'01 Steering Problem bushings and tie rods

[lmmadore]

I have been having problems with a clunking/rattle noise when driving at low speeds over small bumps. The dealer at first visit said that it was the bushings, so they were replace. The noise still was there. On the second visit they said it was the inner tie rods that were loose. Cost to fix is $770 on top of the cost of $300 to change the bushings. My van only has less than 60,000 miles on it. The dealer said this is common. I've owned 7 other cars with miles up to $150,000 had have never heard such a thing or had such a problem. Is this common for tie rods to have to be replaced at such low mileage? Anyone else have this problem?

[tdbake]

We have had the same problem- they replace the tie rod ends, the steering rack three times, the bushings and made some other changes all under warranty. Now the car is out of warranty and they just replaced the rack again (they covered it) but they are telling us that the noise is from the upper strut- which they have never said before and they want us to pay to replace. The van has 42K on it. Anyone else with any advice?

[jcowan]

We have had this successfully fixed twice! The fix lasts about 25,000 miles.

The problem is the front sway bar links and bushings. (Not the steering rack)

NAPA make a repair kit for about $50. Not a bad job if you are a shade tree mechanic.

Good luck!

[montlee]

My 01 Grand Caravan is doing the same thing at 59,000 miles. Replaced the outer tie rods, it helped but still makes a clunking noise. Must be a bad year for Quality!!! No more Dodges for us. Our 1998 Stratus head leaks oil and 2000 Dodge 1500 truck makes a rear end noise.