N62 Recall vs recently purchased linkage?

[Freebore]

I've searched for answers to this question and have not been able to find a clear explanation regarding the actual parts used for this recall and parts I just bought. I received a notice to inspect my truck but I have the 52122362AJ linkage kit still in the box. To my knowledge, this is the newest linkage based on everything I can find. I checked with dealers and that's the one being sold by parts departments. I still have the old linkage on my truck, so unless I install the one in the box, there would be no change made.

Now, the parts called out in the N62 recall are as follows:

Part Number Description
CBUEN491AA Steering Linkage Package

Each package contains the following components:
Quantity Description
1 Tie Rod, Left
1 Tie Rod, Right
1 Sleeve, Adjuster
2 Clamp, Adjuster Sleeve
2 Bolt, Adjuster Sleeve
2 Nut, Adjuster Sleeve

Part Number Description
CBUEN492AA Linkage Installation Package

Each package contains the following components:
Quantity Description
3 Nut, Hex Lock
1 Nut, Hex Flange

So if Chrysler continues to sell 52122362AJ, what is the difference between it and the parts called out in the recall? I can't imagine they would continue to sell two different sets of hardware. The only other explanation I can understand is they simply are replacing everything with a new part number they have assigned that absolutely guarantees it is the latest.

I'm going to follow up again with parts to see if they know, but just posting to see if anyone knows the real story.

 

[retirednak]

I took my '03 to the dealer for inspection & was told my truck will need the parts. Hope your sitting down, the dealer told me they have no parts in stock, and might get one or 2 a month. I was informed that it will be 2 YEARS before enough parts are allocated to get to my truck. I almost flipped out when told about how long before my truck gets fixed. Only thing that kept me from going off was I had my young grandson in my arms. Has anyone heard about the long wait? I don't think it would be too pretty if I had a failure at 65-70 mph.

 

[cerberusiam]

Some dealers say 10 per month is what they are allowed, others say 1 per week. Parts production is evidently slow.

If the tie rods are aligned correctly it is not an issue, that sall the new parts do is not allow misalignment. Either that or go back to the y-type steering if it is a concern. Those parts are still available from Moog.

 

[retirednak]

I'm not too worried about misalignment of parts. My truck drives better since the upgraded parts were installed. Only thing that worries me is break up is right around the corner & the potholes can shake the fillings out of your teeth. Bottomless potholes has me a bit worried of part breakage. Seems strange Dodge/Ram are taking so long to boost production to meet the demand. I wonder if they would be on the hook if an accident occurred due to breakage?

 

[cerberusiam]

You hit a hole hard enough it will break something whether or not the parts are updated. The update doesn't make them stronger, just eliminates installer error.

If this was a rampant problem there would a whole lot more reported and a mass howling heard. The actual problem has been there for over 5 years and little has come of it. The rare occurences almost always are traced back to incorrect installation. Seems to be more of a courtesy recall than anything.

Not sure a broke tie rod can ever be proven to be a direct result of a specific part failure and liability assigned. That is a long stretch without some obvious evidence. Could just as easily been hitting a curb wrong, a pot hole too fast, or using the power steering to pop the wheel bearings out. I would hazard a guess more have been broken other ways than misalignment. The misalignment really only causes problems at full lock or very close to it so it is not a normal occurence.

 

[mbirch]

I replaced mine steering earlier this year with the 2008.5 upgrade, I went into the dealer and he said I needed the new parts. I told him that they have only been on the truck less than a year and I made him get the head mechanic to look at it. The mechanic told me they were only going to replace the left and right tie rod and that they would be heavier than what the upgrade was. I have 250 other people ahead of me for the recall and like others have said they only get about 6 a month in.

 

[cerberusiam]

If the new parts are heavier that is a plus. Cannot tell from the pictures if they are actually heavier and better than the originals.

 

[JBallou]

Either way the cynic in me says this won't be the end all or the last of this type of problem with dodge and the steering.

 

[Regcabguy]

I did the '08.5+ upgrade Sept '09 when the part # ended in AE. The upgrade was correctly installed with both tre's parallel and aligned. About six months ago,I decided to go with Don Thuren's driver's side heim conversion. My stock tre was in great shape. I guess eventually,I'll reinstall the tre and bring it in only to get the free parts.

