I remember that someone posted question concerning strange sound coming from front suspension.
On replies members guessed it to be coming from coil springs but here is one much more dangerous
alternative.
One month ago I noticed that lower ball joint grease seal was broken from right side.
As ball joint is not available as separate item and the lower control arm was such damn expensive I was hoping
to have it replaced when my next pay day comes.
Three weeks ago I started to hear strange noise from suspension and had a brief look underside.
At that point I did not notice anything else than the sealing.
Noise started to appear constantly,everytime front suspension moved or wheels were turned.
Then suddenly yesterday the whole lower ball joint pulled out , I was lucky it happened at parking area and not on the
highway.
It seems that noise came from that ball joint being dry and starting to wear.
Final countdown for that joint started when I hit a hole on the road other day.
SO EVERYTIME YOU START TO HEAR NOISE FROM SUSPENSION CHECK THE BALL JOINTS TOO!
These joints carry quite a heavy load and are some critical parts for your safety on road,I learned my lesson.

 

Depending on the year of the car, you may be able to get the ball joint/control arm replaced for free as there was a recall on the 95-9? model years for that exact part, and as it is a safety recall and can be dangerous, the mileage and age is not important. If a dealer tells you they won't do it, let them know that you know that they are supposed to do it, even if has already been done once. If that doesn't work, go to another dealer until you find one that will do it. I did this a few months ago. I called Dodge when I heard there was a recall on that item because I had a creaking noise coming from my front end and thought it might be the ball joint. They told me that if it indeed was the problem, that I was definitely entitled to the free recall, and if the dealer refused, she told me to have them call her. She even gave me her number, ext, etc.

Long story somewhat short, the ball joint seal was ripped, therefore the whole assembly needed to be replaced. They tried to deny me, even bringing my car in, inspecting it, then telling me they replaced the ball joint for me and sent me on my way. I checked their "work" in the parking lot and guess what they forgot? They forgot to do the ball joint(purposely in my opinion), which was all it was there for. In other words they tried to cheat and lie to me because they just didn't want to do a free job, even though I was entitled to the free recall.

I did get them to replace the ball joint that was torn, even though the recall had already previously been done, because once they do a recall, safety or otherwise, there is a lifetime warranty on it.

As an aside, while they were working on the ball joint they called me and told me I needed a new set of rotors, calipers and brake pads because they were all very dangerously worn and not safe. I informed him that I had previously, not more than a month prior replaced the rotors and pads and had inpected the calipers, all were perfectly fine. I told them that I didn't appreciate him lieing to me and trying to cheat me just because he felt he deserved some kind of compensation for the free work they were doing for me. He denied lieing, I didn't push the issue any further either since I was getting the work I wanted done for free and didn't want to jeopardise that. Just be firm and you will get what you deserve, which is your ball joint replace, if, of course that is indeed your problem.

Sorry for the long winded response, but it will save you about $400 or $500 dollars if you get it done free, at least at dealers rates.

Good Luck,
John-Paul

 

Ball joints can be a commom wear problem on alot of vechiles. As for the free replace thats cool that you got that done, now for the lifetime warranty on ball joints that one i can't see happening. just my 2 cents.

 

I raised a claim concerning my ball joints,let's see what my dealer thinks when they handle my case next week.
Thanks for your information concerning these recalls.I hope the best!

 

Well, the warranty is only for worksmanship, not regular wear and tear. Also, it is only after they replace that part that there is a lifetime warranty on it. As long as your calim is within reason, like the with ball joint failing after the first year or even two, i'd say it is a part craftsmanship problem, and the warranty would come into play, but if you come in after five years to have them replaced because they are worn out, they won't help you. But like I said, they do have a safety recall on some model year status and they aWILL replace them for you for nothing if they are bad as long as you push the issue. Of course your mileage may vary, and having a torn boot will get done easier than just a worn ball joint.

Good Luck
John-Paul