Six problems related to brake disc caliper have been reported for the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. While driving at an unknown speed, black smoke emitted from the rear of the vehicle without warning. In addition, when the brake pedal was depressed, an abnormal sound emitted from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the brakes, calipers, and rotors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the hub bearing, wheel hub, axle shaft assembly, and driveshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Lastly, the front driver side headlight failed to operate. The head lamp was replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 201,281.
The contact owns a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500. The contact stated that the vehicle vibrated when the brake was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on three occasions. On the first occasion the dealer replaced the rotors and calipers. The vehicle was taken to the dealer 5,000 miles later, but the dealer refused to repair the vehicle again. The vehicle was taken to another repair shop, and 9,000 miles later, the rotors and calipers were changed a second time. The contact stated that the rotors were too small for the vehicle. The failure mileage was 92,000.
The contact stated there was major vibration in the front end of the vehicle due to rotor warpage. When depressing the brake pedal from any speed over 20 mph the front end of the vehicle shimmied,and it was very difficult to hold the vehicle on the road. The vehicle has been to the dealership on four occasions. The brake rotors, calipers, and pads were repaired every four to five months. The manufacturer was contacted. There were no recalls. Updatd 01/25/06.
Front end shakes when braking. Tires are blad on on side due to frount end out of place. This has been in too the dealer 3 times for the front end and 2 times for the brakes.
1 st. -brakes pulled to right couldn't keep truck on road went into ditch. 2nd. -brakes again pulled to right,went from left lane[4 lane highway]to right lane before stopping. 3rd-brakes pulled to right went onto right shoulder before stopping,based upon 40+years of working on cars ,the right front brakes drag went the are heated up and fade out completely,have been to dealer twice truck was bought in 02-2003 and has less than 15000 miles,still pulls to right.
The vehicle would shimmy when braking at 50 mph or more, the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer on three separate occasions. During that time the dealer made the following repairs: 1st. Turn both rear rotors. 2nd. Resurface both front rotors and 3rd. Replaced the caliper. But the problem continued. Please provide any further information. . . . .