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Prowler Ball Joint Recall
More about ball joints (Page 3)
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ProwlerOnline, Plymouth/Chrysler Prowler Discussion Forum
Prowler Ball Joint Recall
More about ball joints (Page 3)
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| This topic is 3 pages long: 1 2 3 This topic was originally posted in this forum: Political Off Topic |
| Author | Topic: More about ball joints |
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willard Prowler Enthusiast Posts: 11 |
posted 03-20-2003 08:25 PM
I have been doing alignments for about 35yrs and this is what I have to say about BJ problems. This problem is nothing new. Seized jts have been a constant problem in my shop for a long time. Most often the complaint is tight steering and or handling problems, just like some Prowler owners are having. The tight steering and handling problem is in most cases misdiagnosed as a steering box problem and or an alignment problem. Just to name a few vehicles that have had this problem. Chev,Ford,Dodge,Jeep 4X4S. Any of these that have non greasable ball jts from the factory are likely to have these problems. It is not unusual to see one of these vehicles come in for alignment that just had a new steering box installed and still have the same steering problem. It is not uncomon to see vehicles with King Pins seize up and cause these problems. These are often misdiagnosed as steering box problems. I have just replaced 4 ball jts on a 99 Dodge Ram 1500 with 120,000 miles that had a handling problem. Was diagnosed as a steering box problem by a dealer. Jts fixed the problem. Had non-greasable jts I might add. If you check these jts according to the shop manual you WILL NOT FIND THE PROBLEM in MOST cases. I said that in a previous post about 1yr ago. SORRY about the long post but when I got started I could't stop. Hope this helps!!!!!!! Willard SEPA 2000 Yellow |
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butchcee Prowler Junkie Posts: 7476 |
posted 03-20-2003 08:38 PM
Willard, what's your opinion about the cars needing alignment after ball joint replacement.Thanks for the info. ------------------ |
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Larry Lord Prowler Junkie Posts: 3709 |
posted 03-20-2003 08:39 PM
Thanks for your expert input Willard. It seems to me that a competant mechanic, if faced with a steering diagnosis problem like some of the Prowlers have encountered, would or should just disconnect the tie rod from the steering knuckle and check to see if the tire can be easily turned. By checking each side in this manner, he should be able to make a correct assessment of the condition of the ball joints independant of the rack and pinion. |
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Todd Cameron unregistered Posts: 3709 |
posted 03-20-2003 08:44 PM
I think too many dealer's who support diagnosis on a "lets replace it and charge basis" is the cause of most of these "misdiagnosed" cases |
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Duane Curto Prowler Junkie Posts: 285 |
posted 03-20-2003 09:17 PM
Willard, Being an ASE Master technician I agree. Seized ball joints are nothing new. Ford's just make a horrible noise prior to seizing. There have been several generations of ball joints and tie rods that are "lubed for life". However, the new technology utilizes a low fiction, polymer design with a high pressure lubricant encapsulated into the joint. This design has proven to be superior to the conventional metal to metal or Gusher bearing designs used for the last 80 years. Butchee, You should always have a front end alignment after replacing any front end component. Duane This message has been edited by Duane Curto on 03-25-2003 at 07:27 AM |
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willard Prowler Enthusiast Posts: 11 |
posted 03-21-2003 01:42 AM
I would recommend an alignment after jt replacement. The argument you may get on that is if both jts (control arms) are made to the same specs you won't need alignment. As far as checking jts by disconecting tie rods at each wheel and checking turning resistance is the best way I no to check for seized jts. That is how I have been checking them for yrs if I suspected tight jts. If you read the post I put on here A yr ago I said that this was a good check. I still have to caution that this check may not find the problem either. I had a chry cirus come in for alignment and it had a handling problem. I found a seized jt by disconecting the tie rods. HUMMMM! I wonder if chrys jt problems are just begining. Cirus has non-greaseable ball jts! Just remember you heard this first on POA. My 97 ford f250 had hard steering. Found the pitman arm was seizing up. Has non-greasable pitman arm. HUMMM!!! I could go on and on. To be fair,chry is not the only one with these problems. Hope this helps! Willard SEPA 2000 yellow |
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Gary C Prowler Junkie Posts: 12017 |
posted 03-21-2003 02:21 AM
I think there was recall on Dodge Trucks with nongreasable balljoints a while back, hhhmmmmmmmmmmmm... Williard Thanks for the Heads up. ------------------  |
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ALLEY CAT Prowler Junkie Posts: 36093 |
posted 03-21-2003 07:03 AM
Willard - thank you for your expert and informative information. You need to post more often!!! Keep reading the website and jump in at any time. Duane - keep us informed also. The more wrenches we have reading,,,,the better I feel. Al and LL - thanks for asking the smart questions! |
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ANDREW AMALFITANO Prowler Enthusiast Posts: 18 |
posted 03-21-2003 07:04 AM
Acoriding to the 2000 shop manual on page 2-35 suspension.When removel and installation of the lower control arm is performed on this vehicle,the vehicle MUST have a full aligment done afterward. |
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KatAddict Prowler Junkie Posts: 1220 |
posted 03-21-2003 07:21 AM
I agree with what the manual says, however, not sure why this is necessary when you look at how everything is connected this should not impact the alignment!
