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Robert
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2004
06:59:36

Subject: Ball Joint Recall Announcement
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On my way into work this morning, I heard on the radio, Dodge/Chrysler has until Monday 12/13/04 to decide what to do regarding recalling Dakotas and Durangos 2000-2004 for ball joint issues. Just an FYI. I just replaced all my ball joints a week ago at 17K. They were totally shot.

Robert 00 BW RC RT.



Charley Hendr
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2004
09:37:06

RE: Ball Joint Recall Announcement
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My wife called to tell me that she had heard something on the radio about dodge taking responsibility for their ball-joint prob. Thanks for the clarification re: mon 12/13. I replaced the upper ball-joints on my 01 dakota w/ moogs at 43,000+. Drives like new. I only hope dodge will take the responsibility and I can be re-imbursed.
C Hendrix
Rockwall,Tx



ZenDak
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2004
10:29:47

RE: Ball Joint Recall Announcement
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Can someone post a link to a credible news source that is reporting on this? I can't find anything really about this new deadline for them.

Thanks,



Dennis
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2004
11:04:54

RE: Ball Joint Recall Announcement
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http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6692076/



Dennis
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2004
11:08:17

RE: Ball Joint Recall Announcement
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http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6692076/



MSNBC
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2004
11:24:57

RE: Ball Joint Recall Announcement
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Agency seeks recall of 600,000 Dodge trucks
Suspension problem seen with Durango, Dakota pickups

The Associated Press
Updated: 9:03 a.m. ET Dec. 10, 2004

WASHINGTON - Federal safety regulators want 600,000 Dodge Durangos and Dakota trucks recalled because their wheels could fall off, but the auto maker doesn’t believe the defect is dangerous, a company spokesman said.

Federal safety regulators have asked DaimlerChrysler AG to recall Durango sport utility vehicles and Dakota pickups from the 2000 to 2003 model years, Chrysler spokesman Max Gates confirmed. He stressed the models haven’t been recalled.

The company is planning to respond to the government’s request early next week, he said Thursday.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration made the recommendation, first reported by CBS News, after investigating reports of upper ball joint separation on dozens of vehicles. When the upper ball joint separates, the suspension can collapse and the wheel can fall off.

There are reports of several crashes but no injuries due to the issue in NHTSA’s investigation file.

Gates said Chrysler recognizes there is a problem with the upper ball joints, but “we do not think it rises to the level of a safety defect.”

Gates said a vehicle owner would hear noise coming from the vehicle well before the upper ball joint failed. Mechanics also will find out if an upper ball joint needs to be repaired during routine maintenance, Gates said.

Gates said if the upper ball joint fails, it is most likely to happen at low speeds and during turns.
Copyright 2004 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.



GatesSux
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2004
11:31:08

RE: Ball Joint Recall Announcement
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That A$$hole Gates should get a nice raise this year for being such a company boy.
"Gates said Chrysler recognizes there is a problem with the upper ball joints, but “we do not think it rises to the level of a safety defect.” Gates said a vehicle owner would hear noise coming from the vehicle well before the upper ball joint failed. Mechanics also will find out if an upper ball joint needs to be repaired during routine maintenance, Gates said.

Gates said if the upper ball joint fails, it is most likely to happen at low speeds and during turns. "
What a Corporate Suck up..
The BJ's on these cars are $hit...own up to it and replace it. I think they will have no choice but to do it. This has gotten way to much press to ignore...and doing so would be a PR nightmare...
Some times the press has its use...




pic
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2004
12:07:59

RE: Ball Joint Recall Announcement
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Mike d23
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2004
12:33:46

RE: Ball Joint Recall Announcement
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I have a 2000 dodge dakota and have noticed that it vibrates heavily when I go and hit the brakes. Would this be caused from the ball joint, or is this a brake problem? If they do recall what is the estimated time that we will be without our vehicles?



jpconard
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2004
13:41:30

RE: Ball Joint Recall Announcement
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Mike d23,

You have warped rotors. Happens to all of them. I replaced the first rotors with ones from autozone around 50,000 with the pad change.

