Stop going to Bridgestone's
Dodge Nitro 2010 Driver’s Side Front Wheel Well / Persistent Issues
To My Friends Here on Nitro Forumz…
-Many know I volunteer on disaster relief.
In turn these persistent issues with my dodge nitro 2010 4x4 SE are becoming a major impediment.
Latest:
Sadly Most All Of The Issues Resulted From Visits to
Bridgestone (Tires Plus-Firestone).
I’ll focus with this post just on the front wheel wells, primarily drivers side front.
Approximately 1.5 years ago went to Tires Plus for an Alignment.
About 100 yards away a RaceTrac for gas…turned into the station and major popping from front wheel wells.
Manager was still there and he called the tech back.
The tech stated he hadn’t tightened everything properly post alignment. Once he finished tightening with manager watching on…I left and a creak persisted.
Fast forward to another bridgestone
where I had a rotate and balance and another alignment.
Tech came back advising he couldn’t straighten things up and produced the standard color coated before and after.
My question was…why can’t you get all greens?
Their top tech stated…
“I don’t know…you’ll have to track down a dealership.”
Leaving that location within a few miles an increased creaking and then popping.
This was last spring/summer.
I was focussed on my failing AC (state of Georgia).
In going to another Bridgestone …Firestone…where I knew an employee I advised of the increased
Popping and Creaking.
Their top tech stated no new parts needed..just an injection of grease.
He accessed the port and loaded it with grease…
No sound after that for at least 2 weeks.
Then it was back again…
And yet again I went to Bridgestone.
I knew the manager at this Tires Plus and their tech
quickly concluded I needed a
Drivers Side
Upper Control Arm Assembly with built in ball joint…and said I had 3-6 months on the current one.
Fast forward…multiple other serious issues all coincidentally after Bridgestone visits and a Valvoline Chain visit…
-Just recently the creaking and popping from the FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL was so annoying I took it in , once again to Bridgestone.
-Here’s where things get bad quickly.
-The tech stated I should allow him to replace the
UPPER CONTROL ARM (with ball joint) Driver’s Side Front.
-I allowed him to using the print out from another Bridgestone tech as a guide to the part cost and labor.
Even with that weekend’s
Bridgestone EPIC SALE price the cost was far higher for part and labor.
•AND…3 hours later…with the lead tech clearly not happy about having to actually work…ie. The installation…
the new Manager advised as to the financial damage.
*Its worth noting that Bridgestone and Valvoline have since last June charged me twice what the vehicle’s blue book is.
•So back to the upper control arm Assembly angrily installed…
•Then I paid…
•Then I got in the vehicle / started it/placed it in drive/ drove about 15 yards out of their parking lot…TURNED MY STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT …
And…DRUMROLL PLEASE…
A massive unheard of before…
“POP!!”
•I drove to the red light, made A U-TURN to a horrific sound.
•I pulled out of the traffic at a gas station…
•…And many of you may have guessed…
•My previously perfect undamaged CV AXLE had all but BLOWN UP!!
••There was that super sticky off white CV GREASE EVERYWHERE IN THE WHEEL WELL …ON THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL…On a variety of parts.
•The TIRES PLUS has quickly closed So I had to take the vehicle to two different TECHS at another locations asap.
•The refrain…that upper control arm doesn’t look right…
…but your serious problem is you need a brand new CV AXLE immediately.
••So…what do you do…
~ YOU TAKE THE DODGE NITRO BACK TO THE TIRES PLUS THAT HAD JUST DONE THE INSTALL THAT WITHIN A FEW YARDS LED TO YOUR LOSS OF YOUR CV AXLE.
~And if you were me…you’d set up an appointment with an assistant manager who you’ve known.
~You would arrive and find the manager was not present…
~You would remind the assistant manager of the issue and the text messages of the sounds and photos prior to arriving.
~You would wait for 2 hours…
-A tech would come in and advise that you come outside…UH OH is your thought.
•••IF YOU’VE EVER EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM YOU KNOW THE SOUNDS ARE CONSTANT.
•••SO WHEN THE TECH WHO INSTALLED THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY SAYS…”hey I test drove it and didn’t hear nothing”… then you ask the tech to let you drive with him in the passenger seat…and also advise it will only take 5-10 feet before he would hear the horrendous sounds…
And the tech REFUSES and calls his buddy over so they both could say that there’s no sound…well ..,you WOULD BE QUITE BOTHERED.
When you then ask them to put the vehicle on the rack to look at the CV,etc… and now both individuals employed by Bridgestone say…”SORRY YOU DON’T HAVE AN APPOINTMENT” and you say…um actually I do…and I texted your assist manager to confirm…and then the tech suggests…”WILL YOU LEAVE IF I LOOK AT THE NITRO ON THE RACK” and you again ask politely as it’s a safety issue and he complies while complaining all the way…
••Then within a few minutes the tech and his buddy call you back out to the garage with nitro on the rack.
••Both try to point out anything they could to avoid the OBVIOUS
DEVASTATED CV AXLE.
