06 Dakota front end clunking noise

[Fishin59]

I have a 06 Dakota quad cab 4x4 and every time I go over a bump at slower speeds(10-25)I hear a clunking or rattling noise coming from the front end, any ideas on what is causing it.

[winterover]

it's either a bad strut assembly or bad sway bar bushings. replace the bushings first - as they're cheap to replace. If that doesn't work... then it's most likely the strut(s). Of course, if you're still under warranty you should be set.

[Fishin59]

I went to the Dealer today and tey also heard the noise, they found play in the outer tie rod ends, everything else was tight, they have ordered new tie rod ends and will install them and do a front end alignment as well, the also found that one of the transmission cooling line was leaking, they ordered 2 new ones and will replace them as well. I will follow up when all the work is done.

[markqc]

I had the same issue on my 2007. The dealer did the same repair, tie rod ends(had to order the parts also). The service manager gave me the impression that this is normal for these vehicles. I had only about 27000km on this truck at the time and it is only used for commuting, not working or hauling. I said I thought that since it is a truck, it should be built more rugged than this, but he said unless you get an aftermarket set up with grease nipples, the problem will likely recurr. So far I like the vehicle, but some of these little problems are going to be expensive once the warranty is up. I just think that these components on a truck should be designed better than they are. Sorry for the rant!! Good luck,
Mark

BTW, do you have the V6 or V8 and what is your fuel mileage like? (L/100km)

[Fishin59]

It has the V6 in it, around the city I am getting right at 18 mpg and that is with only 3/4 of a tank(haven't gotten up the nerve to fill it all the way up $$$), I am going on a road trip this week from Colorado to Illinois so I will check the highway mpg, I just bought this last month, it only had 12109 miles on it, coming from a 96 S-10 with no 4wd or a/c, I am in heaven. You would think that if this tie rod problem keeps coming up Dodge would get the right parts made to fix it, it would save them on doing all the warranty work and have happier customers.

[Fishin59]

Well, I just got my truck back from the dealer and the clunking noise is GONE, they replaced the sway bar end links. I am a very happy Dodge owner, I didn't get that great of gas mileage on the trip to Illinois, the gail force winds in Kansas didn't help.