Now at 85,000 I put on new pads, rotors were still good. Now at 96,000 I have warped rotors again.

I think the front rotors are just undersized. They will not cover this. I think all owners will have to replace the rotors as part of the normal pad replacement and live with the problem to some degree. Like I am right now. I will probably get some news ones in the next month or so. They don't cost too much at Autozone and are pretty easy to put on.



jpconard
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2004
13:50:18

RE: Ball Joint Recall Announcement
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By the way I hear noises from mine all the time. How do you tell a good noise from a bad noise? I have heard noises since about 20,000 miles, but at 96,000 and several mechanics inspecting (MO requires inspections every 2 years) as well as Tire shop changing to new tires at 85,000, nobody has mentioned anything about my ball joints.

I do hear a louder tire noise when turning left. None when turning right. Could this be a wheel bearing?

Also I heard another report that said that injuries had occured. One with a pregnant women you broke her back in several places when the Durango rolled.



Scott
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2004
15:44:26

RE: Ball Joint Recall Announcement
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I have a 1999 with 64K miles. My front suspension has been popping for about 30K miles and has recently worsened to the point I can feel the right front shift when I apply the brakes during a turn. It pops so loud at times it's embarassing. I took it to the dealer about a year ago and they found nothing(so they say). I've been reading some of the postings and was about to have the ball joints replaced anyhow. I see where the recall is only for 2000 to 2003. Is anyone else getting this on earlier models or is my case a separate issue?



ROD
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2004
16:10:14

RE: Ball Joint Recall Announcement
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I replaced all four of my ball joints myself last month with Moogs ('02 Quad Cab 4.7L) . If you hear popping during turning and/or get the sensation that the front suspension is moving slightly but the movement isn't transferring to the steering wheel (I noticed this especially when driving slow through a parking lot with uneven pavement), Get Them Checked! I took the old ball joints to the alignment shop with me and the front-end guy told me I was lucky to still be driving my truck. He couldn't believe how worn they were (37,500 miles), and how rusty and dry they were. The upper driver's side joint was about to come out of the socket.



Scott
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2004
16:33:45

RE: Ball Joint Recall Announcement
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Rod, thanks for the post. If you don't mind me asking. What did this cost you? I must do something quickly. I'm somewhat experience with some suspension/brake work(pads,rotors,CV axles, shocks, etc.). Ball joints kind of scare me from what I've read. If I have someone do this for me, do you recommend a specialty shop such as the dealer or can a mom and pop shop get it done. I'm affraid to know the cost. Scott



Joey
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2004
17:28:43

RE: Ball Joint Recall Announcement
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I have a '97 and have had brake calipers and rotors replaced at 50,000. Also had rearend bearings go out at 73,000. Now I'm getting this popping sound in the front end and beleive it is the ball joints. I was wondering if they were going back any further than 2000 on the ball joints.



DSW
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2004
19:25:41

RE: Ball Joint Recall Announcement
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Scott, It ran me about $140 for all 4 balljoints from rockauto.com. Good luck getting them, the recall hitting the news is going to put them in high demand/short supply. Run a search on this site, there's a ton of information on replacing the ball joints.



Scott
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2004
21:19:33

RE: Ball Joint Recall Announcement
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Thanks DSW. Mine are on order and hopefully not backorder. The diagram looks like they bolt on and not riveted. I hope that is the case. I'm going to pull my wheel off and take look if this is something I want to tackle when the new ones come in. Any advise is appreciated. Scott



Tim
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2004
22:06:33

RE: Ball Joint Recall Announcement
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Update: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6694782/



BadMoFo
Dodge Dakota
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12/10/2004
23:53:38

RE: Ball Joint Recall Announcement
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on cnn.com they said that only 4x4 dakotas/durangos were affected by the recall. is that true?



Actually
Dodge Dakota
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12/11/2004
07:32:10

RE: Ball Joint Recall Announcement
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There is no recall yet. Have to wait til Monday for DC's response.



fred
Dodge Dakota
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12/11/2004
11:33:56

RE: Ball Joint Recall Announcement
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Does the upper control arm on a 4x4 Dakota contain the ball joint or is the ball joint a separate component?



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