Ram 3500 Track Bar Recall R-46

[Dieselnerd]

Still here for a couple of weeks.

 

[DCrabbs]

About a month or so ago I took my '14 in to my local dealer to have the airbag and steering column recalls done and asked if they could check the welds (R46 recall) and show me what to look for. The service manager said they had received NO information from FCA and didn't know what to look for themselves. After reading the R46 recall link that Kerwin poster (Thanks) I called my local dealer and asked if they had received the recall instructions. The service manage told me they had just received them and scheduled me to have the inspection done. Had it done yesterday and my truck is good to go. I had them show me what to look for and it looks fine. I asked about the "track bar brackets" that the recall letter from FCA mentions for trucks without cracked welds and the service manager told me they had received no information about them or when they might be available from FCA.
Dean

 

[photowrite]

I just received my notice in the mail, 2014 2500. I've not had any of the recalls performed but I'll do this one and all the others in a month or two.

Welding is not my thing, but I did have a look, presumably it's the 'frame bracket' on the driver's side. I'm guessing that it's the very top, flat portion that is difficult to see or access that might be where the welds are possibly thin.

My photo rotated counterclockwise when uploaded, but in the lower-left of the photo, which is up, is what I'm thinking. Am I off base?

 

[DCrabbs]

I just received my notice in the mail, 2014 2500. I've not had any of the recalls performed but I'll do this one and all the others in a month or two.

Welding is not my thing, but I did have a look, presumably it's the 'frame bracket' on the driver's side. I'm guessing that it's the very top, flat portion that is difficult to see or access that might be where the welds are possibly thin.

My photo rotated counterclockwise when uploaded, but in the lower-left of the photo, which is up, is what I'm thinking. Am I off base?

Follow the link that Kerwin posted on page 2 of this thread - it shows what to check with pictures of cracked and broken welds.

 

[Bob4x4]

I just got my second R46 recall letter. It says to have the truck inspected and if no welds are cracked they will install reinforcement brackets. The brackets are currently unavailable.

If they are cracked, they will give you a loaner vehicle and keep your truck until they can complete the repair.

Since I leave with my fifth wheel for the south in a couple of weeks, I need my real truck. My welds look good (to me anyhow) so I believe I will wait to take it in until they can do the whole fix. It seems like my truck was at the dealer half of the summer for recalls...

Your letter does not match the official recall document.Next item reread the loan car statement,it does not say you will get a loaner.It is suggested the dealer have a loaner available or somesomething to that affect.FCA does not pay for a loaner for recall.

 

[Dieselnerd]

Bob 4x4, my official letter that came in the mail says the dealer WILL provide a loaner. I believe what they send the customer is their official position!

 

[DonFitzwater]

Seems it would be a little difficult to back track on that one.

 

[Bob4x4]

Interesting that does not match the document that the dealers have at this time.......so there will be a revised recall again,just like the multiple steering linkage recalls,Way to go fca

 

[Bill]

Nice!! going to go look at mine now! If I see anything lacking I'll weld it myself now rather than wait for them to come up with some "bolt on" fix. It's not like they are going to get someone at the dealership to weld these, I wouldn't trust them. I'm a structural steel/plate fitter, welder by trade.

Sorry for butting in here but have a little info from the customer service rep at Dodge and one of their service tech's. This was at the corp. level. Was told to have my truck inspected. If there is no crack, it will still be required to have these brackets "bolted on." Asked if there was still a chance of the weld to crack even after this bolt job, both guys replied "yes." If I have a crack then it will require being re-welded. However, Dodge only has so many welders to cover the US so this could take quite awhile to get it fixed. At first they told me the dealers service department would be doing the welding. To that I replied "you'll buy my truck back first." Then they did say the welding would be done by company welders.

I asked them if there is no crack present at the time my truck is inspected, would it be safe to drive it. Both individuals informed me to "NOT" drive my truck until the new brackets could be "bolted on" because there is a chance that it could crack while driving. I asked if they would send me an e-mail stating the truck is not safe to drive. Was told that all information was in the recall notice. No it is not. I went to the link that shows the service departments mechanics, a step by step set of instructions as to how to remove the front axle and then do the welding. Within that there was nothing mentioned about the trucks not being safe to drive until either the bracket is bolted on or a crack is welded. My service manager wouldn't say to drive it or to not drive it!

