During 200, squeak in front end became louder and louder. Had to have upper and lower ball joints replaced on the left and right. Truck had 95,000 miles. 2 years late same problem with squeak in front end became louder and louder. Needed to have the ball joints replaced again. Only about 10,000 miles on truck this time.
1997 Dodge Dakota: grinding or squealing brakes
15 of the 444 complaints about the 1997 Dodge Dakota describe grinding or squealing brakes.
- owner complaints
- 15
- of this car's complaints
- 3%
- typical mileage
- 85,000
- recalls
- 2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 1 service bulletin for this area of the car. See below
Grinding or squealing brakes by model year
What owners say
My truck started to squeak up front over any bumps. My tires were also starting to go bad, even as I rotated them every 3000 miles. Soon the squeak was really bad so I took it to tuffy auto. They gave me an alignment for the tire wear and said that my ball joints were causing the squeak. I replaced the upper ball joints. Then about 1000 miles later I heard a horrible grinding in the front, took it to the dealer. It was a bad wheel bearing, caused by bad ball joints as described by the dealer. Replaced lower ball joints, wheel bearing, and now all 4 tires as they wore badly due to the ball joint problem. Total cost of 800 plus 4 tires at 130 each. I am in college with a baby as well. These costs killed my budget, and now I find out there is a recall on 2000 and up models. What a deal, seems to me the parts were the same on the 97, but no recall on them? Why, and what is the reason for not including the 97? I also work at a body shop and we had a 99 dakota in a few months ago which had the brake pedal snap off, causing a total wreckage to the dakota, but he ended up fixing it as dodge stood behind the pedal. Why can they not stand behind my truck? I am concerned with my parts on my truck now, are they the same ones being recalled on the 2000 and up, even though they are not being recalled on the 97? What gives?
Popping, grinding noise while turning and over bumps. Dodge inspected and replaced one upper ball joint and both lower ball joints and both inner tie rod ends.
I own a 1997 dodge dakota, v8 and for several months when I was turning, I experienced the terrible grinding sound from my front driver side wheel. I took it in to firestone today where they diagnosis upper and lower ball joints for all four wheels at a cost of over $1,000. The technician informed me this was common in dodge dakota's and durango's and that they are really bad. He states I could continue to drive it but worst case scenario is I'll be driving some day and the wheel could come off or lose control of the steering. I've researched the issue and found that there are thousands of complaints and daimler chrysler as yet has done nothing to correct the problem. I also note that your agency is supposed to be investigating this issue. I am waiting on your report before I pay to replace the joints although this may lead to a serious consequences on my part. When will daimler chrysler address this issue?
There was a ball joint problem. They made a clanking sound along with a squeal. The problem was discovered when the vehicle was taken to dealer for a catalytic converter problem. *ak *sc
While driving at any speed, the consumer heard a squeaking sound coming from the front end. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, who examined the front end. The dealer determined that the upper and lower ball joints needed to be replaced. *ak *sc
I have replaced the upper and lower ball joints about six months ago and my left front already started squeaking again. I will have to replace them once more. I believe dodge should recall these vehicles for this purpose. It has caused my tires to wear unevenly and I have to replace them prematurely.
While driving approximately 5 MPH on a dirt road consumer heard a grinding noise. Consumer stopped the vehicle, and found that the frame had a large crack on the passenger's side. Vehicle was towed to a dealer, who informed consumer that frame must be replaced. On that same day consumer heard a radio report about dodge dakotas 1995-1996 having a problem with cracked frames. During that report it was mentioned that there was a repair kit that could be obtained at dodge dealerships to fix the frame. Consumer contacted the dealer and manufacturer, the had no knowledge of this repair kit.
Upper and lower ball joints failed at 77,000 miles. *ak the vehicle started squeaking over slight bumps and worsened to squeaking all of the time, the steering wheel began to make unusual noises when turning, and coolant leaked from the engine. *sc
The upper and lower ball joints experienced premature wear. As a result, the ball joints produced a grinding noise. Please provide additional information. *jb
Consumer started hearing a squeaking noise coming from brakes, also rear seal oil pan was leaking oil.
I am a canadian dodge truck owner that feels that your organization may wish to keep tabs on a possible problem with the front disc brakes on the 1997, dakota. I've had 3 sets of rotors and pads intalled now and still get squealing grinding and grabbing. I think there is more to problem than chrysler leads me to believe.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: pickup trucks built with 2.5l engines. Some vehicles may have been built with inadequate clearance between the left front brake tube and the power steering hose.
- Risk
- A puncture of the left front brake tube can result in a loss of braking force at the front wheels, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the brake tube and power steering hose for wear. If wear is evident, the brake tube and/or power steering hose will be replaced. A power steering standoff bracket will be installed on all vehicles to ensure that adequate clearance between the brake tube and power steering hose is maintained.
Recall number 00V193000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: pickup trucks. Some vehicles may have been built with inadequate clearance between the rear axle vent hose and the brake hose.
- Risk
- A puncture in the rear brake hose will result in a loss of braking force at the rear wheels.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the rear brake hose for evidence of wear. Worn brake hoses will be replaced. The rear vent hose will be shortened by 3 inches and a clip will be installed to assure clearance between the axle vent line and brake hose is maintained.
Recall number 00V198000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1997 Dodge Dakota grinding brakes
Is grinding or squealing brakes a common problem on the 1997 Dodge Dakota?
15 of 444 owner complaints about the 1997 Dodge Dakota (3%) mention grinding or squealing brakes. The model year with the most reports is 1999.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1997 Dodge Dakota?
There are 2 recalls and 1 service bulletin for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1997 Dodge Dakota
Ball joint 118No deployment 13ABS 12Brake failure 10Fuel leak 10Premature wear 9Stalling 8Airbag light 7Fuel smell 7Headlights 7Adaptive cruise 6Fire or smoke 6Power steering loss 6Harsh shifting 5Jerking 5
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