Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that the driver side lower ball joint fractured, which caused the wheel to collapse. The contact also noticed that the upper ball joint on the driver side was damaged due to the lower ball joint fracture. Prior to the failure, the contact stated that the passenger side upper ball joint fractured that caused the wheel to collapse. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed the upper ball joint needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The technician also diagnosed that the driver side upper and lower ball joint needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
2004 Dodge RAM 1500 suspension complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 66, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v313000 (air bags) and the parts were not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the repair. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that there was a failure with the rear differential which was replaced due to a faulty housing. The contact stated that recently while driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact heard a loud abnormal noise in the rear, the rear differential fractured and the pinion nut detached. The vehicle was unable to be driven. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who indicated that the rear differential needed to be replaced again. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was awaiting a diagnosis. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 76,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled and slid. The contact noticed that the rear pinion nut fractured and damaged the rear tires. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 213,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. While driving 60 MPH, an abnormally loud noise emitted from the vehicle and the driveshaft dislodged locking the rear wheels. Also, the contact mentioned that the pinion shaft went into the axle assembly housing and punctured a hole. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 68,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at a low speed and approaching a stop light, the front driver side wheel bearing seized and fractured. The front fender was damaged, the driver side hub assembly, and the front driver side tire were destroyed during the failure. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 71,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. While attempting to turn the steering wheel, an abnormal noise was heard. An independent mechanic stated that the front end axle was the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. While reversing the vehicle, the contact felt the steering wheel become constrictive and heard an abnormal noise. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering unit failed and needed to be replaced. Also, the front lower ball joint needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Was driving in my neighborhood at approx. 20mph when the front end fell out onto the road.
I was just made aware of the new buy back recall and fine, on similar dodge ram trucks like mine. The recall show 2004 dodge ram 2600, 3600, but not my 1600. The reason for the buy back with the other two models just also happened to my 1600. It is also on the left hand side, just like all the others. I would like my included in the buy back and get rid of this lemon. My VIN # does not show anything but an airbag issue, that I not received any information on. Vin # is: [xxx]. Thank you, I still owe over eight thousand dollars on the vehicle which is about kelly blue book price here in hawaii. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Popping and grinding in rear end popping in the cv axle front tires leaning in and wearing on inside with new tires and front end alignment have added new calipers rotors brakes 2 new cv axles and the problem still not fixed
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. While driving approximately 50 MPH, an abnormal noise emitted from the rear of the vehicle without warning and the rear of the vehicle seized. After inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered that the driveshaft detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rear axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. While driving at 35 MPH, the contact heard a noise underneath the vehicle. The rear wheels seized and the vehicle spun around. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the driveshaft fractured from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was inspected by a technician. The technician diagnosed that the u joint, rear axles, gear oil, differential, gasket, and multiple parts in the rear of the vehicle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired by the contact and the technician. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 126,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. While driving approximately 35 MPH, a loud noise emitted from the rear of the vehicle and it came to a sudden stop without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the rear axle fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Truck started squeaking then making a popping noise while turning in the driveway. The steering wheel makes a noise while turning. Didn't know there was any recalls on this truck. I took it to the shop and the man said the wheel was about to come off.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. While driving at 35 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise and the rear end seized, which made the vehicle slide. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the driveshaft, the rear brake cables, and the rear passenger shocks needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear wheels seized without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the pinion nut needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, a loud grinding noise emitted from underneath the truck as smoke started to come out of the outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was merged to the side of the road and upon inspection by the contact, it was noticed that the drive shaft was hanging loose. The contact mentioned that there were two puddles of oil and the drive shaft was bent. The vehicle became inoperative. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rear axle was damaged and that the pinion nut came loose. The dealer determined that the rear axle and the carrier of the axle needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware of the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v796000 (power train) however, the VIN was not included on the campaign. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,612. Updated 8/10/15
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle began to decelerate without warning and emitted a loud vibration sound. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the rear pinion gear and axle shaft bearing needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 191,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. While making a right turn at an unknown speed, an abnormal noise emitted from the vehicle. Also, the contact stated that the exhaust was leaking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the driver side spring was bent and the shocks needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram1500. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, a loud noise was heard from the rear of the vehicle. The contact later discovered that the rear shaft had become separated from the vehicle due a failed to pinion nut, which also caused the rear brakes to seize. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home and was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The current and failure mileage was 119,000.
