Ball Joint Failure Info...please Read

[skrracing]

OK guys...I know I keep harping on this...But if you own a KJ this is a real problem that must be dealt with.

I just got off the phone with the NHTS and they have had reports on other failures that are not 02-03s...

If you had a failure or early replacement...PLEASE report the failure or early replacement so that we can get other years listed for the recall. The stupid heat shield did nothing to solve this problem. This would include an early replacement...A ball joint should last many years...Not just 25000 miles.

Here is a link to make a report...PLEASE do so if you had a failure.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

Be sure to include all the info they need and an email address.

I looked at just the 04s and their was 7 failures...yes 7...and those are just the one reported... I know 4 others guys just myself that had a failure and did not report it...Please do this ...it will help or save a lot of folks a lot of problems in the future.

I hate to bash anyone but this is a real safty issue and needs to be addressed. I love the KJ and plan to stick with it...but this is a problem we all need to keep in mind.

Thanks. later...Clint

[Toralf]

Hm, haven't heard much about those failures over here and so far no reports to our NHTS (it's called KBA here) are listed...
The KJs that arrive over here are modified for European use (higher speed and some mods to the suspension and stuff), may be those mods include the ball joints as well or the mods have a positive influence to the wear? nobody knows and the DC guys wont tell, they never make maistakes ;o) :rolleye:

[Keystone Crawler]

you got to think parts are build cheap just so your jeep can just make it pass warrenty and then they got you . however they can shave off cost of building stuff lighter and crapper they do . I did a saftey inspection on 05 dodge CTD 3500 truck and less then 35k on it and ball joint failed too. if your jeepis out of warrenty put on MOOG ball joints and you'll be much happier. you'll pay alittle bit more but it well worth it .

[Toralf]

I second that, MOOG is pretty good quality and over here FEBI as well, the do first rate stuff.

[88WOWJ]

I worked parts at Chrysler dealer for 4 years 1997-2001. We had on ocaasion
around 2000 a couple of Dodge trucks full size and Dakotas with ball joints or
wheels (front only)coming off at the ball joints. Remember the 2005 Durango
was held up for release because of ball joint problems.I know what is this got
to do with a KJ. The same vendor is manufacturing the control arms or ball joints.

[willness33]

I erased my original post. I decided it was not useful info.