••Well “YOUR DIFFERENTIAL COULD BE MAKING A SOUND OR YOUR TRANSFER CASE” etc…
••So at this point you’re frustrated.
••And you start ‘video taping’ without them being aware as it’s clear where they are trying to take the issue…EVEN WITH A 13 YEAR CUSTOMER SUCH AS MYSELF.
••You state the basic fact…
That you came in for the Cosmetic sound so to speak to knock out the upper left front control arm assembly and you leave with a complete destroyed CV AXLE.
••The tech and his friend say they can’t help…
••The buddy of the tech tries again to TELL YOU YOU HAVE NO APPOINTMENT…
…and then YOU ARE VERBALLY BROW BEATEN.
•••The long time tech pointing out the manager is not there aggressively states he’s not going to do anything.
•••When you ask what he means…both techs decide it’s good to get personal with their words(that you are taping).
••••••Then the long time tech states very loudly…”YOU KNOW, YOU CAN BRING THAT TRUCK (nitro) BACK ANYTIME BUT I CAN PROMISE YOU ME AND ‘his buddy’ WON’T EVER WORK ON IT AGAIN.
•••When I mention all of the warranty installs I have the “I don’t care what you have” refrain starts.
•••while continuing the verbal attacks…the long time tech…
…admits the CV AXLE was NOT busted when you arrived…but was shortly after you left but that he “again” doesn’t care…and is LOWERING YOUR DODGE FROM THE RACK RIGHT IN YOUR FACE…WITHOUT ASKING YOU TO MOVE…
•He then speedily reversed it out of the garage into their handicap spot…got out…and walked up with his buddy with a…”SO NOW WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO” look. I advised it was a shame that they were facilitating this problem and that I was saddened that they felt it best to kick to the curb a loyal customer…
•••••So I then go to another BRIDGESTONE (Firestone) TO MAKE SURE I GET ON THE RECORD THE DAMAGE THE TIRES PLUS HAD DONE.
•••••WHEN I GET THERE THEIR MANAGER WAS OUT OF TOWN AND THUS THE ASSIST MANAGER WAS RUNNING THE SHOW…
••••I had an appointment and it was for the cv Axle.
•••••I arrived early and after waiting over an hour the assist manager says “I THOUGHT YOU WERE GOING TO GET HERE EARLIER SO I HAVE NO PART FOR YOU…etc…
•••••Fast forward a few hours at that FIRESTONE and me paying EXTRA… and
a BRAND NEW CV AXLE WAS INSTALLED.
•••••BUT…
•••••I get in the vehicle…they closed their doors and left…
and I placed the DODGE NITRO IN DRIVE AND STARTED TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT WHILE SLOWLY ESCALATING AND THERE WAS A MAJOR “POP” FROM AGAIN THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL…!!??
•••••At the next intersection I turned to the right and AGAIN FROM THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL “POP” !!
••••Then unfortunately the front left wheel
Well began the quieter POPS AND METAL CREAKING SOUNDS DURING EVERY TURN.
•••••I reluctantly called the
FIRESTONE ASSIST MANAGER TO ADVISE THAR THE VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR HE DID (CV AXLE) LASTED ONLY UNTIL THE RIGHT TURN OUT OF THEIR PARKING LOT….
••••••HIS REPLY…”MY MANAGER IS COMING BACK DAY AFTER TOMORROW AND WE DID THAT REPAIR AS A FAVOR OFF THE RECORD…SO THERE’s NOTHING I CAN DO…
•••••My reply was…”UM I UM PAID A LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR THAT FAVOR”…
••••••He stated…”hey if you want to bring it by today you can but I ain’t guaranteeing anything….
•••••I drove the 50 minute drive to his shop and clearly surprising him at the FIRESTONE…
•••••••I asked him to PLEASE PUT THE DODGE NITRO ON THE RACK AND FIND OUT WHAT’s WRONG…
••••••His answer …”NO!!” BUT I’ll TEST DRIVE IT LATER.”
•••••Clearly he didn’t like me talking about the issues now crossing over to several Bridgestone locations with waiting room customers.
•••••So he said,”GIVE ME YOUR KEYS.”
•••••He said he was taking it for a test drive and I strongly suggested he put it on the rack…
••••He seemed to comply…
And drove in that direction BUT NOT INTO THE GARAGE.
••••••He quickly DROVE BACK…GOT OUT…and said “THERE’s NOTHING WRONG!”
•••••He then said…”SINCE WE PUT IT ON THE RACK TO INSTALL THE CV AXLE (duralast gold)
THAT’s WHY ITS MAKING SOUNDS AND THEY’LL GO AWAY!!”
••••UNFORTUNATELY HE WAS COMPLETELY WRONG AS
THE
POPPING AND CREAKING FROM THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL IS TERRIBLE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT WHILE IN REVERSE OR DRIVING FORWARD.
•••••••This is quite a cautionary tale.
*****SO FOR MY DODGE NITRO FRIENDS HERE…
*WHAT DO YOU THINK IS WRONG….
*HOW WOULD YOU FIX THIS ISSUE…
AND
HOW WOULD YOU RESOLVE THIS WITH BRIDGESTONE?
