2003 Dodge RAM 1500: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Jul 14, 2023 · Transmission · CA

The driveshaft to pinion gear at the differential comes loose during normal driving. I have replaced the bit numerous times, but it keeps coming loose. There is a recall on same truck but different years. The exact problem the other Rams have is exact issue with mine. When it comes loose, the car grinds to a halt.

Filed Jan 5, 2022 · Transmission · PA · crash

Around midday of November 25, 2021, a clear day with no precipitation, while operating the 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 with about 155k miles on it at approximately 35 MPH, the drive train locked up causing the vehicle to go into a skid and a spin that sent the vehicle into a telephone pole. We could have slid into oncoming traffic, fortunately, we did not. The vehicle was totaled. While loading the vehicle onto the tow truck, responders noted that the axle was sheared at the back due to the rear differential locking up unexpectedly. There was a noise, like a whistle or a whine for a few minutes leading up the incident, but not anything that I would associate with this kind or failure, no grinding, roughness, or clunking.

Filed Oct 7, 2020 · Transmission · 129,545 miles · FL

Differential grinding noise when driving down the street when grinding noise started

Filed Sep 27, 2017 · Steering, Transmission · 155,600 miles · VA

While driving the vehicle on a flat, paved road a sudden small grinding noise was detected. Without warning, the rear axle froze and the rear wheels locked up. As the vehicle slid to a stop, a loud noise was heard. After the vehicle stopped moving a quick visual inspection revealed that the drive shaft had broken off and was hanging down. A large amount of viscous fluid was spilled on the road. The truck was not able to move forward or backward at this point due to the locking of the rear wheels and lack of a functioning drive shaft. The vehicle was on a blind curve on a well traveled road and the police were called. It was necessary for the officer to remain and direct traffic around the vehicle due to the dangerous situation. The vehicle was towed to a local dodge dealer and a claim (# 32479801) was filed via the dodge customer care hotline.

Filed Jul 24, 2017 · Suspension, Visibility · 145,000 miles · OH · crash

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle shook abnormally and a grinding noise was heard. The contact stated that the wheel hubs became detached while driving at a low speed. In addition, the contact stated that the rear glass shattered after being involved in a minor rear end collision. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

Filed May 1, 2015 · Suspension, Transmission · WI

The rear end grinds and has been for many years or is grinding little metal pieces off truck is unsafe to drive any longer until rear end gets replaced.

Filed Jan 29, 2015 · Wheels · 99,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a grinding noise emitted from the front driver's side wheel hub. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,000.

Filed Jul 24, 2013 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · FL

I own a 2003 dodge ram 1500 v8 with 4.7 now with 155k miles, I had truck since 2005 . I always took great and still take great care of it. The following event has happen twice to me , one year apart from each other . The first time 2011 truck has about 120k miles, I was doing 30 mile an hour when a loud grinding started I was able to slow down to 10 miles an hour before the big bang noise occur and drive shaft felt off in the middle of a very busy intersection in stpete florida ( 49th st and ulmerton ) the rear end had lock up my tires , even the big flat bed tow truck had hard time picking me up , the second time 2012 it happen in tampa florida 140k miles also in a very busy hwy (veterans express) . Second time the grinding noise was less louder when I first heard it , or I heard it way early jeje I knew what it was already so I let off the gas and let truck slow down but the big bang happen , lucky this was the second time this happen I knew what it was and I was already getting off the right shoulder , the second event happen with a second set of drive shaft and rear end, both time the rear end lock up my rear tires . Due to pinion and pinion nut malfunction and costly repairs I write to you today . The truck runs today , but the grinding noise is back. Is their recall or new better parts .

Filed Jul 10, 2013 · Transmission · 175,000 miles · AL

I was driving my dodge when I heard a grinding popping noise coming from the rear end. I immediately pulled over. And a local mechanic shop. They said bring it in so I did my pinion nut backed off and I needed a whole new rear end for the second time something needs to be done cause im only 17 and cant afford to keep putting $1000 + in a truck for the same thing.

Filed Oct 9, 2012 · Suspension · 90,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that when driving at various speeds, there was a slight grinding noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the rear bearings were replaced. After the repair, the contact was driving approximately 50 MPH when he noticed a much louder grinding noise from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stopped the vehicle on the shoulder and noticed that the rear axle was detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the rear axle would have to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

Filed Apr 28, 2009 · Steering · 69,766 miles · MN

I was driving my truck when I heard a squeaking sound coming from the right front of the truck. The next day I brought it to the dealer and had it looked at. They told me the squeak was from the rack and pinion and the boots were also leaking fluid.I told them that I just had the rack and pinion fixed at 53,314 miles and now at 69,766 miles. The dealer said they would look into it and they came up with no recalls or complaints. I am not happy. I had the dealer fix the rack and pinion both times. Out of pocket cost $855.77 and now $978.32.

Filed Mar 14, 2007 · Steering · 44,500 miles · OH

Seal on rack and pinion unit leaking and causing squealing. Need to top off power steering fluid to keep noise down. Not covered by manf. Coverage for 36k I have 45k.