quote: |
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Randy Cobb Prowler Junkie Posts: 4070 |
posted 03-21-2003 08:05 AM
Willard & Duane: I 110% agree with Butchee, AC, Larry & Gary in that we welcome the comments of expert "wrench heads" like you guys. You guys have the experience of seeing mechanical problems every day over years where most of us only deal with these problems when it happens to us personally. Plus my mechanical aptitude is about a 2 on a 10 scale! Thanks for your insight and PLEASE post your experiences and advise!! ------------------ |
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jkburns Prowler Junkie Posts: 1370 |
posted 03-21-2003 08:05 AM
Thanks all for your expertise on this matter. I am a relatively new owner (less than a year) and have very few miles on my Kat (about 300, don;t worry, that will change once the weather cooperates  ).My dealer anticipates it will be sometime in April before they get "official" notification and access to the back-ordered parts. Question: Should I wait to drive the Kat until AFTER I have this done? Your thoughts would be appreciated. Prowl On! Kevin ------------------ |
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MidlifeProwler Prowler Junkie Posts: 296 |
posted 03-21-2003 08:47 AM
According to a Chrysler TSB, the corrosion on the ball joints are caused by dissimilar metals being fitted together. Ball joints(steel) and control arms(aluminum), but it also stated that the joint was coated with an anti- corrosion compound. For the kat owners that had this failure, did the joint broke off from the ball and socket or did it separate from the control arm? This message has been edited by MidlifeProwler on 03-21-2003 at 08:50 AM |
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Kraut Prowler Junkie Posts: 1300 |
posted 03-21-2003 09:44 AM
Wow ....... finally some really good input on a troubling issue. Thanks guys. |
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Bcoffman Gray Ghost Prowler Junkie Posts: 2418 |
posted 03-21-2003 11:33 AM
I had a General Motors dealership for 40 years. Pont, Buick, Olds, & GMC. Let me offer the dealer view. My own opinion of the main fault is that the factory does't want to pay for the time it takes to do the full and proper diagnosis. That, coupled with technicions that want to hurry the job so as to move on to the next job. I have felt for a long time that hiring help and paying on a commission basis is "THE" major reason for so much disatisfation with new car dealerships. If any employee has to hurry, or meet quotas, there will be problems. And that is true whether it is the sales people or service personnel. Commissions on sales and service lead to too many lies and sloppy work. A lot of these problems would be solved with all employers paying their employees a flat salery and seeing that the work is done properly without a rush. Not too hard to see when you look at it this way. |
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jan bruggeman unregistered Posts: 2418 |
posted 03-21-2003 12:50 PM
i totally disagree with bill coffman.ive worked for a number of dealers over the last 40 yrs.commision mechanics and body, went out the, window 30 years ago,in chicago and az.mech.in these states ,and body have been hourly for a long time.ase certification means nothing these days.not all but many mech techs are nothing but parts changers,because they either dont care,or most likely dont know how to diagnois the problem.there are some good techs out there,but are hard to find.also the service advisors are at fault because they no nothing about a car. i had a advisor at a dodge dealer,who told me my transaxle,not transmission ,needed 6 qts of fluid and a filter.he didnt know one from the other.need less to say i didnt have it repaired there.if you can find a good advisor and tech stay with them.im a body advisor, and must,must know more than my techs,which i do.most dont. training is the name of the game.choose and advisor and question them alot,you will come out w/a better repair from a qualified advisor,than one whos not.way to go willard,we need more competent techs like you.want to work in sunny az. This message has been edited by jan bruggeman on 03-21-2003 at 01:00 PM |
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ed monahan Prowler Junkie Posts: 33595 |
posted 03-21-2003 01:44 PM
Thank you Willard and Larry Lord for some insight into the problem. Drive sensibly until the parts are available. |
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JUST JP Prowler Junkie Posts: 1023 |
posted 03-21-2003 06:24 PM
quote: Midlife, ------------------ |
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dpena Administrating Kat Posts: 5359 |
posted 03-21-2003 06:34 PM
JP, You got any pics of your broken hardware?? |
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Black Tie 161 Prowler Junkie Posts: 3563 |
posted 03-24-2003 07:25 AM
Thanks willard!
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