2013 Ram 3500: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Jan 13, 2025 · Steering, Suspension · 100,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2013 Ram 3500. The contact stated while driving 65-68 MPH over a bumpy road surface, the steering wheel and the front end of the vehicle shuddered significantly. The contact decelerated, exited the freeway, and pulled over to the shoulder of the road. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced the death wobble. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the upper ball joints and control arms needed to be replaced. The dealer replaced the upper control arms. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the upper ball joints were replaced. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times while driving. The contact stated that the upper and lower ball joints, the control arms, the bushings, and other unknown parts were replaced several times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Mar 2, 2021 · Steering · 168,841 miles · TX · crash

The tie rod end, which was previously recalled, broken in to two piece at the adjustment sleeve while driving.

Filed Aug 7, 2020 · Suspension · 162,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, without warning a violent shaking occurred within the steering wheel. The contact managed to regain control of the steering wheel, veered to the shoulder of the road, turned the vehicle off and back on which then resumed back to normal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the front end was inspected and determined that the front lower control arms needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer, planet ford-dodge located at 19000 eastex fwy, humble, tx 77338 was contacted and informed the contact that no warranty was available on the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.

Filed Dec 2, 2019 · Steering · 102,000 miles · KS

The vehicle was taken in for a front end alignment. When the technician loosened the tube retaining clamp to adjust the outer tie rod, one side of the threaded portion of the adjuster tube, socket, tie rod end (68369910ac) fell on the ground. The metal wall sheared at the start of the adjustment threads and showed signs of metal fatigue. The opposite side was fully cracked in the same location but had not sheared off the adjuster tube, socket, tie rod end yet. It took very little effort to break the piece off by hand. Failure would have been imminent if left untouched. Failure while the vehicle was in operation would have resulted in loss of control of the vehicle. The vehicle was stationary at an alignment shop. The adjuster tube, socket, tie rod end is identified as part (1) in the attached drawing. Failure point is at the end where adjuster tube (2) is threaded in and tube retaining clamps (15) and (16). Pictures of the failed component are attached.

Filed Aug 22, 2017 · Steering · 78,000 miles · TX

Steering linkage broke causing the vehicle to be towed in. Right tie rod broke at tube end near total toe adjuster clamp. Loosing any ability to steer the vehicle.