-I CAN’T STRESS ENOUGH HOW IMPORTANT MY NITRO IS FOR MY DISASTER RELIEF EFFORTS SO ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED.
Thank you ahead of time.
For Ref.
DODGE NITRO
2010
4x4
162,000 miles
SE
-Many know I volunteer on disaster relief.
In turn these persistent issues with my dodge nitro 2010 4x4 SE are becoming a major impediment.
Latest:
Sadly Most All Of The Issues Resulted From Visits to
Bridgestone (Tires Plus-Firestone).
I’ll focus with this post just on the front wheel wells, primarily drivers side front.
Approximately 1.5 years ago went to Tires Plus for an Alignment.
About 100 yards away a RaceTrac for gas…turned into the station and major popping from front wheel wells.
Manager was still there and he called the tech back.
The tech stated he hadn’t tightened everything properly post alignment. Once he finished tightening with manager watching on…I left and a creak persisted.
Fast forward to another bridgestone
where I had a rotate and balance and another alignment.
Tech came back advising he couldn’t straighten things up and produced the standard color coated before and after.
My question was…why can’t you get all greens?
Their top tech stated…
“I don’t know…you’ll have to track down a dealership.”
Leaving that location within a few miles an increased creaking and then popping.
This was last spring/summer.
I was focussed on my failing AC (state of Georgia).
In going to another Bridgestone …Firestone…where I knew an employee I advised of the increased
Popping and Creaking.
Their top tech stated no new parts needed..just an injection of grease.
He accessed the port and loaded it with grease…
No sound after that for at least 2 weeks.
Then it was back again…
And yet again I went to Bridgestone.
I knew the manager at this Tires Plus and their tech
quickly concluded I needed a
Drivers Side
Upper Control Arm Assembly with built in ball joint…and said I had 3-6 months on the current one.
Fast forward…multiple other serious issues all coincidentally after Bridgestone visits and a Valvoline Chain visit…
-Just recently the creaking and popping from the FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL was so annoying I took it in , once again to Bridgestone.
-Here’s where things get bad quickly.
-The tech stated I should allow him to replace the
UPPER CONTROL ARM (with ball joint) Driver’s Side Front.
-I allowed him to using the print out from another Bridgestone tech as a guide to the part cost and labor.
Even with that weekend’s
Bridgestone EPIC SALE price the cost was far higher for part and labor.
•AND…3 hours later…with the lead tech clearly not happy about having to actually work…ie. The installation…
the new Manager advised as to the financial damage.
*Its worth noting that Bridgestone and Valvoline have since last June charged me twice what the vehicle’s blue book is.
•So back to the upper control arm Assembly angrily installed…
•Then I paid…
•Then I got in the vehicle / started it/placed it in drive/ drove about 15 yards out of their parking lot…TURNED MY STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT …
And…DRUMROLL PLEASE…
A massive unheard of before…
“POP!!”
•I drove to the red light, made A U-TURN to a horrific sound.
•I pulled out of the traffic at a gas station…
•…And many of you may have guessed…
•My previously perfect undamaged CV AXLE had all but BLOWN UP!!
••There was that super sticky off white CV GREASE EVERYWHERE IN THE WHEEL WELL …ON THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL…On a variety of parts.
•The TIRES PLUS has quickly closed So I had to take the vehicle to two different TECHS at another locations asap.
•The refrain…that upper control arm doesn’t look right…
…but your serious problem is you need a brand new CV AXLE immediately.
••So…what do you do…
~ YOU TAKE THE DODGE NITRO BACK TO THE TIRES PLUS THAT HAD JUST DONE THE INSTALL THAT WITHIN A FEW YARDS LED TO YOUR LOSS OF YOUR CV AXLE.
~And if you were me…you’d set up an appointment with an assistant manager who you’ve known.
~You would arrive and find the manager was not present…
~You would remind the assistant manager of the issue and the text messages of the sounds and photos prior to arriving.
~You would wait for 2 hours…
-A tech would come in and advise that you come outside…UH OH is your thought.
•••IF YOU’VE EVER EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM YOU KNOW THE SOUNDS ARE CONSTANT.
•••SO WHEN THE TECH WHO INSTALLED THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY SAYS…”hey I test drove it and didn’t hear nothing”… then you ask the tech to let you drive with him in the passenger seat…and also advise it will only take 5-10 feet before he would hear the horrendous sounds…
And the tech REFUSES and calls his buddy over so they both could say that there’s no sound…well ..,you WOULD BE QUITE BOTHERED.
When you then ask them to put the vehicle on the rack to look at the CV,etc… and now both individuals employed by Bridgestone say…”SORRY YOU DON’T HAVE AN APPOINTMENT” and you say…um actually I do…and I texted your assist manager to confirm…and then the tech suggests…”WILL YOU LEAVE IF I LOOK AT THE NITRO ON THE RACK” and you again ask politely as it’s a safety issue and he complies while complaining all the way…
••Then within a few minutes the tech and his buddy call you back out to the garage with nitro on the rack.
••Both try to point out anything they could to avoid the OBVIOUS
DEVASTATED CV AXLE.
