Ball Joint Recall

[Khrystid]

Hey everyone!

First time poster, long time jeep owner. I have a 2006 Jeep Liberty Sport 4X4 that was purchased brand new at the dealership in Alaska. I had the lower ball joints replaced in 2007 at the Alaska dealership because of the recall.

I recently took it in to the dealer in Tennessee (recently moved) because I was having issues with the ABS, there was a loud humming noise coming from the front end while driving at any speed, and there was uneven wear on the front tires (inner portion of each tire was extremely worn). When the service advisor called and the first question to me was "how much money did I want to spend?" so I knew I was in trouble! He then stated that the tech that was inspecting my jeep noticed "the ball joints rubber boots are torn and split, usually from age, the joints themselves seem ok at this time" these were his words exactly because he notified me via email.

The jeep has just under 76,000 miles on it and is in great condition. Has anyone had to have their ball joints replaced a second time after the recall? Was there a warranty given when the recall performed? I just think it is suspicious that a recall repaired part is already showing wear when it's just being driving in city, no off roading or rough driving. Should I contact corporate? Unfortunately, I've been unable to find the box with the record of the recall repair as of yet.

I'd appreciate any help on this matter.

Thanks,
Annie

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Can you get a second opinion?

If the ball joints are going on 9 years old, that seems reasonable that they'd start to crack about now. They'll wear out fairly quick if dirt is getting in and grease is getting out. Not sure about the warranty, I'm guessing any warranty they would've had wouldn't be valid now, 9 years later on a 10 year old Jeep.

If the ball joints haven't worn yet (according to the service advisor) that'd lead me to believe they aren't screwing up your alignment yet. So something else is and that's what's eating the tires. That howling noise, coupled with the bad tire wear, seems like it could be some failed wheel bearings.

If you aren't going to inspect or do the work yourself, find a good independent shop that will let you bring your own parts in. It's a life saver! It'll cost a fraction of what the dealer will charge. I don't have too much faith in any of the Jeep dealer service departments I've used. Some are better than others, but it is very easy to find other shops that exceed the dealers in quality of work/diagnosis and price.

 

[eradicator006]

I had the wear on insides of front tires problem. Ball joints are fine in my case. From what I gather these jeeps need regular wheel alignments and tire rotations. Probably every year or 2 would be adequate. Never had this problem on any other vehicle I have owned so it must be another "Jeep thing".

Every time I see a liberty parked I make sure to check the front tires on it. It's amazing how many I see with the same problem.

 

[renegade 04]

Remember that once a recall part always a recalled part, meaning that no matter how many times the part breaks it should be covered under the recall.

 

[tommudd]

When the recall came out I went and bought the greaseable Moogs, installed them my self and never looked back. They had over 90,000 miles are a wearable item and saw no need to go get their cheap freebies. Those same ball joints are still in my 04 at 222,000 miles by the way
Replace them and move on with life

 

[tommudd]

I had the wear on insides of front tires problem. Ball joints are fine in my case. From what I gather these jeeps need regular wheel alignments and tire rotations. Probably every year or 2 would be adequate. Never had this problem on any other vehicle I have owned so it must be another "Jeep thing".

Every time I see a liberty parked I make sure to check the front tires on it. It's amazing how many I see with the same problem.

EVERY vehicle needs regular rotations and wheel alignments
not just a Jeep thing at all
I have rotated my tires every 3000 miles on every one I have owned since the 1970s and have alignments done at least once a year, sometimes sooner depending if I hit large pot holes etc

 

[eradicator006]

EVERY vehicle needs regular rotations and wheel alignments
not just a Jeep thing at all
I have rotated my tires every 3000 miles on every one I have owned since the 1970s and have alignments done at least once a year, sometimes sooner depending if I hit large pot holes etc

Right. I worded that wrong. Shouldn't have said "regular rotations and alignments". Should have said "MORE FREQUENT rotations and alignments".

On my other vehicles which were small front wheel drive cars, I only ever got them aligned with a tire change. So an alignment every few years. Never had abnormal tire wear. My jeep seems to require yearly alignments or else the insides of both front tires wear out more. Passenger side more so than the driver's side.

 

[uss2defiant]

Remember that once a recall part always a recalled part, meaning that no matter how many times the part breaks it should be covered under the recall.

Does a ripped boot constitute "broken"?

This thread seems to have better response compared to when I asked about this.

 

[CalcityRenegade]

I started getting wheel alignments once I had a car that was worth more than the wheel alignment