I have an ongoing problem with preignition (spark knock) in my 1998 dodge ram 1500 with the 318 cid/5.2l motor. .at 24,896 miles, my dealer re-programmed the PCM and re-routed the spark wires. The spark knock continued. At 35,067 miles, the dealer adjusted the timing; I didn't think this could be done. The spark knock continued. At 43,281 miles, the dealer replaced the intake plenium gasket. The spark knock continued. At 45,093, the dealer replaced both engine heads. The spark knock continued. At 57,452 miles, I installed a colder thermostat and this helped somewhat, but the spark knock returned. And, today at 74,834 miles I installed a set of truck spark plugs to see if that will help. The bottom line is that this truck has an inherint defective design in the engine which is being prematurely worn out due to spark knock. I would like the federal safety agency to investigate, and help me in securing a replacement for my problem plagued lemon. Thank you!
1998 Dodge Ram: rotors or pads wearing out early
8 of the 482 complaints about the 1998 Dodge Ram describe rotors or pads wearing out early.
- owner complaints
- 8
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- recalls
- 2
Rotors or pads wearing out early by model year
- 20051
- 20042
- 20031
- 20021
- 20011
- 19994
- 19988
- 19972
- 19966
- 19952
- 19942
- 19911
What owners say
At 9,000 miles front rotors warped due to overheating. At 16,000 miles new brakes had to be put on. At 40,000 miles, new pads and rotors were put on. The problems seems to be that the rotors are too small for the size of the truck, and the self adjustors on the back brakes do not work. *ak
Premature wear of front bearings. Front wheel bearings have failed five times. Dealer has replaced the spindle, hubs and bearings on both sides.
When applying brakes vehicle severely pulls to the right or the left. Also, the front brake pads and rotors are prematurely wearing out, cause unknown. Vehicle checked for alignment and problem still exist.
Excessive front brake pad wear: the front brake pads started to wear at 6,000 miles, and from that point on the pads deteriorated rapidly. The dealer acknowledges that this is a common problem. The brake pads are being replaced at his expense. Please provide any further details.
Experiencing ongoing problem with front brake pads wearing out prematurely. Vehicle had four sets of brake pads within 30,000 mile of wear. Dealer notified .
1. Outside pads completely worn out, inside pads not worn. Replaced pad. 2. Rotors warped, turned rotors 3. Rotors warped, replaced rotors 4. Complete brake failure, replaced front rotors, calipers, rotors, pads, proportioning valve, replaced rear shoes, adjusters, hardware 5. Truck pulled to left, to right, brake fade, brakes overheating, truck still in repair shop outcome unknown.
The front brake rotors warped. Had tires rotated. Noticed brake pads in front worn unevenly and rear drums out of adjustment by 80%, according dealer's mechanic.
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 premature wear
Is rotors or pads wearing out early a common problem on the 1998 Dodge Ram?
8 of 482 owner complaints about the 1998 Dodge Ram (2%) mention rotors or pads wearing out early. The model year with the most reports is 1998.
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 9Stalling 8Transmission failure 7Adaptive cruise 6Grinding brakes 6Fuel pump 6Overheating 6Check engine light 5Engine failure 5Loss of power 5Slipping 5Tire blowout 5
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