97 Stratus - weird noise...suspension problem

[Monksy]

I have a 97 Dodge Stratus 2.4 4cyl. The problem started a year ago when I heard this creaking noise (like old rusty door opening) while turning the wheel left and right while the car was stopped. This sound went away for months.

Now I hear this loud, weird sound when I turn left or right. Almost like gurgling sound and only when there is load on the car. It doesn't do it while its parked no matter how much I turn it. On top of this weird sound the car JUST started driving like the wheels are warped. So far it was just this noise but now I am panicking a little bit.

Now its obvious its the suspension. But which part? I was thinking of halfshaft or strut but that's how far I got. The problem is I need to drive the car for another month before I can afford ANY repairs on it so whats the worst that can happen? Can it wait for a couple more weeks? If its something simple then I could replace it myself. As long as I don't lose the car while driving...
Thank you for all the advices!

[336,000C/K]

Time for lower control arm/Ball Joints

[Monksy]

Originally Posted by 336,000C/K

Time for lower control arm/Ball Joints

Thank you! You are absolutely right. It got pretty bad so I took it in and they told me it is the ball joint. And the warped feeling while drinving was actually the back tire . It was SO bad like a huge S in it. Horrible.

My question is now how can I replace it? I don't want to take it to the mechanic because they charge almost $800 for the two
Thank you again!!!

[dsramprat]

The ball joints from the local parts house (AutoZone, NAPA, etc.) are relatively inexspensive. They are pressed into the lower control arms with an interference fit. That means the ball joint housings are a few thousands of an inch larger than the hole they are going into. You will need to get a hold of a ball joint press, it looks like a big c clamp, and you can usually rent one from AutoZone. Once you have that tool, they are really simple to change. Don't forget to separate them from the steering knuckle before you remove them from the control arm.

[pcjunkie7]

I have the exact same problem with my 98 Stratus. I think it started around 160K and I drove it for another 15k or so. Now it makes a grinding noise when I turn the wheel sharply and some of what I read sounds like that might be wheel bearings.

[gdangels79]

when the ball joints and control arms are bad can that make your steering wheel feel really loose? I had the creaking door noise and then it started throwing its self all over the road could that be because of the ball joints?

[josephk300]

You didn't state how many miles on the car. The ball joints in the lower control arm will cause some instability, but if you're having a hard time tracking straight, the tie rod ends should be checked, as well as the steering rack. As for replacing the ball joints, one option is to replace the entire lower control arm, which will give you new bushings as well. I had a lower control arm rear bushing go bad at 80,000 miles. Check rockauto on the web for some fantastic pricing and service on the parts you need.