ball joint problem ????

[Mike13]

I have a 1998 Durango with 76,000 miles on it. Bought it last year from a private owner, who said the ball joints were already replaced. First question--what years did these Durango have the ball joint problems ? I thought it was 2000 and newer. My concern is that the past few days I have noticed a "clicking" in the steering wheel when I hit a bump or something. I can also hear the "click" if I rapidly cycle the steering wheel right to left. I have checked the steering components the best I could by just laying underneath and having the wife turn the wheel back and forth. Can't see any problems. I also jacked each tire off the ground, and checked for "Play" in the ball joints, each tire seemed pretty tight. Any suggestions / comments, Thank you, Mike

[cvwbecker]

The recall on Durango/Dakota for ball joints only covered 2000-2004 models, but I've been told by a couple of dealer service centers that the 1998-1999s use the same part. Just had my 98 Durango in for service and found out that my upper BJs are shot. Apparently it's been a problem with ALL model year Ds even though the recall only covered 2000+.
Not sure what your clicking sound is, but I think if your BJs are gone, you'd definitely feel the play in the wheel. I know mine feel pretty sloppy.

[t-bank]

I agree, they all had the ball joint problem. My guess is that Dodge just figured anything older than 2000 was either high mileage and/or non-original owner so there was limited liability for them in not covering the earlier models under the recall. The proof in this is that they were recently offering additional cashback incentives to previous D owners if you bought another one. I have a 99 with 140K on it and I had to replace the drivers side ball joint somewhere around 100K miles. It started making an occasional popping noise and the rubber boot was ripped but the steering was basically still tight. If I were you I'd take a closer look at the ball joints. My opinion is it's not if there going to fail but when.

T-bank

[Mike13]

Thanks for the replies cvwbecker and t-bank. Another question, does it make any sense that I just started hearing this noise two days ago ? Also the steering seems ok, there is no wandering on the road.

[xj31]

actually the recall is for 2000-2003 only.the 98 99 arent covered which is b.s. in my opinion.they actually use a smaller ball joint which seems even weaker.Mike,for the click noise,check the steering shaft between the column and gear,I have seen a few of those cause that.otherwise does it seem to be inside the car?it could be the steering column or clockspring.