I became aware of Dodge stating there would be a recall that would require a bracket to be installed. That was about a month and a half ago. I got the actual recall notice this last Saturday. However, in the initial recall there was nothing mentioned about a crack or anything. Just that Dodge was waiting for the brackets to be built.

While talking to the customer service and the tech. rep, I informed them I needed to pull a 11,000 lb travel trailer over a mountain pass to have it worked on. The response on the other end of the line was as if the World was coming to an end. NO, DO NOT PULL THAT TRAILER, DO NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE. So here I am with a 2014 Laramie with only 6,247 miles on it and debating if I should or should not drive it. This truck has been in the shop more times than I can count due to all the recalls I've received. The last one that had to do with stopping any computer hacker from taking control of the truck ~ after the service department said they re-flashed the radio?, everything was fine. Next day I started the truck. Warning light came on for the Electronic steering control, can not use cruise control, can not pair my new cell phone to the truck. So another return trip to have all that fixed. Not going to open old wounds but I still have the dead pedal and engine lag issues which I have long ago gave up on thinking it would be fixed.

If I need any welding done, I have to wonder if they couldn't get it right the first time, why should I feel comfortable letting them do it a second time. Even if I just need the bracket bolted on, that gives me no comfort what so ever. When this mess is resolved, I'll just sit back and wait for the next recall.

 

[Bill]

Check your truck after the software flash. Had mine done. Next day the Electronic Steering Control light came on and is still on. Have no cruise control and can not pair my new cell phone. Dodge told me not to drive my truck on any slick roads ~ rain, wet leaves, snow, etc. Ask the mechanic to show you how he solved the wires in the steering wheel. Friend of mine said it was a complete disaster.

 

[Bill]

If I have to have any welding done, even though it states that the dealer will give you a loaner vehicle, it won't be a truck. My service manager informed me that they do not loan vehicles. I could rent one from a local company for each day the truck will be in the shop and then send the bills to Chrysler and Pray I get paid. No thanks. I'll just drive my Rubicon.

 

[Dieselnerd]

Bill, I'm glad I don't have your dealer. Every flash and recall I've had done worked fine. It sounds like they are worried about getting sued if your truck breaks and they told you it was OK. I've run my 2014 over 17K mostly towing a lot heavier than you or hauling a truck camper. Washboard dirt roads, potholes and smooth highway.

I've inspected my welds with a bright light several times now with no sign of cracks. I don't think just because some trucks had bad welds that mine is not safe to drive right now. I suspect they start cracking a little at first and then they reach a point where they break. I find it hard to believe that a bracket with no sign of cracks would just suddenly pop off.

 

[DonFitzwater]

I see fca is pulling the same BS type stuff as before Chrysler went tango uniform. Why they have morons on the phone talking to people is beyond me.

Bill, I say drive the truck or lawyer up.

 

[Bill]

Bill, I'm glad I don't have your dealer. Every flash and recall I've had done worked fine. It sounds like they are worried about getting sued if your truck breaks and they told you it was OK. I've run my 2014 over 17K mostly towing a lot heavier than you or hauling a truck camper. Washboard dirt roads, potholes and smooth highway.

I've inspected my welds with a bright light several times now with no sign of cracks. I don't think just because some trucks had bad welds that mine is not safe to drive right now. I suspect they start cracking a little at first and then they reach a point where they break. I find it hard to believe that a bracket with no sign of cracks would just suddenly pop off.

My service manager and the General Manager could give a rip less about any problems I or others are having. It wasn't the dealer that told me not to drive the truck, it was Chrysler. But the service manager made no type of response one way or the other. As far as taking the truck in for re-flashing or a recall ~ you can take it to the bank that the truck will be returned the day after any recall or re-flashing was performed. Additionally, I've had to take the truck back several times after re-flashing.

I was under the truck last night, for about an hour or so, using every type of light I have, looking to see if I had any cracks or cracks that were just starting. Used some of my auto detailing supplies to thoroughly clean the entire area. Everything looks fine so the heck with Chrysler's warning. I'm taking the truck down tomorrow, let them inspect it. No cracks, I'm driving it. Based on the conversation I had with the Chrysler Tech, it is going to be quite awhile before the brackets will be ready for shipment. Then even a lot longer while ya wait for Chryslers welding techs to reach your dealership.

This Tuesday we are suppose to have snow but I am still going to pull my 11,000 lb travel trailer over the mountain for repairs. Again, the heck with Chrysler's stern warning to not do it.

