Front Suspension Lower Ball Joint problems of the 2002 Dodge Durango

During breaking, steering, and turning, I hear a "clacking" sound and there is a feeling of something sticking. When the SUV is parked on my drive way, I release the hand break and I can hear a strong "clack" sound. I had times where the breaking system was difficult to press. I took the SUV to pep boys and their evaluation shows that it needs upper and lower ball joints, front brakes, and shock and struts. Steering: terrible and extremely difficult to turn (super hard to steer). Some parts where changed by pep boys in an "urgent" situation. The steering "bearings" ?(a part that goes from the steering wheel down to the motor) was changed. (I have a copy of the work done).

I purchased a 2002 Dodge Durango in jauary of 2007. I have not had any problems with it until I noticed that the truck was pulling to the right. I took the truck to a local service center and they informed me that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. They also informed me that there had been a recall for the upper ball joints for Chrysler. When I contacted the local dealer they told me that the recall had been performed on my truck in 2005. When I informed the service center that the recall had been done they were amazed to find that they ball joints had worn so quickly and the problem with the ball joints "still" presents very dangerous situation for Dodge Durango owners.

The contact owns a 2002 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that the vehicle is making a loud noise. When she makes a turn, the steering wheel fails to return automatically and she must pull hard to get it back in position. The contact stated that there is a recall on her vehicle, however, the dealer stated that her vehicle was excluded. The engine size was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 117,000.

2002 Dodge Durango slt 2wd: ball joints were replaced after recall was issued, however about 6 months after they were replaced, the exact same noises began occurring again. Took car to dealer with the complaint and they denied the new ball joints were worn. Upon getting new front tires installed at sears (about 3 months after the dealership inspected the joints) they inspected the car without being asked (it is part of their service) and on the report they issued, it said the ball joints were indeed worn. The recall notices I have read about the replacement of the original ball joints state that if the joints fail you can lose control of the vehicle, so obviously I am in fear that my car can fail at any given time. I am writing this to make it aware that I have already had the recall replacement, but fear that the replacements are also defective as indicated by an independent, unsolicited inspection.

The consumer stated the vehicle was taken to repair shop and the mechanic took it for a drive. When the vehicle was driven over a bump the mechanic lost control. The lower ball joints had to be replaced. Consumer had trouble controlling the vehicle going over bumps. It had occurred for about a month and kept getting worse.

The front lower ball joints were loose. They were so loose that the vehicle could not be aligned. They have to be replaced. There was a recall on the upper ball joints, but not for the lower ball joint.

While driving 40 mph front driver's side tire came off the vehicle, resulting in a collision. Vehicle had to be towed. Dealership informed the consumer of the front lower ball joint failure. Problem was not resolved.

On October 22nd 2004 I took my 2002 Dodge Durango in for routine service, an oil change, tire rotation etc. It had been riding rougher than normal and I had noticed that the tires were wearing unevenly so I asked them to look it over and see if there was anything wrong. Upon examining the vehicle the mechanic found that both upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced along with the control arm. My vehicle has only 38316 miles and had to put nearly $1000 for something that should not have worn out that quickly. Had I not gone in for routine maintenance at that time something far more serious could have happened and to make matters worse I now need to replace my tires.

When driving any speed, the consumer would hear a knocking noise coming from the upper/lower ball joint. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. The cause was not determined. Please provide more information.

Premature wearing of ball joints .

While the vehicle was parked consumer noticed uneven wear and tear on all four tires. Consumer contacted the dealer, and mechanic determined that the upper ball joints needed to be replaced.

The upper balls joints were repaired prior to receiving a recall, and the manufacturer part of the payment. Consumer recently went through inspection,and the lower ball joints were found to be defective. No recall for the lower ball joints.

Hear ratling in front suspension. Dealer investigation revealed premature wear of ball joints. Dealer suggested to wait, as a possible recall may occur.

