I just purchased a 2004 dakota 4X4 sport plus, and in the past couple weeks I've noticed a noise that sounds like the brake pad is rubbing against the rotors. Also there is a clicking noise that happens sometimes when making turns. I was just wondering if anyone else is having or had this problem. I real pissed that I haven't even had this truck for 2 months yet, and I'm already hearing noises.

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Keep Blazin

Dakotas are notorious for front end problems. Take it back. My 2001 had horrible brakes and the noisiest front end you've ever heard. They replaced the upper and lower control arms, and within a year they were making the noise again. Good Luck.

the brake pads should be rubbing on the rotors...thats how they work. the big problem is the sealed/ungreasable fittings on the dakotas. if you dont have a warranty, and you have to buy new parts, make sure they are from moog, or someone who makes fully lube-able fittings.

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Is this going to be a continuing problem? If I bring it back to the dealership are they going to find anything wrong, or pull one of those, "We've looked the whole thing over and found nothing wrong." type of things? I bought the truck from a dealership that's about an hour away from my house and I just don't want to bring it all the way up there just so they can tell me they can't find anything wrong.

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Keep Blazin

it's likely going to be one of those we looked at it and there's nothing wrong type of things, I had front end noise/looseness with my dakota, the first time I brought it in they said nothing was wrong and it was working as intended, the 2nd time they replaced the upper ball joint, the noise and loosness was still there though.

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From what I understand, they say that it's Ok to have a certain amount of play in the ball joints. Ask any mechanic, you don't want that play in there.

if your state has safety inspection, go to, or call a shop, and ask them what the max amount of play in the ball joint allow is. i know there is some allowance, at least in PA, and our inspection is fairly strict.

but i dont think its play making the noise, its just the noise of the ball moving in the socket, and its probably not greasable. you could ask themto check next timeyou get your oil changed, or just look on your own to see if there is a grease fitting. in the rarecase that it is greaseable, that very well may fix it.it doesnt have to have play, to have noise. it just has to be dried out.

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the sound doesn't sound like it's the ball joints. It's definately somethinig rubbing. It sounds like the brakes need to be replaced, but the truck is only a month old. It's not like I put alot of miles on it already. It started happening after about 2 weeks of having the truck, and it comes and goes.

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Keep Blazin

I have a 99' 4x4 and I had noises from the front U-joint. It only made noises from 5-30 MPH ( sounded like a UFO sound) Had it replaced under warranty.

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I've just purchased an 04 dakota as well, and I've had mine about the same length of time. I haven't experienced any noises like the ones your describing, but mine is 2 whl. drive.
If the rubbing sound changes when you put your foot on the pedal, chances are you have a calliper hanging up. If it doesn't change, chances are that it's not your brakes. The clicking sound coupled with the rubbing, sounds as if it could be a loose calliper, but if it only happens when cornering, the clicking, sounds more like a cvj. Try to pin down exactly what conditions the sounds occur under before you take it in, that will help them diagnose the problem. Myteamouse

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