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Bad Tie Rods Already?

38K views 86 replies 43 participants last post by  jacko15 
#1 ·
So yesterday I went to get my yearly NYS inspection done and it failed for having bad outer tie rods. Has anyone else had problems like this?
 
#4 ·
More like poor vendor quality unfortunatly. I haven't seen anybodies factory steering components that meet my standards yet but these, as many factory units , don't even have grease fitting. I'll be replacing mine with Moog somewhere down the road.
 
#5 · (Edited)
Just yesterday, I took mine into a tire dealer to see why I was getting shudder at 55-60 mph. (Girl here - don't know these things like you guys and gals) He was very kind and told me he got movement when he checked it with his hands and I have bad outer tie rods. Also said since I have less than 30K miles on the car it should be covered under warranty. I called the dealership while there and made arrangements for them to get them ordered so I can get it fixed. They, at first, said I would have to bring it in to make sure that was what it was. I told them I'm not driving 45 min. (closest dealer) to "see" and they needed to order the parts, then I'll bring it in one time. I'd love to hear about others that have had this problem in the Compass because the mechanic I spoke with said he had never heard of it on one of them.
 
#7 · (Edited)
I have an AWD Caliber R/T, aka, Compass drivetrain, same assembly line.

There is currently a recall on early 2008, and 2007 Calibers that most likely also affect the Compass and possibly even Patriot. The lower control arm TSB (I dont have the number, sorry) is discussed here on the CaiberForumZ.

Apparently, they had used wrong sized bolts in the assembly line wich cause the entire front end assembly to loosen with time. As a result, I had my tie rods, lower control arms and bushings replaced just two weeks ago, with only 18 months usage for 32,000km (25-some thousand miles).

Dodge/Chrysler is supposedly sending recall letters to affected vehicles but I wouldn't be surprised if they narrowed the target audience a bit.

If you feel a loosening of the steering wheel, shudders on bumpy roads or creaking sounds on acceleration/stops & speed bumps (aka, suspension travel under pressure conditions), then it would be a GOOD idea to have the car checked.

Warranty covers the charges but my dealer con-ed me into paying for realignment. You should argue more than I did. (And yes, I'm reclaiming those charges.)
 
#11 ·
as of 10/1/08 these r the only recalls posted COMPASS RECALLS Top
2007 JEEP COMPASS
Manufactured between: 09/07/2006 and 12/13/2006
Defect: on certain vehicles, the antilock brake system (abs) control module software may cause the rear brakes to lock up during certain braking conditions.
Consequence: this could result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning.
Action: dealers will reprogram the abs electronic control unit. the recall began on february 19, 2007. owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Recall Date: 12/29/2006

2007 JEEP COMPASS
Manufactured between: 03/29/2006 and 10/20/2006
Defect: on certain sport utility vehicles, the owner's manual does not contain the required higher rollover risk warning information.
Consequence: without the rollover warning information in the owner's manual, drivers may not be aware of the significantly higher rollover rate on this type vehicle, which could result in a crash.
Action: daimlerchrysler will mail an addendum to the owner's manual to all affected vehicle owners. the recall began on november 14, 2006. owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Recall Date: 11/15/2006
COMPASS 4X4 RECALLS Top

2007 JEEP COMPASS 4X4
Manufactured between: 11/29/2006 and 03/15/2007
Defect: certain passenger vehicles equipped with rear disc brakes fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) no. 135, "light vehicle brake systems." the length of the rear wheel hub mounting bolts may prevent actuation of the park brake.
Consequence: this could allow unintended movement of the vehicle under certain conditions and cause a crash without warning.
Action: dealers will replace the rear wheel hub mounting bolts and repair the park brake free of charge. the recall began on may 8, 2007. owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Recall Date: 05/07/2007

PATRIOT 4X4 RECALLS Top
2007 JEEP PATRIOT 4X4
Manufactured between: 11/29/2007 and 03/15/2007
Defect: certain passenger vehicles equipped with rear disc brakes fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard (fmvss) no. 135, "light vehicle brake systems." the length of the rear wheel hub mounting bolts may prevent actuation of the park brake.
Consequence: this could allow unintended movement of the vehicle under certain conditions and cause a crash without warning.
Action: dealers will replace the rear wheel hub mounting bolts and repair the park brake free of charge. the recall began on may 8, 2007. owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Recall Date: 05/07/2007
 
#12 ·
I thought it was just me. This summer I changed my Drivers side Tie Rod and then last week brought my Jeep in for an inspection (24k km) and complain about stuttering. The Dealer told me this time that both my Tie Rods were affected. I'm not paying a 2nd alignment on my Compass limited. To say, I'm pissed is an understatement. This is a major Issue.

Chrysler, move on it. You have major issues with the Tie rods on the Compasses. Apart from that the Vehicle is fantastic.
 
