New Recall V06

[JohnBiccum]

Quick analysis : rev 3 changes "remedy available", notes that dealers WON'T be able to order the replacement draglink thru STAR unless they have a failed B check vehicle laid up.

Nothing substantial has changed. Still A, B checks, C weld and call it done.

 

[RChandler]

So if it reaches the required torque , no checking the thread engagement , maybe its right on the edge of stripping out … This is sounding crazier by the minute

 

[16longhorn]

Here's my dilemma. I have a 2016. About 7k miles ago, mine came loose. When I went to tighten the 2 nuts, I could feel a crap load of slop in the turn buckle (elongated nut/whatever its called). So... I took two big a$$ adjustable wrenches and tightened them down as hard as I could.

I knew something wasn't right because I could see that my steering wheel was crooked and I could hear something bang under my truck when going over small imperfections in the road.
Now I fear that the treads will pull out and I'll loose control of steering.

I read on another forum that a member bought the aftermarket arm, got an alignment and then got reimbursed from FCA.

 

[JohnBiccum]

I'm scheduled for tomorrow morning.

No, I may not take photos of the B checks.
No, they won't take photos of the B checks with my camera and give me the photos.
Yes, they will provide in writing the results of the B checks.

Will update after I get the truck back.

 

[RChandler]

I talked to FCA they said they would not reimburse an aftermarket part …. When I replace mine with the Synergy one , I will send in for reimbursement but I doubt
I will get anything . They kinda have you over a barrel If you don't weld it , it creates problem with other warranty repairs . Looks like I'm going to grit my teeth and have them weld it and the next day put new aftermarket link on … Did I mention this sucks

 

[JohnBiccum]

So if it reaches the required torque , no checking the thread engagement , maybe its right on the edge of stripping out … This is sounding crazier by the minute

Here is my paraphrase:

If the nut doesn't move at the A check then it "musta" been tight enough that we aren't worried too much about post-installation thread damage and we are going to assume the thread engagement at assembly was "good enough" and weld per C.

If the nut does move at the A check then it was loose and we better check the thread engagement with the B checks because we might have some fatigue damage resulting in damaged threads resulting in insufficient thread engagement. If B checks meet minimums in the recall then weld per C. If not pass B checks then down the truck and order the part thru STAR (and send failed B check parts to FCA to prove it failed the B checks).

This recall is apparently all about post-installation damage concerns; I can't see anything in the procedure that suggests that anyone at FCA or NHTSA has any concerns about thread fitment AT ASSEMBLY.

They should be concerned.

You should be concerned unless you want to park your truck until FCA fixes this.

 

[RChandler]

Mine is going in early May , will keep eye on it till then most highway miles some with camper , I think the guys that are on back county ( rough roads ) maybe should be more proactive . IDK I'm going to spend 300 bucks have the new link ready to go on and move on from there … Shame on Ram

 

[16longhorn]

copied and pasted from another forum....

Guys,
FYI - I had the Synergy Drag Link installed & submitted all repair documentation to FCA for $557.06. I have been told by FCA that a check was issued & sent out to me March 21st, 2019. I did the same thing when I got the water pump recall notice & replaced my water pump with the Cummins water pump. FCA reimbursed me for $380 on the water pump expense, so I am expecting to see my Drag Link reimbursement check, soon. I will let you all know when I get it, so we can know that FCA will reimburse us when we decide to be proactive about these types of safety recalls.

 

[16longhorn]

and yes, he got the check.

 

[RChandler]

Wonder if you need shops invoice …? Good to know Thanks

 

[nukegm]

Wonder if you need shops invoice …? Good to know Thanks

when my 2500 was at dealer for a month, i submitted my monthly payment to ram, along with 2 towing invoices, and they wrote me a check for those expenses....i did all that through " chat " at ram website. cheers comrade!

 

[nukegm]

here is the drag link the dealer " fixed " for me 2 days ago. 2018 2500 tradesman built in november 2017. they actually painted it. shocked. cheers comrades!

 

[RChandler]

copied and pasted from another forum....

Guys,
FYI - I had the Synergy Drag Link installed & submitted all repair documentation to FCA for $557.06. I have been told by FCA that a check was issued & sent out to me March 21st, 2019. I did the same thing when I got the water pump recall notice & replaced my water pump with the Cummins water pump. FCA reimbursed me for $380 on the water pump expense, so I am expecting to see my Drag Link reimbursement check, soon. I will let you all know when I get it, so we can know that FCA will reimburse us when we decide to be proactive about these types of safety recalls.

Longhorn , did you do this when you got the recall notice or did the unit fail ? Fail the torque test ? By the other shop doing the repair did FCA resolve the recall from the
truck ? Did you have to take the truck to the dealer to certify the recall repair ? Any info you can share apreaciated ... Thanks

 

[16longhorn]

The only thing I've done is tighten the heck out of the 2 nuts. I.check the 2 nuts about once a month. I got that other information from another site/forum.

 

[troverman]

here is the drag link the dealer " fixed " for me 2 days ago. 2018 2500 tradesman built in november 2017. they actually painted it. shocked. cheers comrades!

That looks like a rattle can paint job. Not what the recall specified was supposed to happen.

 

[JohnBiccum]

I'm scheduled for tomorrow morning.

No, I may not take photos of the B checks.
No, they won't take photos of the B checks with my camera and give me the photos.
Yes, they will provide in writing the results of the B checks.

Will update after I get the truck back.

Here is the update:

No B checks were performed. A checks were OK and they Skipped B (per procedure). They apparently skipped weld step C3 (check to see if the torquing affected steering wheel center) , see photo. It looks like the steering wheel is about 15 degrees to the left of center when the truck is straight.

Way to go Jack Powell Dodge in Escondido, California!

Even after two conversations with their service manager about my concerns (and online activity here) the job was NOT done per the recall procedure.

Looks like they also skipped the weld dressing prior to paint (step C8)

The weld also has slag and lacks penetration in one area (see full size photo)

Next step: Synergy Draglink to restore steering wheel center.

 

[16longhorn]

WOW. I'd be PISSED! WTF!

 

[RChandler]

Looked like bird craped on it …. sad .. Would like to know if we can do the Synergy link
instead of the weld fix , either install myself or if shop has to do it and they would clear the recall .. At this point I don't care about reimbursement , just want it fixed right

 

[JPM]

Is this the one we need for $300 ?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Synergy-Mf...2018-Ram-2500-2013-Ram-3500-4x4-/202442568538

 

[TCDiesel]

WOW... I though it would at least take a week to prove WHY I don't want welding...Thanks JohnBiccum for the evidence.

John Bicuum I hope FCA expedites your NEW drag link.