Steering Gear Box Shaft Pitman Problems of Dodge Ram 2500 - part 1

I installed Chrysler parts kit 52122362al, upgraded steering linkage drag link tie rod, and 68039930aa pitman arm on my 2001,5 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 truck. It easily replaced existing parts needing only a different steering damper to replace the original parts. I have since been learned that the steering linkage drag link parts are recalled after they have been installed on 2003-2008 trucks. Recalls I am aware of are h46 and n62. My left tie rod end ball stud has not broken yet but the possibility is very serious. I think Dodge ram 1500/2500/3500 series trucks from model years 2001 and 2002 should be included in the recalls.

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I have a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 that has a couple issues. The latest is no left low beam. There is no fuse to change either. From my research, it appears that it is the tipm that will need to be replaced. This all happened after pulling my trailer. During that time, my abs and brake light came on and. Also, I have the notorious "death wobble. " I have spent over $4,000 on steering component repairs, which include 3 gear boxes and 2 power steering pumps in less than two years, tire rods, pitman arm, etc. I am taking my truck back to the shop tomorrow to have my ujoints replaced, all new shocks, and the abs/brake sensor replaced for $1,100. I guess my next repair will be the tipm to fix the headlight issue at what I gather to be around the $1,000 mark. When will Dodge fix these issues? the "death wobble" and tipm seem to be the most common complaint.

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Between 65 mph and 75 mph, there is a "speed wobble" which in April 2015 caused the right front tire to explode and shred (damaging the right front wheel well and ripping out the abs harness). Feb 2016 this "speed wobble" which has been present since purchase (sept 2014) has finally caused the steering box to be faulty through the rapid back and forth action of the pitman arm via lower steering linkage. Thus causing the steering box to rapidly leak fluid which reduces power steering capability to zero, and causes hydro-assist braking to have zero functionality. If the power steering fluid reservoir is not filled every 30 min of drive-time, all functionality of the power steering and hydro-assist braking is lost. This "speed wobble" is a known issue with the style of steering linkage that is installed oem on 2003-2008 Ram 2500/3500 my's, which is neither acceptable nor sustainable.

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Bought the truck in January 2016 used and the truck wanders all over and gets the death wobble when at higher speeds. Used car dealer wouldn't fix so brought the truck to Dodge dealer. Replaced steering box, pitman arm, drag link and tie ends. Problem still exists and dealer says there is nothing else they can do. Help?.

I am the original owner of a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 regular cab pickup and the vehicle has only been serviced at certified Dodge dealerships. The vehicle currently has 44900 miles. I have brought the vehicle in 3 times to have the front left tie rod replaced under the n62 tie rod recall with no resolution. The tie rod is failing confirmed by the dealer and myself, the vehicle is unsafe to drive, and the dealer and Chrysler refuse to replace the faulty component as they are saying the recall does not affect my vehicle. Due to Chrysler and the selling dealer not keeping appropriate records of the repairs done on the vehicle they have inaccurate recall information and are refusing to resolve the problem, as they are stating the vehicle has original oem equipment which is false. At 26953 miles I brought the vehicle into the original selling dealer victory Chrysler in rome, NY on March 22, 2011 due to drivability concerns, wandering, and loose front end components prior to the date the n62 recall issued. Noted on the repair invoice from the selling dealer "replaced the tie rod end - replace to pitman arm (b) parts numbers 68036940, arm part number 68039930aa, and arm steering gear/pitman part number 19651001. Ber 68039930aa, and arm steering gear/pitman part number 19651001. Approximately 1 year later I received the n62 recall indicating that trucks that had steering linkage replaced with mopar service parts and have been trying to have the vehicles faulty replacement part repaired. I contacted victory the selling dealer and was advised no parts were available and it would be at least 3 weeks before the vehicle could be serviced. I was able to get an appointment at a another ram dealer carbone Dodge in yorkville, NY. It was confirmed by the dealer the tie rod needs replacement but no repair was completed due to the records being inaccurate from Chrysler.

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According to VIN recall search in June 2015, there are 3, possible 4 "recall incompletes" on the truck, NHTSA recall #'s 09e001; 13v-528; 15v-313, and/or manufacturer recall #'s h46; n62: r25 respectfully, plus possible aftermarket pitman arm recall. No accidents or failures dealer says manufacturer is only releasing limited amount of supplies per dealer and they cannot reorder till current stock is installed. Dealer says they have to wait till others ahead of me have their work completed and they are having issues getting customers to make appointments. For some reason, I keep moving down the recall list instead of up the list. Seems unreasonable to take so long for these recalls, some of which are 2 to 6 years old.