 

[retirednak]

When I installed the later model upgrade, I was amazed at the difference between what came on my truck, and what MOPAR parts sold me as the updated parts. I'm trying to decide if I should postpone my road trip up the haul road to the North Slope. That road is the worst I've ever driven,washboard, rattle loose parts ect. I doubt there will be any parts breakage, that being said, its the worst place to suffer a break down.
Like others pointed out, if there was a weak point they would be producing parts like no tomorrow.

 

[cerberusiam]

In that case even the non-updated parts in the boony box would be a good idea. I wonder if a person bought the Mopar Service parts instead of waiting to get the recal done if one would get the updated parts. If my local dealer wants to be reasonable, hasn't yet, I might have to check that out.

 

[DFark]

My dealer wants to inspect the truck first, then if needed make another trip to install the parts. I just figured screw it I'll upgrade it myself. The last time I had warranty work done they tried to nail me on damage to the rental car which I didn't cause. My truck has 120,000 miles and still drives like new so I'm not going to mess with the dealer.

 

[Bater]

I was informed that it will be 2 YEARS before enough parts are allocated to get to my truck. ..... Has anyone heard about the long wait?

Yes, I was at the dealer yesterday and asked about this recall. I am now apparently around number 80 on their list; they have only received parts for two vehicles so far.

They took my mileage down while there. I assume that they may end up triaging this based on age.

 

[mbirch]

Retirednak, I would go on that trip up north. When I made that trip, they had just graded the road and it could not have been better. As Cerberusiam says, you could take your old parts as a back-up.

 

[retirednak]

Retirednak, I would go on that trip up north. When I made that trip, they had just graded the road and it could not have been better. As Cerberusiam says, you could take your old parts as a back-up.

I wish I would have kept my old parts for that "just in case" situation,never crossed my mind. The dealer had a core charge of $50 which I thought was strange. I've made the trip to the North Slope a couple times in my truck,as well as a few in a semi. First time in my truck with around 30K,I couldn't believe how much dust was knocked loose on stretches of wash board. I thought a door wasn't shut a door all the way. The road can be smooth as a babies butt or punish you all the way. They are always working/maintaining that road.

 

[Freebore]

In that case even the non-updated parts in the boony box would be a good idea. I wonder if a person bought the Mopar Service parts instead of waiting to get the recal done if one would get the updated parts. If my local dealer wants to be reasonable, hasn't yet, I might have to check that out.

I've heard of some who just upgraded only to be told they need the upgrade. Here is what I don't understand. You could go in for an inspection with the Y linkage (no Ubolts) and are told you don't need the update, then later you install 52122362AJ which based on the N62 photos would have you installing a defective linkage. Nowhere in the N62 instructions can I find anything indicating that linkage 52122362AJ is equivalent to CBUEN491AA and CBUEN492AA (parts used in the N62 fix), yet 52122362AJ continues to be sold. I think Chrysler needs to clarify that 52122362AJ is good, or take it off the market.

 

[Wingate]

ok.. im completely confused and hope someone can explain in plain english. My 06 model came with its origianal steering linkage. Sometime while it was still under factory warranty, I complained aobut steering darting all over the road and they replaced with front suspension with what appeared to be the parts from a C&C truck, much heavier components and the steering damper attachment bracket different and hit my MAG TECH cover.
So about a year later I get a Recall Letter stating that if I had this update performed, there was a potential problem... I ignored it for years due to absolute distrust of the local servicing dealer. Finally took the letter to the dealer about 6 months ago and asked them to jsut acknowledge the vin# as being performed so I would quit receiving the letters in the mail. Got that done, Now I ahve this new letter!!!
Is this new letter saying that the parts on my truck will have to be replaced?

 

[cerberusiam]

Is this new letter saying that the parts on my truck will have to be replaced?

LOL, pretty much that is what it means. :-laf

 

[Wingate]

LOL, pretty much that is what it means. :-laf

well that sucks... again, in plain english, the current linkage has served me well to this point. I checked it myself for misinstallation/binding ( what I believed to be the point of the first recall letter) and all has been ok.
Is there a potential for this linkage to fail as long as its properly installed? Will there continue to be service parts available for the existing components? I really dont want to need a tie-rod end 5 years down the road and have to replace the entire front end due to no parts availability.

 

[cerberusiam]

From all I can gather, as long as the current tie rods are installed correctly there is no issue. Installation was the driver for the recall. 5 years from now the parts may be available from the aftermarket and point moot.