1997 Dodge RAM 1500: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed May 10, 2009 · Body, Electrical · 130,000 miles · MO

I bought a 1997 dodge ram slt 1500. It is used and has 135,000 miles on it. However, I like the truck and I don't want to sell it because it is not safe for my family and I to be in. It has cracks all in the dashboard...and they are getting worse every day. I can actually see wires and the internal part of my dash components. It squeaks and I can also see steel mounting post that look really dangerous for a sudden stop or even I miner fender bender. It is actually caving in....and completely deteriorating. Nothing has been done to correct this problem by dodge as far as I know. I have researched this and there is no recall that I can find...and I do not feel that the original..or even a second owner should have to pay for this...nor do chryslers job...and make the vehicle safe for driving. I take good care of the vehicle...and not only is it unsightly...but is a hazard that needs to rise concern in all dodge owners.I am requesting a replacement dash for my vehicle either from dodge...or a safety certified after market dash that will not do this again!!!! This is also the second dash to do this on this vehicle...that is apparent.

Filed Jul 2, 2002 · Brakes, Engine · WI

Consumer states that the transmission has broken down three times, two of which the transmission had to be rebuilt, consumer also states that there is grinding in the driveshaft.

Filed Apr 25, 2001 · Electrical · NJ

Not sure, but sounds to me like your the federal safety agency item number sb049106(electrical system:ignition:electronic control unit).there is a surge of r.p.m.`s of 2000 or 3000 and a grinding or "harshness" sound at different times.

Filed Apr 3, 2001 · Brakes, Electrical · NY

After replacing transmission, transmission failed again. Consumer was driving approximately 65mph and vehicle just gradually started slowing down. Consumer coasted to side of road with engine still running, but not able to go in any gears. Transmission was replaced 1-22-00. *ak vehicle experiences several transmission problems, there have been recalls amongst the repairs, driveshaft broke while driving, consumer states that chrysler corp has no records of a transmission being sent to new country dodge where the replacement took place, transfer case was retorqued, consumer had taken vehicle to dealer many times prior to complete transmission failure and dealer could not remedy problems. Clunking noise under vehicle, dealer replaced front swaybar links. O2 sensor replaced. Consumer stated at times he hadto hit the starter with a hammer to get it to work, ignition coil failed, and battery failed. Vehicle stalls when coming to a stop, check engine light illuminated. Excessive amounts of fuel used, distributor cap was replaced, vehicle also backfiring. Brakes grinding, front brake pads were metal to metal, rotor was scored badly, dealer replaced front pads and both rotors.

Filed Apr 9, 1999 · Brakes · AZ

I have had extensive brake problems with my 97 dodge ram. There has always been a rattle from the front driver's side wheel area. There has also been a intermittent brake pull to the driver side. It became a serious problem after the brakes were replaced at 12000 miles. The truck has also had excessive pad wear. The first set was replaced on5/15/98 with 12314 miles on the truck. The second set was replaced on6/1/98 with 13093 miles. The third set was replaced on 8/13/98 with 16336 miles on the truck. The fourth set of brakes was replaced on 4/6/99 with 25323 miles on the truck. Counting the original set of brakes, which started squealing at approximately 12000 miles, I have had five sets of front brake pads and three sets of rotors put on this truck. Not to mention that the intermittent brake pull has not gone away. Even after installing this last set of pads. I went to arbitration. I had witness statements, but the arbitrator denied my claim to have daimler chrysler purchase my truck back. I have also had many close calls when the truck would pull to the left into oncoming traffic. The truck has also bounced off of the center median more than once. The pattern is always the same. I get the truck back from a brake repair and it is fine for one to two weeks. After a short while, one to two weeks, the truck starts to make a rattling noise from the front drivers side wheel well, then the brake pedal will get soft. Then the intermittent brake pull starts all over again. I would appreciate any help that you could give me. I have lost confidence in this vehicle, and will not drive it any more than I have to. I also will not let my wife drive it or loan it out to any friends.