I was driving home from the store with my 3 year old son traveling approximately 45-50mph and there was a spot in the road that we ran over which was a repair so it was raised up a bit from level. After running over the repair the infamous Dodge death wobbled started. Once the shaking started I immediately started slowing down but unfortunately for us the death wobble sheared the tie rod end that is connected to the pitman arm completely off of the truck so I had no steering control over the truck and we flew in to the next lane and wound up on the shoulder hitting the curb. This is completely ridiculous that a manufacturer would allow this issue to persist for years. Dodge had this issue starting with 2003 trucks. I have spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars trying to fix this issue and Dodge always says "well maybe it is this" and wants more money. Why should I have to pay for their [xxx] product. It almost killed my son and I. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 🔎.

2006 Dodge Ram 2500. Consumer requests reimbursement for power steering pump recall repairs. Consumer has a different vehicle complaint listed in artemis. The steering linkage and pitman arm were replaced. Also, the upper and lower ball joints were replaced. The consumer referenced recall # 13v528000.

Reference the below complaint, and others: date complaint filed: 03/02/2015 component(s): power train , suspension date of incident: 10/01/2014 NHTSA id number: 10691476 driving approximately 50 mph on winding two lane country road, while executing curve to right, after passing over a slight bump in the road, front suspension entered what is commonly called a " death wobble". Steering quickly became ineffective, braking was diminished due to loss of firm contact between front tires and road surface. Wobble is regenerative in that it continues to get worse until vehicle speed is reduced to 15-20 mph. I was unable to precisely control direction of travel, crossing into oncoming lane before reducing speed enough to regain control. Vehicle shakes so bad as to dislodge items from the dash and console pockets. This event repeated several times at a particular spot on my way to work, where there was an irregularity in the roadway on a straight section of paved two lane road. Behavior was the same as described above. The last even was while pulling a twenty two foot trailer on a major interstate, while negotiating a right hand curve on a down hill merge lane at freeway speed of approximately 60-65 mph. Again I was unable to maintain my lane of travel and a crash would have resulted if any other traffic had been near me! definitely a saftey issue! local dealership assured me a new steering damper would cure the problem. (it didn't) I eventually fixed the problem myself by researching what other owners had done online (there is a lot of info on this issue!), and replacing the pitman arm, drag link, tierod, and adding a steering shaft stiffening brace. The drag link, tierod and tierod ends were a mopar part kit. Much heavier construction than the original part. Response to a known issue? this issue makes the truck nearly un drivable.

Approximately 110 miles into a 200 mile trip. I drove over an interstate bridge exp. Joint, when my truck started to shake uncontrollably , I hit the brakes and came to a stop at the far end. After gathering my sanity, got out to inspect what might have failed, but visually could find nothing. I returned to the vehicle and carefully proceeded up the road,to find that the "problem" had ceased. 40 mins later I encountered a similar experience. In both cases, I was thankful there was no other cars behind me. After returning home , I went to the Dodge dealership, where they told me that it was likely a steering stabilizer at fault. I had them do the repair, all the while talking to service about the danger of the situations I had been faced with, and in awe that there were no recalls addressing this issue, seemingly the issue was fixed. Three months later a received a recall for the tie rods in this vehicle, that could fail and result in the situation I had previously. After 10 and a half months of being told there were no parts available to do complete the recall repair, they finally came in and the repair was made. Three weeks after the repair was made , I was traveling the interstate (approx. 11-29-14) I was faced with the exact same uncontrollable violent wobble, that brought me to a stop in the middle of an interstate bridge, where I was narrowly missed by an 18 wheeler in my rear view mirror. These pants wetting, skin of my teeth, near death experiences have forced me to file this complaint. Unfortunately my current finances won't allow me to part with this death trap. Ive been to the dealership once again and have been told that the drag link and pitman arm are now the cause of the problem. I'm finding it hard to believe that anyone really knows how to remedy this defect, and they are drawing straws to pick the cure of the week.

See all problems of the 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 🔎.

