Safety Recall H46 (Steering Linkage)

[Blu-meanie]

Received the notice today. Anybody have a picture of the "bad" steering linkage? The svc guy said if the drag links are bolted through, no problem. Mine are, anybody have the clamp-on steering damper bracket? Please post a photo. Just want to be sure.

 

[2Rowdy]

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...n-discussions/213078-new-safety-recall-3.html

page 3

 

[jelag]

In calling the dealer... I have 3 trucks, 3 recalls, they tell me that if I have the factory parts I'm ok, but if they've replaced parts under warranty they may have installed faulty parts... What makes me wonder is I'd think they would be able to only send notices to those vehicles that have had the faulty parts installed at a dealer?? Don't you think?

Has anyone had parts replaced under this program that were factory parts installed when the trucks were built??

 

[pullya]

I think some people bought the "new" steering kit from the parts dept. and installed the parts themselves. Dodge might want to catch those people too and that is why they are sending the notices to everyone that owns trucks those parts will fit on. Maybe???????

Jay

 

[MickeyMiller]

I replaced my steering linkage with the '08 'upgrade'. Fortunatly, I recieved the 'AE' version, which is the 'fixed' updated linkage. The issue with the 'original' '08 linkage was the angle of the ball joints at each end of the tie rod lacked sufficient angle and 'could' be pulled out in extreme suspension extension.



The updated steering damper bracket is still a bolt on but is pretty heavy duty.



All of the '08 steering linkage parts are MUCH more heavy duty than my original '03 parts plus it gets rid of the '03 "Y" DRAG LINK/TIE ROD arrangement to eliminate toe in changes during wheel deflection, I 'think' all to the good!



Here are notes fron the NTSB bulletin:



Components: STEERING: LINKAGES: TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

Potential Number of Units Affected: 32,865

Summary:

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 32,865 MY 2008-2009 DODGE RAM 2500, 3500 AND

3500 CAB CHASSIS PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH POWERS AND SONS STEERING LINKAGE. THE STEERING LINKAGE DRAG LINK INNER TIE ROD TO PITMAN ARM BALL STUD MAY FRACTURE. ALSO THE STEERING LINKAGE DAMPER ATTACHING THE BRACKET MAY YIELD AND SHIFT ON THE LINKAGE.

Consequence:

THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND THE RESTRICTED ABILITY TO TURN THE VEHICLE IN ONE DIRECTION INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy:

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING LINKAGE DRAG LINK INNER TIE ROD END ASSEMBLY, AND INSPECT THE STEERING LINKAGE DAMPER BRACKET FREE CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

 

[Blu-meanie]

My notice says it's for 2003 through 2009

"During a prior service appointment, a Mopar service parts steering linkage may have been installed on you truck (VIN:###). The drag link inner joint may fracture under certain driving conditions. This could result in a loss of steering control and cause a crash without warning.

Also, the steering damper bracket at the tie rod tube may loosen. This could allow the bracket to slide on the tube and may cause increased vehicle turning radius. "

It goes on to state that if you had any steering repairs after March 1, 2008 to contact your dealer. I had a steering box replaced in December 2007, so that's why I would like to see a photo of the "defective" links. I don't think they replaced any, if they did, it wasn't on the work order.

 

[sag2]

The parts could have been dealer installed or over the counter, so there is no way for them to know who might have them. That is why everyone got a notice. I'm sure Dodge would have loved to only send notices to a few thousand people instead of a couple hundred thousand. It's not only expensive, but the press has a field day "XX motors recalls a zillion vehicles"

 

[DaveHess]

I got one of these too. Am I to understand that if i did NOT have any steering repairs following March 2008, then I do not have possible defective parts??? I have never had any steering repairs done.