••Well “YOUR DIFFERENTIAL COULD BE MAKING A SOUND OR YOUR TRANSFER CASE” etc…
••So at this point you’re frustrated.
••And you start ‘video taping’ without them being aware as it’s clear where they are trying to take the issue…EVEN WITH A 13 YEAR CUSTOMER SUCH AS MYSELF.
••You state the basic fact…
That you came in for the Cosmetic sound so to speak to knock out the upper left front control arm assembly and you leave with a complete destroyed CV AXLE.
••The tech and his friend say they can’t help…
••The buddy of the tech tries again to TELL YOU YOU HAVE NO APPOINTMENT…
…and then YOU ARE VERBALLY BROW BEATEN.
•••The long time tech pointing out the manager is not there aggressively states he’s not going to do anything.
•••When you ask what he means…both techs decide it’s good to get personal with their words(that you are taping).
••••••Then the long time tech states very loudly…”YOU KNOW, YOU CAN BRING THAT TRUCK (nitro) BACK ANYTIME BUT I CAN PROMISE YOU ME AND ‘his buddy’ WON’T EVER WORK ON IT AGAIN.
•••When I mention all of the warranty installs I have the “I don’t care what you have” refrain starts.
•••while continuing the verbal attacks…the long time tech…
…admits the CV AXLE was NOT busted when you arrived…but was shortly after you left but that he “again” doesn’t care…and is LOWERING YOUR DODGE FROM THE RACK RIGHT IN YOUR FACE…WITHOUT ASKING YOU TO MOVE…
•He then speedily reversed it out of the garage into their handicap spot…got out…and walked up with his buddy with a…”SO NOW WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO” look. I advised it was a shame that they were facilitating this problem and that I was saddened that they felt it best to kick to the curb a loyal customer…
•••••So I then go to another BRIDGESTONE (Firestone) TO MAKE SURE I GET ON THE RECORD THE DAMAGE THE TIRES PLUS HAD DONE.
•••••WHEN I GET THERE THEIR MANAGER WAS OUT OF TOWN AND THUS THE ASSIST MANAGER WAS RUNNING THE SHOW…
••••I had an appointment and it was for the cv Axle.
•••••I arrived early and after waiting over an hour the assist manager says “I THOUGHT YOU WERE GOING TO GET HERE EARLIER SO I HAVE NO PART FOR YOU…etc…
•••••Fast forward a few hours at that FIRESTONE and me paying EXTRA… and
a BRAND NEW CV AXLE WAS INSTALLED.
•••••BUT…
•••••I get in the vehicle…they closed their doors and left…
and I placed the DODGE NITRO IN DRIVE AND STARTED TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT WHILE SLOWLY ESCALATING AND THERE WAS A MAJOR “POP” FROM AGAIN THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL…!!??
•••••At the next intersection I turned to the right and AGAIN FROM THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL “POP” !!
••••Then unfortunately the front left wheel
Well began the quieter POPS AND METAL CREAKING SOUNDS DURING EVERY TURN.
•••••I reluctantly called the
FIRESTONE ASSIST MANAGER TO ADVISE THAR THE VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR HE DID (CV AXLE) LASTED ONLY UNTIL THE RIGHT TURN OUT OF THEIR PARKING LOT….
••••••HIS REPLY…”MY MANAGER IS COMING BACK DAY AFTER TOMORROW AND WE DID THAT REPAIR AS A FAVOR OFF THE RECORD…SO THERE’s NOTHING I CAN DO…
•••••My reply was…”UM I UM PAID A LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR THAT FAVOR”…
••••••He stated…”hey if you want to bring it by today you can but I ain’t guaranteeing anything….
•••••I drove the 50 minute drive to his shop and clearly surprising him at the FIRESTONE…
•••••••I asked him to PLEASE PUT THE DODGE NITRO ON THE RACK AND FIND OUT WHAT’s WRONG…
••••••His answer …”NO!!” BUT I’ll TEST DRIVE IT LATER.”
•••••Clearly he didn’t like me talking about the issues now crossing over to several Bridgestone locations with waiting room customers.
•••••So he said,”GIVE ME YOUR KEYS.”
•••••He said he was taking it for a test drive and I strongly suggested he put it on the rack…
••••He seemed to comply…
And drove in that direction BUT NOT INTO THE GARAGE.
••••••He quickly DROVE BACK…GOT OUT…and said “THERE’s NOTHING WRONG!”
•••••He then said…”SINCE WE PUT IT ON THE RACK TO INSTALL THE CV AXLE (duralast gold)
THAT’s WHY ITS MAKING SOUNDS AND THEY’LL GO AWAY!!”
••••UNFORTUNATELY HE WAS COMPLETELY WRONG AS
THE
POPPING AND CREAKING FROM THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL IS TERRIBLE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT WHILE IN REVERSE OR DRIVING FORWARD.
•••••••This is quite a cautionary tale.
*****SO FOR MY DODGE NITRO FRIENDS HERE…
*WHAT DO YOU THINK IS WRONG….
*HOW WOULD YOU FIX THIS ISSUE…
AND
HOW WOULD YOU RESOLVE THIS WITH BRIDGESTONE?