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 mph, the steering wheel and front end of the vehicle began to shake violently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the four tires were rotated; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was currently being diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 29,000. . . . Updated 03/24/14 the consumer while driving between 55-60 mph if he hit a slight bump in the roadway or approaching a bridge where the bridge pavement and the road pavement was grooved, the vehicle would shake violently to the point, he was unable to control the vehicle. Also, the consumer noticed power steering fluid leaking from the steering box. The consumer believed it was due to the violent shaking that the pitman arm and the stress put on the ball joints and steering rods. The steering wheel would shake in his hand. Updated 04/01/14.

We have previously filed a complaint for the "death wobble" or violent, uncontrollable shaking that occurs after going over uneven roads. The entire vehicle shakes and there is minimal control of steering when this happens until the vehicle has slowed down to almost a stop. The shaking of the front tires is visible on the outside of the vehicle. Today when I was entering the expressway, which has fresh patches of concrete, no pothole or rough surface, my truck starting shaking the front tires and steering wheel violently (death wobble). I hit the brakes to slow the vehicle down. The vehicle started drifting and I realized I had no steering when I tried to bring the vehicle into my lane. When I was able to bring the vehicle to a stop (remember I am on a 4 lane x-way) I found that the steering bar that goes from the pitman arm to the right tire had broken in half. This is a solid 1inch bar and I had not hit anything to cause this to break. . This could have very easily been a complaint lodged with a death occurring. The shaking is a know issue with Ram 2500 trucks with this same front end design (incl 2013), and the jeeps with the same design front end are now complaining of the same shaking. I have owned this truck for 7yrs now, so I know it has not been in any accidents, over curbs, 4 wheeled or any other driving condition that could have stressed or caused the bar to broke.

See all problems of the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 🔎.

I had no control of the steering and the vehicle was violently shaking, I slowed down to a stop, composed myself and drove on, the steering was very hard to control but the shaking only started about 40 mph, I took the vehicle to two shops, had ball joints, u joints, tie rods, steering, shocks, upgraded mopar steering assembly, pitman arm , all replaced, shortly thereafter I received recall notice n62/ NHTSA 13v-528, the instructions stated to mail all original repair documents related to tie rod failure and I would be reimbursed, I received a phone call just simply denying any responsibility with no particular reason other than my mileage, I asked for an email outlining the reason in detail which had absolutely no content of any explanation as to why the claim was denied. I did not receive my original receipts back either.

Turning onto a driveway when leakage started from the steering box. The previous week had noticed wobbles at 55 mi. /hr. Hitting pot holes sent me to the opposing lane. Already had suspension ( sway bars, pitman are, steering linkage redone after tie rod broke. Still no one can figure where there's a leak in the cooling system. Had to do body work out of pocket due to taking out a fence because of a defected tie rod,and paid for the tie rod, sway bars and links before I got the recall notice! took it in for recall on steering box, dealership did not replace because it was working fine at the time. Now I have toe expenses and loss of wages because it finally broke.

The contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the power steering assist failed and the brakes would not respond effectively. The vehicle traveled into a walkway and independently decelerated to a stop. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not able to be restarted and was towed to the dealer, who replaced the steering linkage and damper pitman arm. The contact later received notification of NHTSA campaign id number 13v528000(steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 123,896.

Upon arriving at dealership to have truck checked out,truck was moved forward about 25 ft ans pitman arm "broke". . . Had dealership repair pitman arm at a cost of 185. 11 and once I got home I researched and found out thney was a recall on these pitman arms. I called the company up and was instructed to mail them the "broken defective arm" tracking number 9534610320803075350216 through usps on 03/16/13 at a cost of 10. 40. . . Usps lost the arm so superlift suspension systems 300 huey lenard loop west monroe, la 71292 says they will only pay half the bill??? it was a defective arm so why do I have to pay half??? they are lucky I didnt get killed!!! im a disabled vet on disability and fill I should not have to pay any of this repair bill. . Can someone please help??.

The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, the pitman arm fractured. The dealer advised the contact that the pitman arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number:10e013000 (steering) but offered reimbursement for half of the repair expenses. The approximate failure mileage was 59,400 and the current mileage was 60,000.

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that the front tires wore prematurely due to a several parts that exceeded the weight specification. The dealer had to replace the front suspension assembly, hubs and the steering pitman arm to correct the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 38,572 and the current mileage was 40,923. Updated 05/19/lj.

