Three problems related to front suspension lower control arm have been reported for the 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
: the contact stated while turning the steering wheel there was a squeaking noise. The vehicle was taken to the dealership for inspection. They determined the upper and lower control arms needed to be replaced however no repairs were made. The manufacturer was alerted.
: the contact stated that the vehicle's steering was very loose and there was difficulty in keeping the vehicle straight. There was a distinct pull to the right. After the vehicle was taken to the repair shop for realignment, the vehicle began pulling to the left. The repair shop realigned the vehicle again, and determined everything was aligned to specifications. While at another repair shop where the brake rotor and alignment were checked, they determined that the castor was off and aligned the castor. After this service, the problem still persisted. The vehicle was taken to several repair shops who could not determine how to repair the vehicle. The contact inspected the vehicle's tires and found that the tires were getting chewed up on the inside right above the rim. The insurance agency determined that the tires on the vehicle were oversized and recommended that they be replaced. If the problem still existed after replacement, the agency advised the vehicle to be taken to the dealer's service department that specializes in troubleshooting defects.
During routine inspection the dealership informed the consumer that right lower control arm cracked. The crack was not caused by overloading or hitting an object. The cracks developed at the lower control arm welds. (factory defect).