-I CAN’T STRESS ENOUGH HOW IMPORTANT MY NITRO IS FOR MY DISASTER RELIEF EFFORTS SO ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED.
Thank you ahead of time.
For Ref.
DODGE NITRO
2010
4x4
162,000 miles
SE
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
New cv axle. New intermediate shaft bushings and seals. Torque end links while on ground. Be sure to do this yourself. Not at Bridgestone. Lol. Then u know install is correct.
All torques should be done with rig on ground for that matter.
I have no opinion on the uca. Without seeing them visually. And knowing the bolts were torqued correctly with weight of the rig on them is hard to say. Never heard popping from bad ones in my experience. Vibrations at 55-70mph yes. Popping no. Knocking from an extremely worn ball joint, yes. Hard to think ball joint knocking on new uca though. Ball joints need torqued on ground as well.
First, you may want to do a Google search for a more trustworthy mechanic. Find someone with a lot of reviews, and very few 1 and 2 star reviews.
Second, you should probably contact Bridgestone corporate about your experiences there. That's one advantage to going to a large name service center like that. There should be some corporate accountability.
Second, you should probably contact Bridgestone corporate about your experiences there. That's one advantage to going to a large name service center like that. There should be some corporate accountability.
-I thought I had the Nitro Forumz set to notify me of comments. It looks like I didn’t…in turn I’m sorry for the delay in Thanking You for the post replies.
-So…a local mechanic put the nitro on the rack and said the bushings needed grease…silicone based…
…so with his supposed 30 years experience I went with that to stop the creaking and popping.
…Oops…Within 2 miles my Dodge Nitro 2010 started that HEAVY DUTY PHYSICAL POPPING AND CREAKING…
•This happened at Speed…slowing…turning right or left…popping going up hill…even when slowing and applying BRAKES heavy front POPS..:usually 2-3…
••It turned out when taking the nitro to 3 different shops they all said…
“You need new strut assemblies.”
•In fact they were all in agreement that I shouldn’t even drive for more than an hour at any given time…
•••So after multiple estimates I had the
Strut Assemblies Replaced…
•••Leaving the lot, the heavy Pops and Creaks from the front center, left, and right persisted…
…again, at Speed, Driving Slowly, Turning Right Or Left, Going Up Hill, Slowing and Applying the Brake,etc…
••••Am hoping you may have some suggestions…
-So…a local mechanic put the nitro on the rack and said the bushings needed grease…silicone based…
…so with his supposed 30 years experience I went with that to stop the creaking and popping.
…Oops…Within 2 miles my Dodge Nitro 2010 started that HEAVY DUTY PHYSICAL POPPING AND CREAKING…
•This happened at Speed…slowing…turning right or left…popping going up hill…even when slowing and applying BRAKES heavy front POPS..:usually 2-3…
••It turned out when taking the nitro to 3 different shops they all said…
“You need new strut assemblies.”
•In fact they were all in agreement that I shouldn’t even drive for more than an hour at any given time…
•••So after multiple estimates I had the
Strut Assemblies Replaced…
•••Leaving the lot, the heavy Pops and Creaks from the front center, left, and right persisted…
…again, at Speed, Driving Slowly, Turning Right Or Left, Going Up Hill, Slowing and Applying the Brake,etc…
••••Am hoping you may have some suggestions…
best thing would be to post a video so we can hear it,
most owners have had pops, creaks, clunks, rattles, etc but there are quite a few components that could be the cause,
most owners have had pops, creaks, clunks, rattles, etc but there are quite a few components that could be the cause,
Really sorry to hear you go through these struggles.
Either learn to do this stuff yourself or find yourself a really good, reputable local mechanic you can trust. Sounds like all these corporate guys are trying to take you for a ride, both avoiding work and taking you for all you've got w/o providing any actual service.
Worn shocks usually make a clinking sound--or harsh thuds/bumps.
Broken springs can also make noises--but those are usually pretty obvious to spot.
Worn/breaking CV joints can make lots of pops and cracking sounds -- but they won't normally affect steering.
As I read your description this is the first thing that came to mind--your CV joints were failing the whole time they were saying it was your upper ball joint and UCA.
Worn ball joints (usually they develop play) will cause clunks--these could affect steering and tire wear
Worn bushings can make clunk/banging sounds, and can affect tire wear and steering if they develop too much play.
Tires rubbing can cause various noises depending on what they are rubbing against.
Power steering racks can cause whining or other noises.
A bad front differential could also cause lots of pops or cracking sounds--when's the last time you did a drain & fill on it?
Not sure what a bad transfer case might sound like.
Bad hubs can produce various different sounds, usually not loud pops though--that would be really bad.
Bad u-joints can sometimes make noises, have you checked all those? All the drive shafts are spinning all the time on the Nitro the way it's set up. In 2WD there's just no power sent to the front shaft but it still spins.
Are there vibrations at different speeds?
Any shimmying?
Is steering still straight? does it track straight or pull? If it pulls does it pull consistently or wander?