#14 ·
(Bumping old thread)

Just had our outer tie rod ends done under warranty as well. I heard a lot of noise coming from up front while going over large bumps in the road (ice and snow). They said the driver's side was nearly popped out!

Glad I didn't have to pay anything at least.
 
#15 ·
Thanks for the bump. I was just thinking about this today. NAPA Chassis now lists Tie Rod ends for the MK's, made by TRW. NAPA number 2693277. I don't know if they have a grease fitting or not. This may help some to cross reference them.
 
#16 ·
Hey guys,
Personally I have not had to replace any tie rods yet (crossing fingers). However about a month ago I started getting a loud popping or thud noise when hitting small bumps at normal driving speeds of 25- 60 miles an hour. After several hours of me inspecting the jeep I finally figured out (by accident) that it was the sway bar link on the passenger side. So two weeks ago I did replace the sway bar link and the annoyance has gone away.

I know since I said I found it by accident I may as well say how I found it. I was squatting down and was pulling very stiffly on the front suspension parts testing the lower ball joint, the Tie Rod and coil spring when I suddenly slipped grabbing the link to catch my fall and it didn't make the noise. So when I got up I grabbed the coil spring and the sway bar link at the same time and yanked on the spring there was no sound. Then I performed it again not holding the sway bar link and wouldn't ya know it the sound was back. After ordering the part and one hour on jack stands and the sound is gone...

Now I hear a low rumbling sound as I make left hand turns so I guess one of my next projects will be to replace the ball joints. So if anyone does know of a manufacturer that does indeed make ones with grease fittings I would be grateful for a link or contact information.
 
#18 ·
Tie Rods

To say the least I was not happy to find out that the noise I am hearing is my tie rods. 07 Compass 31,000 miles. It's covered under the warranty but of course it broke on a long holiday weekend!!! I hear you need an alignment after they replace them. I would think that the alignment is covered under the warranty. Perhaps this is why one set of tires wore down quiker than the other, when they did my tire rotation. Sounds like this is a big problem, why isn't there a recall????
 
#21 ·
Thanks! I've been trying to find the Moog #. No, I don't have bad Tie Rods but some day things are going to need to be replaced. Car Quest carries Moog, that's good to know.:thumbsup:
 
#22 ·
This is a common problem on MKs and Calibers. As far as blaming Chrysler, the MK is based on the Caliber, the Caliber is based on a modified Mitsubishi platform. Confused yet? TSBs are not covered if your warranty is up, recalls are. I got screwed out of my TSB update for performance by my dealer when they didn't do it and I was almost out of warranty. My TJ like many other TJs has a bad instrument cluster. Chrysler got away with what should have been a recall by issueing a TSB instead. TSBs in my mind are a way of screwing the customer.
 
#24 ·
Compass fading away

tie rods replaced at 48000 miles, front brakes as well. now the front end clicks all the time (sounds like a bb card in bicycle spokes) ... took to dealer and they said dirt was causing the clicking noise, so they cleaned the rotors (hahahaha ...). Clicks worse than ever now.

Engine light is on. Dealer has checked twice ... says it's a small evaporative leak in the gas cap "area". Reset light, came back on. Reset light, came back on.

Dealer gets one more shot to fix before the Compass gets traded in.

I like the car but it's falling apart on us.
 
#25 ·
I do not have the Compass anymore but at 30000 miles the tie rod ends, struts front and rear and front right hub (Ball joint was bad) needed to be replaced. I did drive it hard for the year and half I had it as the road I comuted on for about 2 hours a day was washbiarded and bot holed prettyy bad so I was not surprised. I actually traded the Compass during that visit for a new Liberity because of the rebates and trade in value they gave me I could not say no.

I will say I liked the Compass and have no regrets for having bought it.
 
#26 ·
I had to have all four lower control arms replaced on my 2007 Jeep Patriot after 35000kms, I then brought it back to them afterwards and complained that something still felt wrong, it still felt too rough going over bumps, but all they did was lower my tires air pressure from 40 psi to 35 psi and send me on my way. Could there be something else wrong? Do they replace the ball joints or tie rod ends when they replace the lower control arms? I got my Jeep in April 2007 so it may fall into those service bulletins...
 
#27 ·
So 1 year later it failed NYS inspection again!
control arms are bad (ball joints)
gotta love it
I did look into trading but ended up purchasing a 100k/7yr/0det service contract instead from an online Chrysler dealer for 2200. I didnt think that was to bad considering the local dealer wanted 3700.
 
#29 ·
Yup.

(Bumping old thread)

Just had our outer tie rod ends done under warranty as well. I heard a lot of noise coming from up front while going over large bumps in the road (ice and snow). They said the driver's side was nearly popped out!

Glad I didn't have to pay anything at least.
Read back into the thread. There's a few.
 
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