maybe i have a problem

DakotaRT2K · #1 10-31-2004, 11:42 PM

my 00 R/T just started making a popping sound when I'm making left turns but not turning right or returning to center. Has anyone expirienced this problem or have any ideas what might cause this? I've got slightly under 55K on the pickup. Thanks in advance.
-Ethan

taterstruck · #2 11-02-2004, 04:39 PM

I had a popping sound like you describe in my 97 dakota and it was the ball joints mine had 97000 miles though. I checked this by jacking up the front of my truck and tugging on the bottom of the tire. If you get some play in it then it is a good possibility that you have the same problem.
Hope this helps.
Good Luck

DakotaRT2K · #3 11-03-2004, 01:29 AM

Hey thanks, I'll give that a try. of course maybe the trucks acting up now that its going to have to share the garage with the new magnum rt i just ordered. lol

darkrt · #4 11-03-2004, 04:50 PM

While your under there,take a look at your control arm bushings!

SnipeRT · #5 12-11-2004, 01:15 AM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: DakotaRT2K

my 00 R/T just started making a popping sound when I'm making left turns but not turning right or returning to center. Has anyone expirienced this problem or have any ideas what might cause this? I've got slightly under 55K on the pickup. Thanks in advance.
-Ethan

Is the noise coming from your steering column (clockspring) or does it sound like it's coming from under the truck (cab mounts)? Does it only make the noise when you are turning onto an incline, or does it ALWAYS make the noise? There are TSBs out for both of these common problems. Infact, if the noise is coming from the steering column, it can be repaired under a recall due to your driver's airbag not deploying when needed. Call the dodge 1-800 number and give them your VIN to see if there are any outstanding recalls. (I'm sure their lines are going to be pretty tied up because of the upper balljoints recall though).

DakotaRT2K · #6 12-18-2004, 04:44 PM

Well I finally got some time to get underneath my truck. 1. it didnt seem to have a lot of play when I pulled on the wheel. 2. SnipeRt where can i find the TSB's? is there some place online that they are listed as well as recalls? I'm gonna go back out and have a look at the control arm bushings now. Thanks for your help guys!!
Ethan

DakotaRT2K · #7 12-18-2004, 05:12 PM

Since I'm just a bit of a novice when it comes to working on my truck I took some pics of the bushings, if someone can tell me if they look alright or not i'd appreciate it. Thanks
Ethan

DakotaRT2K · #8 12-18-2004, 05:16 PM

mmore

theONLYr/t · #9 12-21-2004, 12:45 PM

The bushings look like ****...
I couldn't really tell from the ball joint pic. Best bet is to raise it and see if you can press it together at all. If it even slightly moves... no good.

DakotaRT2K · #10 12-23-2004, 12:04 AM

Well I've come to the conclusion from what I've been told here plus reading the other thread on the ball joint issues that must be my problem. Of course those bushings probably need to be replaced at the same time. Hopefully I can wait out until my new Magnum arrives and take the Dak in when I pick it up!!