Four problems related to front suspension hub have been reported for the 2005 Dodge Ram 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The frame on my Dodge ram has broken welds on both sides of the frame where the lower control arms mount to the frame. They have failed due to manufacturing defects during the welding process. The truck has never been wrecked, driven off road, or done any towing. Dodge refuses any assistance in replacing the frame because it has aged out of their warranty. The truck has 74,138 miles on it and is not drivable without a new frame. I had the truck in twice under warranty service for drivability issues under braking and steering over bumps. Neither time were the cracks in the frame found or addressed. Every time the brakes are applied, the steering wheel shakes uncontrollably and is unsafe to drive. I found the damage while changing the oil and was about to replace the frt hub bearing assembly on the passenger side since the driver's side had already failed and had been replaced earlier. Contacted Chrysler and was told that my truck had aged out of warranty, but that taking it to a dealer they would be able to find a technical service bulletin that may cover it. I googled TSB's and found one on the 2006 Dodge ram frames for the exact same area affected on my truck, but Dodge still won't address this issue. I've been dealing with this for over six months and want my truck fixed or replaced.
On January 26, 2014, my truck with only 59,000 miles experienced sudden catastrophic failure of the front left wheel bearing hub assembly. The front left wheel bearing hub failure resulted in complete separation of the wheel hub and assembly from the truck. This major failure is similar to two previous NHTSA recalls on Dodge Ram 1500 trucks as outlined below. From my review of Dodge message boards, this appears to be a broader issue than covered by the two previous NHTSA recalls. When I contacted the Dodge dealership, they said my truck was not within the two recall classes. I believe this is a broader issue and request the NHTSA to further investigate to save the lives of individuals who have purchased this truck. Two previous recall efforts: 1) the NHTSA campaign number is 07v-038 (or 07v038000). Daimlerchrysler's Dodge division is recalling 86,333 of its popular Ram 1500 pickup trucks due to a potential failure of the front wheel bearing hub assembly. The recall, under the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA), involves every ram light-duty 2006 model year truck manufactured between November 7, 2005 and April 27, 2006. Three plants' output is involved: saltillo, mexico; fenton, missouri; warren, michigan. 2) NHTSA campaign id number: 10e040000 : federal-mogul is recalling certain carquest, national, and percision brand wheel hub assemblies, p/nos 515073 and 515073, sold for use as replacement equipment on model year 2002 through 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup trucks. The inboard roll form used to maintain the hub assembly can fatigue resulting in noise and/or wheel separation on the two wheel drive (2wd) applications. The risk of these issues do not occur on the four wheel drive (4wd) applications, and installation on the 4wd applications are not part of this recall.
Front wheel hub/bearings on both sides completely worn out resulting in play in the front end and destroying the brake rotors and pads. These are not serviceable parts and cannot be greased or lubricated to prevent failure. I would be afraid of losing a wheel so will not be driving till repaired.
Driving during inclement weather event, heard a pop in the area of the right front wheel. Assumed it was ice or snow. Within the next 20 miles, slight vibration began and grinding noise heard. Parked vehicle for week while out of town. Returned drove to work, approx 22 miles, problem persisted and got worse, this was during another snow event. Decided to seek assistance from local dealership, refused immediate attention, set up appointment for Jan. 4, 2010. Called local repair shop near home. Could get me in immediately. Attempted to drive to repair shop. Right from wheel bearing failed, causing damage to hub and axle. Had to be hauled in because the wheel separated from axle. Caused tire to ride up into upper control arm and destroyed tire. Searched internet and found that 2006 Dodge rams had been recalled for similar problems and that 2002 thru 2008 Dodge rams that had replacements with specific brands had been recalled. My vehicle had only 53,412 miles on it when the bearing assembly failed. It has cost me over $600 in repairs that were not covered by the "70,000 mile limited drivetrain warranty. " the replaced parts are available and in my possession. It seems to me this is a fairly common occurrence in Dodge pickups of many model years including 2005 both 2 and 4 wheel drive.