I recently went to the dealership with my 2002 Dodge Dakota...

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Question by cheryl
Submitted on 6/8/2004
Related FAQ: rec.autos.makers.chrysler FAQ, Part 1/6
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I recently went to the dealership with my 2002 Dodge Dakota 4x4 with a "clanking sound in the front end when going over uneven roads" When brake pressure was applied, it would go away. The dealership told me that I needed new brakes because the clips have rusted and were ready to fall off.. My car has 19,000 miles on it.. the rotors have been replaced at 16,000 miles.. the control arms have been replaced as well.. So I declined the brakes and went to a well known brake shop and had them inspect my brakes. They could not find anything wrong with them. There was no rust and there is 80% of my pads left. So I received a statement from them and am about to go back to the dealership with this.. But in the meantime; does anyone have any idea what this clunking sound is when I go over uneven ground.. Drives me crazy and it is quite embarrassing to pass someone.. Or do I need my brakes replaced to get rid of this sound or could it be something else in the front end that would stop when slight pressure is applied to the brakes? Help!!! Hope this makes sense.....

Answer by JJ
Submitted on 5/18/2005
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I have an 02' Dakota 4x4 and I have the same problem. I think it happened at somewhere around 25k. The dealer said the clips on the front brake pads rusted through. The only function of this clip is to hold the pad away from the rotor while the brakes aren't in use. When the clips rust, the pads slam back and forth into the rotor, causing the rattling sound. This is also why you DON'T hear the noise while the breaks are being applied no matter how rough of ground you're going over at the time. A friend at work owns a similar Dakota and also has this problem. Dodge needs a recall but good luck on ever seeing one. My dealer won't stand behind it either because to fix it, you must replace the entire break pad and they are only warrantied for 1 year or 12,000 miles. Pay no attention to the fact that it's not due to normal wear and tear but it's a defective issue. You'll hear more and more of this as time progresses.

Answer by Scott McManigle
Submitted on 1/4/2006
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I ran across this recall recently that may be a help. 2002 Dodge Dakota Sport NHTSA Recall ID Number: 04V596000 Recall Date: DEC 21, 2004 Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT Potential Units Affected: 592707 Summary: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4X4), IF MOISTURE LEAKS INTO THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINT, EVACUATION OF THE LUBRICANT AND CORROSION OF THE JOINT MAY CAUSE THE JOINT TO WEAR OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THIS COULD CAUSE A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION, WHICH MAY NOT ALWAYS BE HEARD BY THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS. Consequence: EXCESSIVE WEAR IN THE UPPER BALL JOINT MAY ALLOW IT TO SEPARATE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT SUSPENSION UPPER BALL JOINTS. THIS SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON DECEMBER 21, 2004. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403. Notes: DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION, D47

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Answer by jeenebeene
Submitted on 8/25/2004
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We've experienced the same "clunking", clicking sound in our 2001 Dakota. The dealership did several ineffectual things like oiling the wheelstops (whoever heard of this?)but with no results. After more than a year of this, we e-mailed the consumer advocate group and the dealership finally took apart the front end. Turns out the ball joints were worn, which we had suspected all along. Ball joints replaced--no more clunking and play in the wheel!

Answer by grant winn
Submitted on 9/16/2004
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I know this problem very well. my buddies truck did this. it is the control arm, every time u press the brakes it shifts. it could be a spacer or the bolt that hold your control arm on.

Answer by Dave F.
Submitted on 1/14/2005
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There seems to be a problem with the clips that hold the pads in place. Mine rusted through and caused a major expense. My pads were about 80% After one year it has happened again! It has to be some type of design flaw. Would like to know how wide spread this is.

Answer by dodge girl
Submitted on 8/21/2005
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There is a recall on the ball joints on this model, may want to check that out

Answer by P
Submitted on 10/3/2005
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I believe you may wish to do a 'recall' search for 2002 Dakota's 4X4. My Dakota was having the same creaking noise. I believe it is the upper-ball joints and there a recall on it. Log on and enter your VIN. I bet you'll receive a recall card in the mail (if the dealer and/or Dodge have your current address related to your VIN). Take the card to your dealer and they'll fix it for free. HTH.

Answer by Jake
Submitted on 5/22/2006
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I had the same problem on my 2002 Dakota. It was the brake pads, the inside brake pad that snaps inside the brake caliper piston has 3 prongs that hod it tight. They are not very thick or durable, and one of them had snaped off. Causing that brake pad to clunk back and forth. I know it sounds wierd, I went around and around before finding that, and didn't realize it until I finally pulled the brakes appart and acctually pulled the inside brake pad out of the caliper.

Answer by shooter
Submitted on 9/25/2006
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cheryl I to have a 2002 and had the same problem drives you crazy-- front diff had bad axle bearings solution replace front diff under warrenty good luck

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