I have a 2002 Dodge Durango that is experiencing every problem that is known with Dodge ball joints and brakes. Apr-2004 I have been experiencing while driving, the steering wheel freezing while turning left and the steering locks at 20-25mph. I took the truck to greenfield Dodge and informed them of the problems, also the problems with the front brakes. They noted that they "test drove the vehicle found the lower ball joints to have excessive play (. 075). The service group informed me that this incident was not covered under my warranty. After several hours they finally decided to replace the part. They informed me that the car would be ready at 7:00pm that evening the car would be ready. After waiting several hours I made arrangements to get to the service shop, where they told me that they never brought the car in because "other things came up". I had no way to get home so I had to rent a car from the dealer ship. The next day I picked up the car and had to pay $30 for the rental and $108 for my deductible. Regarding the brakes. I decided to have the brakes fixed at midas because I was not happy with the service at Dodge. The mechanic at midas removed the pads and the caliber and informed me that the pins that go into the caliber were stripped. He stated that this is a common thing that they have seen with the Dodge trucks. They had to tap and install a heli-coil. I picked up the car and had to pay $30 for the rental and $108 for my deductible. The entire fee for the brake service with the additional parts that included a heli-coil kit and service came to $292. 13. The two day experience left a very bad taste in my mouth and wallet.

While driving 45 mph a loud banging noise was heard coming from the driver and passenger side wheels. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic replaced both upper and lower ball joints.

While driving the vehicle consumer heard a noise coming through the from end. Vehicle was taken to the dealership, mechanic indicated need to be replace the ball joints at owner expenses. And consumer don't have the money.

While driving at low speed, and turning the left or right consumer heard loud clunky noise coming from the front end. Mechanic, at delusive indicated vehicle is operating as designed.

While driving at lower speed consumer hear loud noise coming through the front end. Dealer has inspected several times, mechanic indicated to the consumer we didn't heard any noise in your car, is fine.

Took my vehicle to dealer for routine service. When I went to pick up the vehicle, I was told that the ball joints were in such bad condition that they could not release the vehicle to me without replacing them because of the potential for an accident. They said that the replacement parts were backordered because of so many similar situations and that it might take a week or more until I received my vehicle back. The vehicle had roughly 20,000 miles on it and it was still under warranty. If this is such a common and hazardous problem, why no recall?.

We operate a fleet of nine 2002 Dodge Durango suvs. These vehicles are used as paramedic emergency response vehicles. Based on information we've seen in the national media, we've been paying close attention to the front suspension, specifically the ball joints. Eight of the nine vehicles currently have less than 50,000 miles, but we have already replaced the ball joints and control arms on one of the nine (at just under 50,000 miles). The dealer reported that the original equipment was "close to failure. ".

Ball joints were found to be failing and the entire upper control arms had to be replaced at 44,700 miles.

I have noticed strange sounds eminating from the front suspension of my Dodge Durango since October of 2003. Initially I assumed these sounds were from cold shocks since it first occured with the onset of cold weather. After seeing the story on cbs, I am now concerned about the ball joints. I would like to have the ball joints checked but I am afraid to have the dealership check them.

At 27k miles my Dodge Durango needed both the upper and lower ball joints replaced for both the left and right side.

Consumer had problems with the lower ball joint. Dealer stated we did not have any recall, and car was fine.

Consumer stated that while driving and without warning ball joints are wearing. Dealer notified.

While driving at 15 mph, the front passenger side wheel snapped off without any warning. The dealer indicated that the lower ball joint separated from the axle. The vehicle was forced into a parked vehicle. Ea03-023.

Had to have the upper ball joints/control arms & lower ball joints replaced on my 2002 Dodge Durango sxt 4x4 under warranty due to failing PA state safety inspection. The vehicle had 27k miles on it at the time. The veh now has 40k on it & I'm experiencing a knocking noise coming from the frt end again. A private shop stated that the the lower ball joints have excesive movement & must be replaced again. I took the veh back to the dealer & theye stated that they will not cover them under warranty again due to the mileage. This veh is only 17 months old with 40,000 all hwy mileage & was never taken off road. This is unacceptable in my opinion & a severe safety issue if the ball joint does separate.

While driving heard a very loud clicking, popping sound coming from the front end on the driver's side. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer, where the mechanic determined that upper and lower ball joints were worn out.

While driving consumer suddenly lost power steering and control of vehicle. This was caused by lower ball joint failure. The dealership replaced the ball joints, right hubs and bearings. Ea03-023.