The intermediate shaft is only for the passenger side, and wouldn't generally cause any noises like described. Worst that I could think happen with the intermediate shaft is if it gets too worn on the race for the bushing and develops play it might make some noise sometimes, but I wouldn't think it would affect steering or be affected by turning position.
Either learn to do this stuff yourself or find yourself a really good, reputable local mechanic you can trust. Sounds like all these corporate guys are trying to take you for a ride, both avoiding work and taking you for all you've got w/o providing any actual service.
Worn shocks usually make a clinking sound--or harsh thuds/bumps.
Broken springs can also make noises--but those are usually pretty obvious to spot.
Worn/breaking CV joints can make lots of pops and cracking sounds -- but they won't normally affect steering.
As I read your description this is the first thing that came to mind--your CV joints were failing the whole time they were saying it was your upper ball joint and UCA.
Worn ball joints (usually they develop play) will cause clunks--these could affect steering and tire wear
Worn bushings can make clunk/banging sounds, and can affect tire wear and steering if they develop too much play.
Tires rubbing can cause various noises depending on what they are rubbing against.
Power steering racks can cause whining or other noises.
A bad front differential could also cause lots of pops or cracking sounds--when's the last time you did a drain & fill on it?
Not sure what a bad transfer case might sound like.
Bad hubs can produce various different sounds, usually not loud pops though--that would be really bad.
Bad u-joints can sometimes make noises, have you checked all those? All the drive shafts are spinning all the time on the Nitro the way it's set up. In 2WD there's just no power sent to the front shaft but it still spins.
Are there vibrations at different speeds?
Any shimmying?
Is steering still straight? does it track straight or pull? If it pulls does it pull consistently or wander?
The intermediate shaft is only for the passenger side, and wouldn't generally cause any noises like described. Worst that I could think happen with the intermediate shaft is if it gets too worn on the race for the bushing and develops play it might make some noise sometimes, but I wouldn't think it would affect steering or be affected by turning position.
On my last vehicle, a Chrysler minivan, I thought the original front struts had finally gone bad, after like 17 years. Turns out, it was just bad end links. I changed those, and the sway bar bushings, and the car went back to normal. I never had to change the front struts in that van. Thing was a tank!
Completely forgot about sway bar bushings. Yah, I replaced mine recently with bushings from Siberian Bushings and with endlinks from Bwoody--made a noticeableOn my last vehicle, a Chrysler minivan, I thought the original front struts had finally gone bad, after like 17 years. Turns out, it was just bad end links. I changed those, and the sway bar bushings, and the car went back to normal. I never had to change the front struts in that van. Thing was a tank!
difference in steering feel. My bushings weren't so worn that the bar/links were clunking yet--but that could be another source of such noises.
Actually, I changed the sway bar bushings, and end links on my Nitro too, but the Nitro was only making a faint clunking sound when turning the wheel while moving slowly, or going up and down the driveway curb. Nothing like what the OP is talking about, but maybe mine would have got that bad if I didn't change those parts? I got the BWoody end links too.Completely forgot about sway bar bushings. Yah, I replaced mine recently with bushings from Siberian Bushings and with endlinks from Bwoody--made a noticeable
difference in steering feel. My bushings weren't so worn that the bar/links were clunking yet--but that could be another source of such noises.
If you are able to do the work yourself, and you don't even have to buy BWoody end links, then you could change all the end links (front and back) and replace all the sway bar bushings (front and back) for less than $50. Might be worth a try?
1.) For sure stop going to Bridgestone or any place you mentioned where you went multiple times and problems arrises from them.To My Friends Here on Nitro Forumz…
-Many know I volunteer on disaster relief.
In turn these persistent issues with my dodge nitro 2010 4x4 SE are becoming a major impediment.
Latest:
Sadly Most All Of The Issues Resulted From Visits to
Bridgestone (Tires Plus-Firestone).
I’ll focus with this post just on the front wheel wells, primarily drivers side front.
Approximately 1.5 years ago went to Tires Plus for an Alignment.
About 100 yards away a RaceTrac for gas…turned into the station and major popping from front wheel wells.
Manager was still there and he called the tech back.
The tech stated he hadn’t tightened everything properly post alignment. Once he finished tightening with manager watching on…I left and a creak persisted.
Fast forward to another bridgestone
where I had a rotate and balance and another alignment.
Tech came back advising he couldn’t straighten things up and produced the standard color coated before and after.
My question was…why can’t you get all greens?
Their top tech stated…
“I don’t know…you’ll have to track down a dealership.”
Leaving that location within a few miles an increased creaking and then popping.
This was last spring/summer.
I was focussed on my failing AC (state of Georgia).
In going to another Bridgestone …Firestone…where I knew an employee I advised of the increased
Popping and Creaking.
Their top tech stated no new parts needed..just an injection of grease.
He accessed the port and loaded it with grease…
No sound after that for at least 2 weeks.
Then it was back again…
And yet again I went to Bridgestone.
I knew the manager at this Tires Plus and their tech
quickly concluded I needed a
Drivers Side
Upper Control Arm Assembly with built in ball joint…and said I had 3-6 months on the current one.