The contact owns a 2001 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while reversing, the pitman arm fractured in the steering column. The failure caused the vehicle to loose hydraulic fluid to the power steering. The contact called three dealers and was told that they were unfamiliar with the failure. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 230,000. . . Updated 09/04/12 . . Updated 09/07/12.

I was driving on I-90 when the steering started shaking. After slowing down below 35mph it went away. This happened everytime speed went above 50mph. Took truck to dealer in ephrata and they replaced tie rods,pitman arms and steerage linkage/damper at a cost of $1200.

Vehicle was parked. As I started to back out of a parking spot, I began to turn the steering wheel counterclockwise. The sector shaft on the steering box sheared in half and the pitman arm and drag link fell to the ground. Lost complete steering control. Let it be noted that this truck is not driven off-road in 4x4 environments. Truck has a 4 inch lift and 35 inch tires. Wheels are of a factory size. Chrysler was asked for assistance in this repair, because of the type of failure and the fact that the vehicle was not within the factory warranty period. The claim was considered but denied because of the oversize tires. No consideration was given. Pictures are available.

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving 15 mph, the passenger side front tie rod fell on the ground. The vehicle was towed to a local garage. The failure was located within the ball joints which separated due to defective material. A local mechanic replaced the steering pitman, steering arm, the cross shaft, nuts and bolts. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,000 and the current mileage was 36,250. Updated 06/26/12 the consumer stated he could not just replace the failed part. He had to purchase the entire steering assembly, due to it being an upgrade. The cost of the steering assembly was $618. 61. Updated 06/27/12.

The contact owns a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving 50 mph, the vehicle drove over a road bump and the steering wheel exhibited a violent shake. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer for a diagnostic test. The dealer rotated the tires but the service did not remedy the shaking failure. The contact took the vehicle back to the dealer who then informed the contact that the vehicle had been upgraded under NHTSA campaign id numbers: 11v350000 (steering:linkages:tie rod assembly) and 10e013000 (steering:gear box:shaft pitman). The contact was awaiting a call from the manufacturer regarding the suspension. The failure mileage was 37,000.

When driving at 50-75 mph my truck has a very bad woble. It is very hard to control when it does this and I have to slow down in order for it to stop. With this being my only transportation to work and everything else I have nothing elsle to drive. I have took it to the dealership and one person say their is nothing wrong with my truck and the other say I need to sale it because Dodge will never fix it or own up to their is a problem. I have had so many things replaced the shocks, control arms, steering rack, pitman arm and steering damper.

While backing out of a typical driveway, the left tie rod suddenly failed (described by our mechanic as 'sheared off at the pivot connection/knuckle'. ) the tie rod had been replaced, as part of "updated front tie rod kit", along with steering damper, pitman arm and all ball joints in August of 2010 (91382 miles on vehicle at that time) as the solution to severe 'death wobble. ' it should also be noted that all ball joints had already suffered sever wear and required replacement in March of 2011, with about 126223 miles on the truck.

Tl-the contact owns a 2005 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated while driving 80 mph the vehicle drove over a bump and the vehicle began to wobble. The contact applied the brakes and gained control of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic for a diagnostic test. The mechanic notice ware in the tie-rods but stated the wobble was not caused by the tie-rod. The mechanic stated the vehicle can be driven. The contact tried to order tie-rod parts to repair the vehicle but the pairs were unavailable. The contact stated the pitman arm connecting to the spindle needed to be replaced. The contact did repair the vehicle. The failure mileage was 139,000. Jo.

Vehicle went into a severe wobble. Not a shimmy or shake but a wobble to a point that the tires lost contact with blacktop. After numerous trips to dealer and filing complaints with both Chrysler and ntsb I found that all was in vain. I was relegated to keeping the vehicle under 55 mph so driving the freeways in calif was avoided as much as possible. I could not afford another vehicle so I was stuck with the ram. After an incident on a two lane rd around July of 2014 (wobble in a curve found me in the oncoming lane of traffic) I did as much research as possible thus finding that many were experiencing the same problem. There were recalls and bulletins as found out by my local mechanic regarding this very problem. $900. 00 and change later the problem was finally fixed. The pitman arm was at the wrong angle which put undo stress on the bushings for tie rod and drag link. This created wear thus loosening the entire steering system. Dodge let this problem persist knowing that the loss of control was a certainty. . . Look at the recalls and bulletins. I don't really care about the buy back I feel I should be reimbursed for the repair. . ## VIN passed ## Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 2007 ##. . . Updated 08/06/15 the consumer stated the pitman arm issue was from a bulletin from Dodge. The angel on the stock pitman arm needed to be replaced with a pitman arm that was at a different angle. Thus leveling the tie rod and drag link. The consumer's mechanic believed the stress on the bushings of the bad angle of the pitman is what degraded the bushings and loosened the steering system resulting in the wobble. Updated 08/13/15.

