rod ends andsway bar links) I have seen posts about the bad steering racks and thought that may beit. It addition, going over bumps produces excess shaking, way more than I ever had in my 00 Ranger with 150,000 miles. I am planning on new shocks, but will definitely give the ball joints a once over. Why why why do these front ends suck so bad?

 

Mine does the same thing. I took it in once in early January and they didn't find anything. I've just been living with it since. I have the extended warranty, so if it breaks, I can get it fixed for free for awhile yet.

 

i will try and hunt my paper work down for the replacement ball joints and give you the info

 

Did you happen to find the paperwork on your ball joints? I have an 05 dak 4X4 QC (30,000 mi) and I have the same thing happen when i turn, a popping noise.....mostly only happens when i am in a drive thru and have to make tight turns at slow speeds. any insight? Thanx