Four problems related to wheel bolts have been reported for the 1996 Dodge Ram 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Nothing leading up to event either incident, with the exception of seconds before tire separated from vehicle because bolts were sheared off, there was a slight vibration. First incident in 1999, bolts sheared off front passenger side while traveling at about 25 mph, no significant damage to truck, repaired and had no further problems until 2005 when traveling 65 mph bolts again sheared off front passenger side tire, again vibrations about a minute before tire separated from vehicle. This time there was significant damage, fortunately no injuries were sustained to those in vehicle or others. Currently truck is in for repair, again using certified Chrysler parts, and they are new and installed correctly. Will need autobody repair this time due to other damage sustained to vehicle. New tires were put on correctly about 4000 miles ago with no problems to this point either.
While driving 75 mph passenger's front wheel disconnected fom vehicle. Mechanic determined bolts had sheared off.
Traveling on I-81 approx. 65mph, in passing lane heard noise in front end, moved to the right lane, noise sort of subsided then became very loud and hard to control steering, started to apply the brakes and signaled to get off the highway then a very loud boom , double slam , tire and wheel flew and rolled forward off the road. Notified by a relative the next day that a lug was found intact outside in-laws residence.
Front driver lugs and bolts strapped off, causing the wheel to come off vehicle while driving.
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