Tl* the contact owns a 2001 dodge ram. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the tie rod on the front drivers side detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The contact expressed concern over a potential crash if the failure occurred while driving. The failure mileage was 84,000. Updated 08/31/11
2001 Dodge Ram: ball joint or control arm failure
12 of the 318 complaints about the 2001 Dodge Ram describe ball joint or control arm failure.
- owner complaints
- 12
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- typical mileage
- 40,000
- recalls
- 2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 2 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Ball joint or control arm failure by model year
What owners say
Dt: was pulling a trailer at 45 MPH the vehicle started fish tailing. Without the trailer at 55 MPH the vehicle will fish tail. Took the vehicle to chrysler , and found that it was shaky. The tie rods ends, ball joints, and the check bar malfunctioned on the front of the vehicle. Almost had a wreck. This happened on 24, june 2205. *ak the consumer stated the vehicle was poorly designed, the front of the vehicle was too light for the weight of the engine. There was no grease fitting for the ball joint. The rotors were replaced.
Consumer took vehicle to dealer for alignment, and it was discovered that the upper ball joints needed to be replaced. Consumer was informed by dealer that the wheel was close to coming off. Dealer repaired vehicle at consumer's expense.*ak ......
When the steering wheel was turned left or right there was a loud squeaking sound coming from the wheels. Dealer inspected the vehicle and found that the upper and lower ball joints were worn out. *ak
Ball joints worn out at 49,000 miles 3 mechanics say this is typical of these dodge trucks. If this a recuring problem, shouldn't dodge be doing somthing on this
The ball joints of my 2001 dodge ram pickup had 5 times the allowable limit of play, which is 60,000th of an inch (1/16). All four ball joints had 5/16 of play at only 21,000 miles. The shop I went to for my inpection diagnosed the problem, and said I was fortunate that it didn't get any further. One good pot hole with that much play and a wheel could have come off. The shop owner told me that the ball joints were probably out of spec at 6,000 miles, considering their condition at 21,000 miles. He also said that this is a very common problem with all dodge vehicles. He said that he has had dodge durango's in his shop with only 6,000 miles that had the play he found in mine at 21,000 miles!
While driving 50-60 MPH, the consumer noticed the steering had excessive "play." the truck began to sway across the road. The truck was serviced, and the steering gear box/tie rod and tracking bar were replaced. *ak the mechanic found the power steering gear box sloppy, the tie rod end/pitman arm loose and the trac bar worn. *scc
Consumer states vehicle having alignment problems. Took vehicle to dealer, who diagnosed that all front ball joints have failed.
Consumer heard a rattling noise under front of vehicle, while inspecting vehicle he noticed the lower control arm was rubbing on the driver side tire when turning steering wheel sharp to the left, dealer grinded off part of control arm, but it was still rubbing on the tire, dealer stated there was no remedy.*ak consumer also stated that the gear box was serviced.
Dealer replaced right side ball joint. However, steering wheel is locking up when turning left or right. Please provide any furhter information.
When making a left or right turn could feel and hear tires rubbing against bottom control arm. Consumer had taken vehicle to dealer to be repaired, but they said that was a factory deffect.
Recall 00v307000 upper control arm. Vehicle was taken to dealer for recall repair. Dealer deleted information out of database without inspecting vehicle. Vehicle was involved in a frontal collision which resulted in total loss of the vehicle. Consumer suspected that recall defect was the cause of the collision. Please provide additional information.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Suspension: rear
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: quad cab pickup trucks equipped with a camper package and overload springs. The rear axle spacer plate could lead to deformation of the upper spring plate during assembly of the axle to the vehicle resulting a soft joint.
- Risk
- The soft joint could cause the rear axle u-bolts to lose clamp load, resulting in displacement of the rear axle and a loss of vehicle control. This could increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will remove the spacer plates and the spring plates will be replaced. Owner notification began february 5, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 01V008000 · Recall details
Suspension: front: control arm: upper arm
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: quad cab pickup trucks. The upper control arms attached with cadmium coated nuts can cause the bolts to stretch due to the application of a higher than specified clamp load. Breakage of the upper control arm fasteners could cause the axle to rotate forward under braking conditions.
- Risk
- This rotation could twist the steering linkage and possibly separate the brake lines, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the upper control arm bolts and nuts.
Recall number 00V307000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2001 Dodge Ram ball joint
Is ball joint or control arm failure a common problem on the 2001 Dodge Ram?
12 of 318 owner complaints about the 2001 Dodge Ram (4%) mention ball joint or control arm failure. The model year with the most reports is 2001.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2001 Dodge Ram?
There are 2 recalls and 2 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2001 Dodge Ram
No deployment 25Pulling 17Stalling 9Brake failure 7Grinding brakes 7Fire or smoke 7Power steering loss 7Check engine light 5Engine failure 5Knocking 5
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