[tcuozzo]

My 2011 Ram 1500 has 42k miles and no longer in warranty. Over the last few months the front end has been making some knocking, creaking type noises, sometimes loud. I brought it to the dealer. They said something needed grease and charged me $150. Next day no change. I call the dealer and they tell me "it might take a few days for the grease to work in". I own a boat and I know that makes no sense. A week later I bring it back. They tell me now that the driver side ball joint is bad and they told me I need to replace both sides. They also tell me they can't replace just the ball joint they have to replace the entire arm as well. Grand total over $1,200. I did some research online and found that the stock Dodge ball joint cannot be greased however Moog makes an aftermarket ball joint called their Problem Solver that you can grease. When I questioned the dealer they said they would charge me all this money and replace it with the same Dodge part that cannot be greased. Does anyone have experience with this? I think it's crazy that ball joints wear out this quickly. I am trying to find out if it's true regarding the ball joint and arm. Can you replace just the ball joint? Obviously I would not use the Dodge part that can't be greased either. Any help would be appreciated. Just trying to avoid being ripped off.

 

[huntergreen]

i would find a local garage and have the moogs installed. i don'y know if only the ball joint can be replaced.

 

[tcuozzo]

Yes that is what I am leaning towards. To be honest the Dodge service leaves a lot to be desired.

 

[Boosted]

Just out of curiosity, is your truck lifted or leveled? If so, how?

 

[JRodMTB]

I had a similar problem on my old Dakota. I went through 2 sets of ball joints where the dealer replaced the entire A-arm (which had ball joints without the zerk fittings) under warranty. The 3rd time they went, I bough a set of MOOG and had the local tire shop throw them on. I never had a single issue with it again.

I'm actually surprised mine haven't gone on my 2011 yet. I've only had the tie-rod ends replaced.

 

[Willbrewer]

On my 2011 there are no grease zerks on the ball joints, tie rod ends... everything is sealed. Why would they charge you to grease something if there are no zerks to grease?

 

[Swaggerville Ram]

What makes you think if its greasable it's better?
It only makes it serviceable which can be worse depending who's on the grease gun

 

[Hutch]

Chrysler just released a recall on ball joints on certain 2011/12 Rams, yours may be on the list.

Def time to get a new dealer.

 

[huntergreen]

any links to that ball joint recall?

 

[MrPEZO]

Chrysler just released a recall on ball joints on certain 2011/12 Rams, yours may be on the list.

Hutch, Do you have any information on that recall, as in number?

 

[Rocky Harbour]

There are no grease nipples to grease on a Ram truck. I would ask the service department to show you what you had greased.

The only thing I can see that they greased was your wallet. Definitely switch dealers for any other service.:rippedhand:

 

[king0145]

As far as I know you cant get a ball joint for the new rams. You have to replace the whole control arm. I'm in the same situation with 60k miles on mine. The dealer wants around $400 for a lower arm.

 

[Swaggerville Ram]

They probably put fluid film on the sway bar links. They squeak sometimes
"There, greased the front end"


It's a chess game with service departments trying to figure out when they're full of it

 

[huntergreen]

anyone go aftermarket for ball joints?

 

[xtremedurb00]

Im having the same problem right now with a knocking, creaking noise coming from the front of my truck. I just put a adjustable 5100s on the front and leveled it 2". When I installed them, I also got an alignment and it hasn't even been 5000 miles. Any ideas on what it could be coming from? I've jacked the truck up and shook everything I can get my hands on...still nothing. You would think when they did the alignment, that they would of checked the tire rod ends and ball joints.

 

[glcarter]

My 2011 Ram 1500 has 42k miles and no longer in warranty. Over the last few months the front end has been making some knocking, creaking type noises, sometimes loud.

Another reason I went to the 2500 to get away from so many moving parts. I know that the ball joints can fail in a solid axle but, it usually takes longer as they only move in 1 plane instead of multiple. Unless you get silly with tire size!

 

[stangallmotor]

Don't these trucks have 100K mile warranty?

 

[huntergreen]

100K warranty is drivetrain only.