My First Post - Wish it was regarding a more positive subject...
My 2018 Diesel 2500 (2,600 miles) is on the recall list and I did receive a recall notice. I inspected the drag link jam nut and found it loose, able to be turned by finger. I’ve read the updated (March) “Dealer Service Instructions”.
It’s clear that the issue is the thread interface between the adjuster sleeve and the outer drag link arm. I thought that this would first present with a gradual offset of the steering wheel indicating the adjuster sleeve was turning and backing out the drag link arms; BUT, I’m now confidant that the first symptom of failure is a sudden change in steering position as the outer drag link pulls out of the adjuster sleeve.
This would likely occur at a time when the steering system is under load (ie you would be in a LEFT turn, or straightening out from a right turn) drag link/adjuster in tension).
If the drag link and adjuster sleeve separate completely – No Steering, and your truck would immediately straighten out of the turn, with no driver control.
I measured the major diameter of the exposed outer drag link external threads, and took a rubbing of the threads (paper and pencil) to determine the threads-per-inch.
I wanted to identify the SAE or Metric specification for these threads.
- Major Diameter = 1.049 inches (26.6446 mm)
- Threads-Per-Inch = 17 Exactly
This looks like a Metric Thread:
- M27-1.5
- Major Diameter Range (mm): 26.968 to 26.732
- My Major Diameter is too SMALL _____ 26.6446 (From Above)
Out of Specification by 0.087mm (0.0034")
I will be bringing my truck into the dealership (believe me I don’t want to) but will request a copy of the data sheet showing the results of the thread measurements.
I’m a Quality Engineer with over 30 years’ experience in Tank and Missile production. This issue is not something to mess around with.
If you do experience a
sudden change in steering wheel position, STOP IMMEDIATELY. You're about to loose all steering.