I have had this same question on the net recently. There are other
inputs too, if you have time to read the archives. Here's my experience:
On my new 97, I noticed bad tire wear after only 500 miles.
Took it in at about 800 and the dealer rotated and aligned the tires.
About 2000 miles later, I had it done again. Both times the alignment
"was within spec". After about 12000 miles I had to replace the tires
because the outside edges were worn to the metal belts. The rest of the
tire looked okay for 12000 miles. The tires are being pushed through the
turns on their outside edge, and are being scuffed just driving in a
straight
line. You have probably noticed some "squealing" noises on turns.
I called several dealers about this, and only one professed to know
anything,
and all the others professed they had never seen the problem. Some of them
suggested I was the problem (must be too stupid to keep enough air in them,
or the alignment must be off, etc.) For some that I visited in person, I
got the
distinct impression that they were lying to me. I think Dodge knows there
is a
problem, and they are trying to hide it. Probably very expensive to fix.
Solutions. There may be a compromise fix. I live north of Dallas, and I
took
my 97 to the guy who claimed to have knowledge of the problem. His name is
Frank (service writer) and he works for Daniel's & Fry Motor Co. in
McKinney, Texas. Call him at 972 562-0000 and ask what settings they use.
I had them realign the front end, and then after realizig there was a
difference
in the behavior of the vehicle, I put new tires on. It has been about 1000
miles
now, and so far everything looks good. The tire squeal is gone, but the
bump-steer is worse and the front-end "floats" a little. For now, I will
take it
because I can at least drive it without having to put new tires on every
5000 miles.
When enough people report this problem, maybe Dodge will come clean. I am
asking everyone that has a problem like this to respond (again); a few have
but
I think there are more out there. With permission, I would use names and
vehicle IDs to confront Dodge. I worry about down the line costs after the
warranty expires. This might pay off for you. I really like my truck, and
this is
the only problem I have had, so I would like to keep it awhile. After
owning more
vehicles than I can remember, this is saying alot.
----------
> From: Nicholas McKinney <nickmckinn@mindspring.com>
> To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net
> Subject: DML: Front ends was Open Air Cleaner and the Dodge warrantee
> Date: Sunday, March 01, 1998 8:33 PM
>
> >I've got to take my 97 Dak into the Dodge shop for a front end
> >alignment and front control arm replacement and have a
> >fluid leak ( oil or automatic transmission ).
>
> Hello Folks,
>
> I have had my Dak twice on the alignment rack and still am getting bad
wear
> on the tires. The second time the measurements were identical to the
first
> and completely in specs. Is anyone else having this problem? I have
found
> nothing loose underneath at all.
>
> BTW I have those crappy 215/75 15 Inslicktas. Another question, since
the
> rim is 7" wide has anyone else tried replacing them with wider tires like
a
> 235?
>
> Regards
>
> Nicholas
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Fri Jun 20 2003 - 12:08:20 EDT