While driving saturday, 11/23/2013, I noticed a vibration and humming noise coming from the front of my vehicle. Also, when I turned the car would croak or moan. I could tell something was wrong because my brake pedal became very spongy and had to be pressed in fully in order to stop the car. I began to head home with the truck as I did not want a safety hazard where I could not stop the vehicle. I also noticed that in order to steer straight, I had to hold my steering wheel approximately 30 degrees left. Upon getting the truck home I immediately saw my problem. My front passenger tire was sitting in the wheel well on an angle. Large amounts of smoke were pouring out of the undercarriage, and rubber goo was leaving a trail where I drove. I jacked the car and removed the wheel, and could see even more. My wheel hub assembly was separated and broken. This caused my tire to sit on the hub crooked and lean against my control arm. The heat from this friction was so intense that it melted my cv boot, which is why I had a rubber goo trail. It also melted the ABS sensor on the wheel hub itself. Causing my ABS to go out. The hub itself had a piece completely fallen off, as if a weld broke. The heat also warped my rotor, and cracked my brake pads in that side. Luckily, I did not have any wheel separation or total failure of the braking system, causing crash or injury. I was barely able to utilize braking and drive home at about 20mph with hazards on. The wheel hub assembly has been recalled in several year dodge ram 1500s, including 2004, 2006, and others, for bearing issues. However dodge claimed it was only a faulty part in 2wd applications. Now we know this is not true. I have a 4wd ram that had the hub assembly fail and a partial braking failure. I am out of room, but I have pictures of the parts broken on the car, and pictures of the removed parts as well.
Upper and lower ball joints on front suspension have deteriorated to the point that they must be replaced for concerns of safety. This is very low mileage for ball joints to fail. And since my 2wd truck has unitized ball joints (part of upper control arm, which also has to be replaced), they are very expensive.
Hub assembly failed and brakes gave out which allowed vehicle which resulted in crashing into a tree.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that while turning left at approximately at 10 to 15 MPH, the driver front wheel and front axle separated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be inspected. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 81,762.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the rear driver and passenger side tires seized. The rear drive shaft and the rear deferential were also fractured. The contact was unable to continue driving and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not inspected to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no further assistance. The failure and current mileage was 140,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that while replacing all of the tires on the vehicle, the mechanic found deterioration on the front and rear lower and upper ball joints, as well as the tie rod. The vehicle was taken for inspection to a private mechanic, who confirmed the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 33,000.
The upper and low ball joint is make noise . Does have no grease fiting.
I was driving at freeway speed, around 70 MPH. Suddenly, I heard a noise from the rear of the truck and I noticed my speedometer went to zero. I was still moving at the same speed. The fault code identified a failure in the speed sensor in the rear differential. I was out of warranty, so I pulled the differential cover off and found what was left of the speed sensor in the bottom of the housing. I also found pieces of what was later identified as c clips from my lsd clutch assembly. The inductive portion of the speed sensor protrudes into the differential housing and was hit by the flying pieces of c clips. The carrier bearing also had a grove cut into it by these clips as they worked their way out. I am told that if I had not caught this, it would have resulted in carrier bearing failure and lock up of my rear axle. I removed all of the metal c clip pieces and removed the remaining c clips that had not yet fallen out. I don't know if there is any connection, but my left rear leaf spring cracked in half on the lower main leaf. I had to replace the spring assembly at my cost. I now have a permanent whine at low speeds and currently have 125,000 miles on my truck. I am certainly glad that I found these metal pieces when I did! There appears to be many complaints regarding this failure in my truck model, ranging from model years 2003 through 2006 ram 1500 equipped with the 5.7 hemi. At this time, chrysler has not acknowledged the patterned failures in these rear differentials.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 dodge ram 1500. The contact stated that the front hub assembly broke and separated from the suspension while driving 10 MPH. The hub assembly was brand new and was just purchase from an authorized dealer. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a curb, which caused damages to the suspension and front fender of the vehicle. No one was injured. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The insurance company was notified. The dealer was also notified and refused to acknowledge the defective parts. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 187,000.
At 80,000 miles city driving both left and right hubs failed. Left hub locked up almost sending me into center concrete wall. Damage to ft end was extensive. Called dealership to find out if I had 2 wheel or 4 wheel ABS, give them my VIN number.. Looooooong story shot, the dealership could not tell me if I had 2 or 4 wheel ABS. I had to pull apart to find out. Its a shame the very people that make the truck, can't tell you whats on the truck. $500.00 later 2 wheel ABS hubs left and right, replaced by myself. Not to mention the under carriage damage done due to hub locking up. Sent truck to auto shop to repair front end damage. Beware..if you're hearing a noise in front that sounds like a big bolt in your tire and there is not, get the hubs looked at right away. This is how my issue and costly repairs started.
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