The brake cylinders had been leaking and were replaced by the dealer in 2000. Then again in december of 2001 we had brake3 trouble and the calipers and cylinders has brakes began to squeak. We had just had everything done less than 6 months ago. We assumed that at the worst the pads needed changing. We took it in the next day. We were informed that it was not the warning system but that the calipers were frozen and had worn out so quickly that the back cyliders were shot too. We were told that our brakes could have gone out completely at any moment there wasn't any warning. Thankfull that we did not have an accident we spent the $800.00 to fix everything. The calipers, roters, cylinders, pads, everything. This is the kicker that next weekend five days later we were comming home from out of town and going down a large hill they began to smoke. And we tried to pull over. We had no brakes!!! Thank goodness there was no one in font of us. We shifted into a lower gear and gradually came to a stop at the bottom of the hill. I am stll waiting to see what the prob. Is now. I had called dodge to see if there was any sort of prob. Or recall with the break system before and they said no. They would fix it but charge us to do so. I did some research and have found that there is so many complaints about the same problems. Our lives have been in jepordy twice and we have been lucky. It is obvious there is a prob. Looking at the complaints of the same nature why are they not doing anything. Do people have to die first. We have tried in vain to fix our truck to work properly with no luck. I only wish we could afford to by another truck. I am afraid that mine and my family's lives are in jepordy. When will dodge step up to the plate and fix this problem?
1998 Dodge Ram: grinding or squealing brakes
6 of the 482 complaints about the 1998 Dodge Ram describe grinding or squealing brakes.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 2
Grinding or squealing brakes by model year
What owners say
Right front inside brake pad locked against the disc causing continuous wear. I was informed by the service manager that the inside pads do not have "squealers" as do the outside pads so there was no advance indication of impending failure. Daimler/chrysler has informed me they would have to decline my request for consideration in this matter because the vehicle had just exceeded the time/mileage limitations of the manufacturer's warranty at the time ($357.78) expense was incurred.
While driving and then stopping front brakes make a grinding noise, and vehicle pulls to the left. Please provide any further information, and vehicle identification number.
Steering column made a grinding noisy when turning steering wheel or sitting still. Dealer thinks it was caused by defective axle shaft bearings. Chrysler has changed them in new models.they were aware of problem, but no recall has been annouced.
While driving at 40 MPH rear end of the truck makes a grinding noise.
Brakes were grinding, a lining was replaced, and since then four sets of linings have been applied. Dealer contacted, and are aware of the problem, vehicle was not under warranty, dealer did not repair. Another dealer contacted and replaced the rotors at owners expense.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Brief information on the use of asbestos fiber brake linings
- Information regarding accelerated brake lining wear, front versus rear
- Vehicles listed on this bulletin are eqipped with rear height sensing proportioning valve that adjust...
- Condition with park brake release handle does not fully return to rest position
- Concerns with park brake release handle does not fully return to rest position
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
- What is wrong
- On certain van and wagon vehicles equipped with 4-wheel antilock brake systems (ABS), aftermarket batteries may leak electrolyte onto the ABS control module connector, which can compromise sealing integrity of the connector.
- Risk
- This may allow development of a short circuit in the connector, which could eventually lead to a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the ABS control module connector for electrolyte damage and replace the connector as necessary. The recall will begin on september 27, 2004. Owners should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 04V185000 · Recall details
Service brakes, air: disc: rotor
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks. The brake rotor material strength is not sufficient causing a hub fatigue fracture.
- Risk
- This fracture can result in crack propagation around the wheel mounting bolt circule ultimately resulting in a wheel separation.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the brake rotors and if necessary, replace these rotors.
Recall number 98V075000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1998 Dodge Ram grinding brakes
Is grinding or squealing brakes a common problem on the 1998 Dodge Ram?
6 of 482 owner complaints about the 1998 Dodge Ram (1%) mention grinding or squealing brakes. The model year with the most reports is 1997.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Dodge Ram?
There are 2 recalls and 5 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Dodge Ram
No deployment 36Pulling 25Brake failure 15ABS 11Headlights 10Airbag light 9Premature wear 8Stalling 8Transmission failure 7Adaptive cruise 6Fuel pump 6Overheating 6Check engine light 5Engine failure 5Loss of power 5Slipping 5Tire blowout 5
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