I have an 07 Dodge Dakota which I got in December of 06 so it's about 2 years old now. There has been a knocking noise under it for quite some time and I didn't think it was a problem because going over bumps you don't think anything of it, well I had an oil change the other day and had them check it out and apparently I have really bad sway bars on the right side but they're replacing them both anyways. Any ideas as to what could have caused it? The rubber part of the sway bar might have went bad or I may never have gotten any rubber on it? I'm not sure...I'm really interested as to know why they went bad...my truck is only 2 years old and everyone is shocked. I'm not a crazy driver either, which I'm not sure if that could affect it or not but just putting that out there lol.

 

the bar itself doesnt go bad. its all the cheap rubber and bushings that chrysler uses. like our p.o.s. ball joints. just another flaw in workmanship. they probably dry rotted out and cracked. fell apart.

 

Yea sounds to me like it's the rubber parts. I shoulda thrown that into the Subject haha. But too bad they can't use something better...anything better anywhere that I could have put in?

 

if chrysler could get away with it. they would have used nascar 200 mph duct tape to install the sway bars

 

at least it's still under warranty right?

 

Yep still under warranty thank God!

 

Are they talking about the sway bar end links? They go bad all the time.

 

Is this a general comment about sway bar end links or is this comment specifically applies to Dodge? I haven't had any problems with the ones on my truck, or at least I think I don't. Is this something that needs to be done by a mechanic or something that a "weekend warrior" can do? I have been told that changing ball joints has to be done by a mechanic due to the tools involved and the risk of seriously hurting yourself.
I really think that they sometimes make mistakes when assembling them. My Honda Civic had an alignment issue straight out of the factory. I am also shocked that you have had to replace them this soon, I'm not shocked that the vehicle happens to be a dodge.

 

He might be but I get the impression he's talking about the sway bar bushings.

 

You can do them, they can be a bietch though and the "special tool" that are needed to get them pressed out can be found, bought and or rented. I wouldnt say serious injury would result unless you are a total tool and you pinch your finger If you are doing it yourself and you are unsure, let someone else do it