One thing concerns me a little. If I have no cracks, Chrysler will then authorize the dealer to install the "bolt on bracket." Not sure how that will work. I don't like having mechanics putting stuff on my truck if it doesn't need it. I don't like mechanics from this dealership to even touch my truck. I'll keep ya posted on what the service department finds on my truck tomorrow. Have a good one.

 

[Bill]

I see fca is pulling the same BS type stuff as before Chrysler went tango uniform. Why they have morons on the phone talking to people is beyond me.

Bill, I say drive the truck or lawyer up.

Our local dealership usually sells between 180 - 220 new vehicles each month. A lot of those are the diesels. However, I've been keeping an eye on the diesel inventory and it's more than obvious that these trucks are not being sold as fast as they use to be. Could be due to all the recalls that diesel owners are talking about at the local coffee shop hang out. Could be due to the economy. For the first time in a long time, I'm seeing new Ford Diesels being driven around town. My dealer also owns that dealership.

I agree with you. Morons at Chrysler should not be allowed to speak with us. The exception might be having some thoroughly trained service Tech's available to speak with. In the last year, and although it is against Oregon law, every phone call I make to Chrysler I do record it. Why not, their recording what we have to say.

I would retain an attorney but am in the middle of a funeral home dispute where, over eight and a half years ago, I paid over 7K to have the wife and I cremated and ashes put in a beautiful black marble stone that was shipped from India to the local cemetery. It took them until 24 Dec of last year to get the stone here. While lifting it in place, the nylon straps broke, the stone fell, cracked the front of it and chipped the bottom and both sides. I filed a formal complaint seven years ago and just received a letter where the owner and manager of the cemetery were found guilty of numerous charges. They were fined many thousands of dollars, their license's taken away and the cemetery will be closed down until a buyer can be found. In the meantime, our stone will not be repaired. Was told my only recourse was to hire an attorney and file a civil suit. I now have to lay out 10 grand just for an attorney to take on this mess. I suppose I could sell my wife's car. :>)

 

[Bill]

Bob 4x4, my official letter that came in the mail says the dealer WILL provide a loaner. I believe what they send the customer is their official position!

View attachment 93898

Well I got the same thing you posted. But again, after telling my service manager, he just pointed to a sign on the wall that states "This Dealership Does Not Provide Loaner Vehicles." And that's when I was told I could rent one from a local company and when all is said and done, send the bill to Chrysler. I may be dumb but sure not stupid. I'd never get paid. So if I have to have my truck welded, that's why I stated I would just drive my Rubicon. Maybe submit a bill for the gas I use to my dealer. Now that was really a "stupid" statement. :>)

 

[NickSullivan]

McCords Ram in Longview Washington has given me a rental car every time my truck was in there for work and its been in there a LOT. This may be from their business link program though.

My concern with the bracket is that there is already not enough room under the track bar bracket. See the below picture of where my axle is hitting the track bar bracket when my camper is loaded on the truck.

 

[SnoKing]

McCords Ram in Longview Washington has given me a rental car every time my truck was in there for work and its been in there a LOT. This may be from their business link program though.

My concern with the bracket is that there is already not enough room under the track bar bracket. See the below picture of where my axle is hitting the track bar bracket when my camper is loaded on the truck. View attachment 93914

Are you over your FGAWR? Chris

 

[NickSullivan]

No I am not. I am at 5300 lbs fully loaded. 6000lbs GAWR

 

[Bill]

Bill, I'm glad I don't have your dealer. Every flash and recall I've had done worked fine. It sounds like they are worried about getting sued if your truck breaks and they told you it was OK. I've run my 2014 over 17K mostly towing a lot heavier than you or hauling a truck camper. Washboard dirt roads, potholes and smooth highway.

I've inspected my welds with a bright light several times now with no sign of cracks. I don't think just because some trucks had bad welds that mine is not safe to drive right now. I suspect they start cracking a little at first and then they reach a point where they break. I find it hard to believe that a bracket with no sign of cracks would just suddenly pop off.

Took truck to my dealer today. Mechanic drove it back to the service bay where there is the normal, legal sign saying no customers allowed. That caused a little dispute between the mech and I. However I stood my ground and watched the inspection. No cracks were noted. Asked when the brackets would arrive at the dealership. Nobody knew when they would arrive. Big snow storm due to arrive late tonight. I'm leaving early AM tomorrow to pull the trailer over mountain pass. Not worried about bracket cracking, it's those drivers who can't drive on slick roads.