Fracture of the pitman arn at the steering box/ had to replace entire steering box/ fracture was found while undergoing wheel aligment/ was only a matter of time before it would have failed. Replace water pump/ 120000 replace rear universal joint for bad bearings/ 121,000 entire engine fan with pulley sheared off while on a trip/ 118000 replaced entire wiper mechanism due to complete failure/122000 poorly engineered vehicle/ wouldn't buy another Dodge lots of safety issues.

2004 Dodge Ram 2500- front end/steering failure at 71,000 requiring replacement of entire steering linkage kit, damper and traction bar (as well as pitman arm) at cost of over $1,200. This was to correct the exact same steering problem I am reading about as reported by seemingly countless owners of Dodge rams from this year. It is inconceivable to me why there has not been a formal recall and reimbursement of expenses to owners like me who paid for the recommended repair. I am the original owner and have all service repair orders. The service department at ft. Collins (CO) Dodge reported that they were well aware of this problem, as is Chrysler and that it was a serious safety issue that needed to be corrected as a total loss of steering and collapse of the front end could result if it was not repaired. . Parts have been repalced each of the last 3 years and failures continue with no solution from the manufaturer.

Oil seal on pitman shaft on steering box gave way suddenly spraying engine with oil and causing loss of power steering. Upon inspection, it was noted that the bearing on the pitman shaft had failed. This must be a common problem as even the dealer couldn't find a steering box!!.

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500. While driving approximately 60 mph the steering wheel began shaking erratically. The contact slowed down and was able to safely drive to his residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technicians stated the tie rod ends, track bar, pitman arm and damper needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and a complaint was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 48,445.

The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact was driving 5 mph when the pitman arms on the front axle fractured. The vehicle was towed to a mechanic who informed her that the entire front end would need replacing. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted in regards to the failure. The failure mileage was 133,919.

The contact owns a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 megacab 4x4. The contact stated that when driving 40 mph and above over a road bump, the steering wheel and instrument panel would shake violently. The vehicle would have to come to a complete stop before the shaking would subside. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but not repaired. The vehicle was repaired by the contact with a redesign upgraded 2009 part. The contact repaired the tie rod assembly, steering damper and a pitman arm. There were no 2006 parts available to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted who refused to provide any assistance to the contact. The failure mileage was 97,000 the current mileage was 104,000. Updated 03/24/lj.

2006 Dodge Ram 2500 4 x 4 mega cab death wobble. I’ve had the front end of my truck shake at speeds over 45 mph and turning left on any surface that has bumps. When you hit a bump the front of the truck shakes, the dash begins to shake and the truck feels like its going to fall apart. After slowing down to less than 15mph you may be lucky to get control. After the sixth time it happeded to me, I was driving on a highway going 55mph, making a left turn over an expansion joint in the highway, the front wheels, steering wheel and dash started to shake violently. My truck slammed of the side rail before I could get control. After calling Dodge they told me i’m stuck buying a 2009 tie rod assembly, pitman arm, steering stablizer because they no longer made it for Dodge Ram 2500 4 x 4 trucks 2003 – 2008 due to safty reason. (btw the new tie rod assembly is non-greasable / non servicable, so when a tie rod goes out, you get to replace the whole thing again. ) I had to obvisouly get an alingment done after everything. All and all I have about 1000. 00 bucks that im out and that doesn’t include the repairs to the rear quarter panel, thanks Dodge!!! :( boooooooo.

The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph over bumpy road surfaces, the vehicle would shake violently. In order to stop the shaking, the vehicle would be slowed down to 35 mph. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who stated that the vehicle needed new ball joints. The contact replaced the balls joints, but the failure continued. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who stated that the vehicle needed a new tie rod, steering dampener, pitman arm, front axle u-joint, and wheel alignment. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 86,000. Sm.