Fast forward…multiple other serious issues all coincidentally after Bridgestone visits and a Valvoline Chain visit…
-Just recently the creaking and popping from the FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL was so annoying I took it in , once again to Bridgestone.
-Here’s where things get bad quickly.
-The tech stated I should allow him to replace the
UPPER CONTROL ARM (with ball joint) Driver’s Side Front.
-I allowed him to using the print out from another Bridgestone tech as a guide to the part cost and labor.
Even with that weekend’s
Bridgestone EPIC SALE price the cost was far higher for part and labor.
•AND…3 hours later…with the lead tech clearly not happy about having to actually work…ie. The installation…
the new Manager advised as to the financial damage.
*Its worth noting that Bridgestone and Valvoline have since last June charged me twice what the vehicle’s blue book is.
•So back to the upper control arm Assembly angrily installed…
•Then I paid…
•Then I got in the vehicle / started it/placed it in drive/ drove about 15 yards out of their parking lot…TURNED MY STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT …
And…DRUMROLL PLEASE…
A massive unheard of before…
“POP!!”
•I drove to the red light, made A U-TURN to a horrific sound.
•I pulled out of the traffic at a gas station…
•…And many of you may have guessed…
•My previously perfect undamaged CV AXLE had all but BLOWN UP!!
••There was that super sticky off white CV GREASE EVERYWHERE IN THE WHEEL WELL …ON THE INSIDE OF THE WHEEL…On a variety of parts.
•The TIRES PLUS has quickly closed So I had to take the vehicle to two different TECHS at another locations asap.
•The refrain…that upper control arm doesn’t look right…
…but your serious problem is you need a brand new CV AXLE immediately.
••So…what do you do…
~ YOU TAKE THE DODGE NITRO BACK TO THE TIRES PLUS THAT HAD JUST DONE THE INSTALL THAT WITHIN A FEW YARDS LED TO YOUR LOSS OF YOUR CV AXLE.
~And if you were me…you’d set up an appointment with an assistant manager who you’ve known.
~You would arrive and find the manager was not present…
~You would remind the assistant manager of the issue and the text messages of the sounds and photos prior to arriving.
~You would wait for 2 hours…
-A tech would come in and advise that you come outside…UH OH is your thought.
•••IF YOU’VE EVER EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM YOU KNOW THE SOUNDS ARE CONSTANT.
•••SO WHEN THE TECH WHO INSTALLED THE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY SAYS…”hey I test drove it and didn’t hear nothing”… then you ask the tech to let you drive with him in the passenger seat…and also advise it will only take 5-10 feet before he would hear the horrendous sounds…
And the tech REFUSES and calls his buddy over so they both could say that there’s no sound…well ..,you WOULD BE QUITE BOTHERED.
When you then ask them to put the vehicle on the rack to look at the CV,etc… and now both individuals employed by Bridgestone say…”SORRY YOU DON’T HAVE AN APPOINTMENT” and you say…um actually I do…and I texted your assist manager to confirm…and then the tech suggests…”WILL YOU LEAVE IF I LOOK AT THE NITRO ON THE RACK” and you again ask politely as it’s a safety issue and he complies while complaining all the way…
••Then within a few minutes the tech and his buddy call you back out to the garage with nitro on the rack.
••Both try to point out anything they could to avoid the OBVIOUS
DEVASTATED CV AXLE.
••Well “YOUR DIFFERENTIAL COULD BE MAKING A SOUND OR YOUR TRANSFER CASE” etc…
••So at this point you’re frustrated.
••And you start ‘video taping’ without them being aware as it’s clear where they are trying to take the issue…EVEN WITH A 13 YEAR CUSTOMER SUCH AS MYSELF.
••You state the basic fact…
That you came in for the Cosmetic sound so to speak to knock out the upper left front control arm assembly and you leave with a complete destroyed CV AXLE.
••The tech and his friend say they can’t help…
••The buddy of the tech tries again to TELL YOU YOU HAVE NO APPOINTMENT…
…and then YOU ARE VERBALLY BROW BEATEN.
•••The long time tech pointing out the manager is not there aggressively states he’s not going to do anything.
•••When you ask what he means…both techs decide it’s good to get personal with their words(that you are taping).
••••••Then the long time tech states very loudly…”YOU KNOW, YOU CAN BRING THAT TRUCK (nitro) BACK ANYTIME BUT I CAN PROMISE YOU ME AND ‘his buddy’ WON’T EVER WORK ON IT AGAIN.
•••When I mention all of the warranty installs I have the “I don’t care what you have” refrain starts.
•••while continuing the verbal attacks…the long time tech…
…admits the CV AXLE was NOT busted when you arrived…but was shortly after you left but that he “again” doesn’t care…and is LOWERING YOUR DODGE FROM THE RACK RIGHT IN YOUR FACE…WITHOUT ASKING YOU TO MOVE…
•He then speedily reversed it out of the garage into their handicap spot…got out…and walked up with his buddy with a…”SO NOW WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO” look. I advised it was a shame that they were facilitating this problem and that I was saddened that they felt it best to kick to the curb a loyal customer…
•••••So I then go to another BRIDGESTONE (Firestone) TO MAKE SURE I GET ON THE RECORD THE DAMAGE THE TIRES PLUS HAD DONE.
