Dodge Ram Recall

[Bob4x4]

There are different recall numbers depending on the year............I haven't read through them all yet

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

As above, you need to take the truck in only if it has had the steering tie tods replaced by the dealer. I have been told that the issue is that the two tie rods should be installed at the same position in their degree of rotation. If you can rotate the steering rod assembly through that angle, all is OK. Only if a tie rod has been installed wrong, and one rod would rotate one way but can't because the other wants to rotate the other way, do you need a fix. Maybe Bob4x4 knows more about it.

 

[jdross440]

I received the notice yesterday. I replaced both tie rods 25K miles ago with MOOG parts. Both sides were worn out.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

I got a notice yesterday as well.

I'm calling Chrysler today to see if I can get reimbursed to some degree as I actually had the driver side tie rod break. Thank GOD it happened in a parking lot and not going down the highway!

 

[AnOldBiker]

This was the latest notice of this that I have found. And I believe it states it supersedes the prior notices.

 

[Bob4x4]

The 08-12 recall and the 03-07 recalls are different. Since there is no parts available as yet I have not researched further. I was told the 12 that I tried ordering has an April release date

 

[GBergen]

Might I suggest looking into joining the Dodge Owners Website and if and when they have a recall, they send you an email or you can check anytime by putting in your VIN.
I was notified of my recalls from there and allowed me to follow through on repairs.

Site address is: https://www.moparownerconnect.com/oc/US/en-us/sub/Pages/OwnersLogin.aspx

There is also a Federal website if you want that avenue. They cover all vehicles and products sold in the US.

The Federal website address is: http://www.recalls.gov

Thanks for the websites.
I visited the mopar owners site.
When I completed the login registration, my truck VIN was already listed!! I know I've never had an account on that website.
The service records weren't up to date but there is a lot of it there! Their record shows the last service in June of 2011.
It's like the site was just waiting for me to register because it already knew the VIN of my truck!

It appears that this steering linkage recall applies to my truck as well. I'll be calling the dealer in January so they can have a look. I'm sure they will try to find something else that "needs" to be repaired.

Someone asked about an alignment at the completion of the work. Considering what is being replace, I would expect that the dealer would need to.
Does anyone know what the dealer does to make sure they aren't creating other steering issues with this recall, such as misalignment of the front end?
Thanks
GF Bergen

 

[brods]

As above, you need to take the truck in only if it has had the steering tie tods replaced by the dealer. I have been told that the issue is that the two tie rods should be installed at the same position in their degree of rotation. If you can rotate the steering rod assembly through that angle, all is OK. Only if a tie rod has been installed wrong, and one rod would rotate one way but can't because the other wants to rotate the other way, do you need a fix. Maybe Bob4x4 knows more about it.

The right side rod end on the T linkage is a ******* joint which does not allow any front to back rotation. That is the root cause of the whole issue! Since my truck needed new rod ends it was a good time to get some pictures. Going back to the Y linkage this time.

A picture is worth a thousand words so hopefully the following will clear this steering stuff up once and for all.
Disclaimer: The pictures are not perfect nor are the measurements meant to be exact (you will note the level has a scrape covering part of the display). The point is to show why the left rod end adjustment is so critical on Chrysler’s T linkage.

The first pictures show the left steering knuckle and how the tie rod end stud will change angle relative to the front of the vehicle. Seven degrees when turned full right lock and eight degrees in the other direction at full left lock. Assuming the right knuckle is the same then that means at right full lock the total angular difference between the left and right tie rod studs will be 15 degrees. Turning to left full lock will cause the studs to be misaligned 15 degrees the other direction.

#ad

#ad

#ad


Looking at the T linkage we see how close Chrysler cut it. The left tie rod end allows the stud to angle about 33 degrees. The right tie rod end allows almost no front to back angular change (less than 1 degree). So there it is. When turning from straight to full lock the steering knuckles angle the tie rod studs about 15 degrees relative to each other. The left tie rod end has only about 33 degrees of range. That’s 16.5 degrees in either direction. Install it more than 1.5 degrees off of perfect and you are looking for trouble.

#ad

#ad



In contrast, the Y linkage has are three normal rod ends connecting the right and left steering knuckles and can easily accommodate the 15 degrees of misalignment with plenty to spare for less than perfect installation.

 

[gk9382]

I just came from the dealer. I had called and actually got in for an appt. I was told that they had to check some trucks are not part of the actual recall. If your truck has a dampener on the steering that is clamped on then it is part of the recall. If you have one that the dampener bolts through the steering rod then it is not part of the recall. But of course they have to order parts for mine.

 

[JCasper]

I have not read this whole thread yet. What if we paid for upgraded parts a year or two ago? Is Dodge doing anything for us?

 

[JKosten]

Here are some pics of the updated parts. As previously mentioned, they prevent the tie rods from being misinstalled.

 

[rscurtis]

I just got the notice for my signature truck today. It appears that the recall does not apply to the older trucks with the original front end parts. Also, there is a provision in the notice for reimbursement if you've already changed the affected parts.

 

[Bater]

... If your truck has a dampener on the steering that is clamped on then it is part of the recall. ...

Interesting.

I gather this time around the linkage is replaced no matter what?

If I remember right, during the first recall the dealer just verified that the bolt position was correct.

Andy

 

[Sled Dog]

Got my notice 7-10 days ago. It says,2003-2008 RAM.
Left tie rod ball stud may fracture causing loss of control.

 

[cerberusiam]

I have not read this whole thread yet. What if we paid for upgraded parts a year or two ago? Is Dodge doing anything for us?

If you updated to the 08.5 Mopar Parts linkage and it doesn't have the updated part on it then they should cover it.

 

[JCasper]

If you updated to the 08.5 Mopar Parts linkage and it doesn't have the updated part on it then they should cover it.

That's what I'm thinking. I just hate dealing with the damn dealer. How do they tell from a visual inspection? is there a way I can tell by looking?

 

[Rattler]

I know it has been asked, but I have not seen the answer. If the dealer replaces front-end parts, do they do an alignment as part of the covered work? I would not be surprised if my dealer wanted to charge extra for work that should be covered under this recall. I am going to call the local dealer next week on this recall, I just wanted to know the answer before I go.

 

[TGVET]

For those of us that have already changed the parts from Dodge to Moog, are they going to reimburse us the cost? Probably not being Chrysler corp.

I received Safety Recall N62/NHTSA 13V-258 for 03 to 08 having the linkage replace with "MOPAR service parts" just before Christmas. Comments back to thread: "04-06 How was your truck ?"

I did the upgrade in Oct. 2012. I called to see if this S.R. affected mine since I had done it just last Oct./12 and was told most likely its not an issue but suggested I take to a dealer for inspection anyhow. I told Chrysler I had bought out of pocket and had it installed by an independent shop. She said I could get a REFUND by sending in my receipts.

This recall only affects the 03 to 08 OEM linkage. NOT any upgrades from 08.5 and beyond

 

[AH64ID]

This recall only affects the 03 to 08 OEM linkage. NOT any upgrades from 08.5 and beyond

I believe that is backwards. OEM style is not effected, only 08.5 upgrade.

 

[TGVET]

I believe that is backwards. OEM style is not effected, only 08.5 upgrade.

My recall clearly states 03 through 08 model years. I called again this morning to the supplier of my upgraded parts I bought in 2012 and was told after 08.5 it is not part of the recall.