Axle joint problems?

[46mech]

At 33k miles, had to have both front axle joints replaced. I've read about earlier yrs having issues, but is this still common? I'm glad they were covered under warranty... and if these things are going to fail this often, I'm hoping the extended warranty will cover future joints.

 

[mwilson]

At 33k miles, had to have both front axle joints replaced. I've read about earlier yrs having issues, but is this still common? I'm glad they were covered under warranty... and if these things are going to fail this often, I'm hoping the extended warranty will cover future joints.

Same front axle as mine, when the warranty is gone change to grease able ujoints.



Mike

 

[46mech]

What are the typical signs that these things are going out? For me it was an apparent "jerking" of the steering wheel (more noticeable at slower speeds) as the wheels would return to center after making left or right hand turns.

 

[BLoging]

mine went at 61,000

 

[rscurtis]

If you plan to keep the truck, install the greaseable joints and a free spin kit.

 

[TRAMPLINEMAN]

I just had to change mine at 120K miles. Pretty happy with how long they've lasted.

 

[AH64ID]

I have 72K on mine, plenty of dirt, 4wd, and only 17K miles have been on stock size tires.

 

[Hoefler]

I have had 2 trucks go past 65000 on original joints and at 34000 on my current truck.

 

[jgillott]

I've replaced them one time each on the '04. 5 and the '07 so far. The '04. 5 was around 100K IIRC, the '07 was at 49K. Both now have joints with grease fittings.

 

[AABEN]

I am still running the factory ones 65. 000

 

[JFought]

so 120K on my front is pretty good??
lol i was planning to R&R them this winter.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Mine are still good at 80K but I've had close to zero off road driving.

 

[EZeis]

Mine are getting replaced by the dealer right now at 56k. Yes, the chrysler extended warranty covers u-joints as well as the wheel bearings.



The dealer is replacing both sides even though only the left is totally shot. Also they're replacing both wheel bearings without me asking. Gotta like that.



My rear u-joints were just done in july and were totally shot with only 50k on them. Im guessing chrysler is sourcing cheap junk u-joints.



Strangely the front shaft and CV are holding up yet. Probably wait till my warranty expires before going out.





Earl

 

[jgillott]

Mine are still good at 80K but I've had close to zero off road driving.

The driving style/type does make a huge difference in how those parts last. Our trucks, especially my '07, are on undeveloped access roads literally daily. And at least several times a week pulling a trailer up and down those grades in 4-wheel drive. I can't expect longevity under those circumstances. It's not related to the front axle joints, but I just started to notice a noise from my rear drive shaft joint today at just shy of 56K on the '07.

 

[EZeis]

I don't offroad or mud or drive through water or plow or anything. Might use 4wd 3 times a year for snow. My rear failed at 50k and wheel joints at 56k. Also I don't overload or exceed my tow ratings. Just plain old cheap joints or undersized.





Earl