•••••WHEN I GET THERE THEIR MANAGER WAS OUT OF TOWN AND THUS THE ASSIST MANAGER WAS RUNNING THE SHOW…
••••I had an appointment and it was for the cv Axle.
•••••I arrived early and after waiting over an hour the assist manager says “I THOUGHT YOU WERE GOING TO GET HERE EARLIER SO I HAVE NO PART FOR YOU…etc…
•••••Fast forward a few hours at that FIRESTONE and me paying EXTRA… and
a BRAND NEW CV AXLE WAS INSTALLED.
•••••BUT…
•••••I get in the vehicle…they closed their doors and left…
and I placed the DODGE NITRO IN DRIVE AND STARTED TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT WHILE SLOWLY ESCALATING AND THERE WAS A MAJOR “POP” FROM AGAIN THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL…!!??
•••••At the next intersection I turned to the right and AGAIN FROM THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL “POP” !!
••••Then unfortunately the front left wheel
Well began the quieter POPS AND METAL CREAKING SOUNDS DURING EVERY TURN.
•••••I reluctantly called the
FIRESTONE ASSIST MANAGER TO ADVISE THAR THE VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR HE DID (CV AXLE) LASTED ONLY UNTIL THE RIGHT TURN OUT OF THEIR PARKING LOT….
••••••HIS REPLY…”MY MANAGER IS COMING BACK DAY AFTER TOMORROW AND WE DID THAT REPAIR AS A FAVOR OFF THE RECORD…SO THERE’s NOTHING I CAN DO…
•••••My reply was…”UM I UM PAID A LARGE AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR THAT FAVOR”…
••••••He stated…”hey if you want to bring it by today you can but I ain’t guaranteeing anything….
•••••I drove the 50 minute drive to his shop and clearly surprising him at the FIRESTONE…
•••••••I asked him to PLEASE PUT THE DODGE NITRO ON THE RACK AND FIND OUT WHAT’s WRONG…
••••••His answer …”NO!!” BUT I’ll TEST DRIVE IT LATER.”
•••••Clearly he didn’t like me talking about the issues now crossing over to several Bridgestone locations with waiting room customers.
•••••So he said,”GIVE ME YOUR KEYS.”
•••••He said he was taking it for a test drive and I strongly suggested he put it on the rack…
••••He seemed to comply…
And drove in that direction BUT NOT INTO THE GARAGE.
••••••He quickly DROVE BACK…GOT OUT…and said “THERE’s NOTHING WRONG!”
•••••He then said…”SINCE WE PUT IT ON THE RACK TO INSTALL THE CV AXLE (duralast gold)
THAT’s WHY ITS MAKING SOUNDS AND THEY’LL GO AWAY!!”
••••UNFORTUNATELY HE WAS COMPLETELY WRONG AS
THE
POPPING AND CREAKING FROM THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL WELL IS TERRIBLE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT WHILE IN REVERSE OR DRIVING FORWARD.
•••••••This is quite a cautionary tale.
*****SO FOR MY DODGE NITRO FRIENDS HERE…
*WHAT DO YOU THINK IS WRONG….
*HOW WOULD YOU FIX THIS ISSUE…
AND
HOW WOULD YOU RESOLVE THIS WITH BRIDGESTONE?
-I CAN’T STRESS ENOUGH HOW IMPORTANT MY NITRO IS FOR MY DISASTER RELIEF EFFORTS SO ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED.
Thank you ahead of time.
For Ref.
DODGE NITRO
2010
4x4
162,000 miles
SE
2.) I have been having similar problems with my 2WD 2008 Nitro, popping and screeching coming from the left driver wheel well. Been going on for 6 months or so, I have replaced both front inner and outer tie rods, both front wheel bearings, rotors, and brake pads then got it all aligned(at a mom and pop shop here in LA). And still this noise persisted, mostly on turns or going up any entrance ramps, quite a loud pop followed by squeaking as I roll up. Anyway, I have some mechanic buddies take a look and all of them came to the similar conclusion of control arms. I just purchased a brand new front drive upper control arm in hopes replacing it will solve the problem. It's worth mentioning that I actually just had both driver/passenger upper and lower control arms replaced about 1 year ago, and one of the bolts for the left upper control arm was screwed in a unsymmetrical fashion. Meaning the other side of the same control arm has a identical screw and washer, two holes in the washer. The passenger control arm bolts are screwed in the same hole in the washer orientated the same way. So I was thinking this could be a partial cause to the issue.
3.) I would just be more careful who you take it to, and when work gets done on it give it a look yourself before they lower it, make sure everything lines up, is tightened etc. Because honestly there shouldn't be that many issues consistently, especially with new parts. If installed correctly and professionally, those issues is what they're meant to fix. Like the grease thing, a solid mechanic knows that grease is only temporary ya know, so their advice was kinda half assed.
BTW my Nitro is a 2WD I am not sure we have identical issues, but I do hope this can give some clarity.
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