Ball Joints and dealer woes

[IAdie]

I took my 2007 2500 Truck to the dealer to get the rear pinion seal fixed under the extended warranty, however they said that my front end ball joints need replacement also the front universal joints which was strange they did those less than a year ago with the front wheel bearings, which they also want to change again also. This all appears strange to my why they went through the truck looking at other things. Anyway my real question is the truck has just turned 79,000 miles should the ball joints on the front end have gone so soon? I might have to go to the dealer and get a written report, because they want the truck for 2 days to let the insurance inspector look at it to see if is covered with the warranty. I have a bad feeling about this.

 

[Bob4x4]

FCA wants an inspection at every visit,showing the customer the brand cares about customer retention.If you are concerned about the legitimacy of the recommended work have them show you the faults while it’s in the air.

 

[petersonj]

Personally, I wouldn't take the Dealer's evaluation at face value. How does your truck drive? If the truck steers well, brakes well, and you are not hearing or feeling any unusual noises or vibrations from the front end, then I would not have the work done. If you are concerned, take the truck to a shop that has a good reputation and get a second opinion.

- John

 

[GrantP]

Ball joints on my 06 were toast with just under 50k. They were making an audible "clunk".

 

[Prairie Dog]

Very few people know how to correctly check our ball joints and that goes for dealers too.
I have 122k on mine the the BJ's are like - new and well within spec.

 

[BigPapa]

I agree with all the above statements.

 

[Wayne M.]

IAdie, I feel your concerns are valid. Surely they’re trying to upsell on you- scouting for work. It is bothersome that they were just in there and now they want to go back in again. I also agree that front suspensions in general are tricky to check, and the 3 gen Ram is very tricky to exploit and pinpoint issues.
To gauge another owner’s ball joint experience against yours is tough because we all drive under different circumstances. My conditions are no off road use but hard use on NYC streets in all weather. My originals lasted to less than 100k and the Moogs didn’t make it long at all. I’m happy with the dyna tracs that are in there now.
I recommend that you get a written report on the front end while you’re getting your scheduled, needed warranty work done. After that, I would get a second opinion at a reputable front end shop, and if you do need work, carefully consider your options.