97 Stratus 154k miles

I bought my Stratus from a friend of mine about 4 years ago. Right now I am experiencing a problem that I thnk might be related to the ball joints and them needing replacement. Going to the Dodge recall section of this site, I noticed the following:


NOV 13, 1997 | Recall ID# 42542 Hide Details

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Recall Reason
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

Recall Date
NOV 13, 1997

Model Affected
STRATUS

Potential Units Affected
599000
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Recall Summary[/align]VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT CAN SEPARATE DUE TO LOSS OF LUBRICATION.




Consequence[/align]SEPARATION OF THE BALL JOINT COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.




Remedy[/align]DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BALL JOINT END HOUSING COVER SEAL FOR LEAKAGE WITH A HIGH PRESSURE AIR TESTER AND THE RUBBER BOOT WILL BE VISUALLY INSPECTED FOR DAMAGE. IF THE COVER SEAL LEAKS OR THE BOOT IS DAMAGED, THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WILL BE REPLACED.




Notes[/align]CHRYSLER CORPORATION

I asked my friend yesterday if he had all of the recall work done on the car and he said that he was pretty sure he had. If they indeed checked the ball joints at the time and they were OK, is this now simply the end of life of the ball joints and I need to get them fixed at my expense? I also went directly to the Dodge site and said that there were no open recalls for my car. Thanks.

Go to the Dodge website..(have your vin # ready) and do a check, it'll tell you if your car is on the list.

http://www.dodge.com/en/owners/

The avengers had a similar recall and it's for life ... several have had four sets installed ... you might have to call the 800# and complain