lower Lateral Arm Ball Joints

[dalatinromeo]

I recently called Diamler Chrysler to check if the recalls were performed on my car. They informed me that the recall was already performed.

I was driving for about a hour,when i started hearing the metal on metal sound, which sounded as if the Ball Joints were going bad. So I contacted the dealer, and told them my story. The salesmen informed me that if it was my ball joints then they would repair it free of charge. However, if it wasn't the ball joints I would be charged $88 an hour.

I was under the impression that the dealer should check for the safety recall free of charge. Should I contact the Diamler Chrylser customer service center, and informed them of my problem? Is there anything else I can do so the dealer can check if the ball joints are bad?

 

[AWDPetmitsu]

It is my understanding that once a recall has been performed, subsequent repairs for the same issue are to be paid by the customer. The recall calls for the inspection of the ball joints and if they were not defective at the time of the inspection, they were not replaced, just resealed. If they were incorrectly inspected, and fail at a later date, you will have to pay to have them replaced, since, according to the dealer, the recall was already performed, regardless if it was done properly or not.

Regardless, suspension noises such as the one you described are not normal and should be inspected as soon as possible. The consequences of a broken ball joint can be diasterous.