One of our member was asking about a TSB for a 2006 3500 truck. I believe this TSB is what the member was looking for.
SUBJECT:
Front End Shimmy On 4x4 Vehicles When Traveling Over Rough Surfaces In The Road
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves verifying the condition of the vehicle front suspension and steering
components, and adjusting the front tire pressure.
MODELS:
2003 - 2007 (DR/DH/D1/DC) Ram Truck (2500/3500)
NOTE: This bulletin applies to four wheel drive (4x4) 2500 and 3500 model vehicles.
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
The customer may experience a self sustaining vibration (shimmy) felt in the front end of
the vehicle after striking a bump or pothole.
DIAGNOSIS:
If the customer experiences the above condition perform the Repair Procedure.
PARTS REQUIRED:
Qty. Part No. Description
(AR) 1 52106909AE Damper, Steering
(AR) 1 05086146AC End Package, Tie Rod Outer
(AR) 1 05086144AC End Package, Tie Rod and Link Outer
(AR) 06505623AA Nut and Washer, Tie Rod
SPECIAL TOOLS/EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
Dial Indicator (for front suspension)
Torque Wrench - 1/2 inch drive
NUMBER: 22-005-06
GROUP: Tire & Wheels
DATE: October 07, 2006
REPAIR PROCEDURE:
1. Raise the vehicle on an alignment rack (drive-on lift).
2. Verify the road tires are correctly sized and the tire tread is not excessively worn.
Replace any worn tire before proceeding. Any new or old replacement tire should be
equal to the original tires that came with the vehicle when it was new. Tire wear is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
3. Set the tire pressure for the FRONT TIRES to the following specification, regardless
of the load being carried by the vehicle.
Tire Size FRONT Tire Pressure
LT235/80R17E or LT245/70R17E 448 Kpa (65 psi)
LT265/70R17E or LT285/70R17E 414 Kpa (60 psi)
4. Set the tire pressure for the REAR TIRES as recommended for the vehicle
configuration and load that is being carried at the time.
Tire Size REAR Tire Pressure
LT235/80R17E or LT245/70R17E Refer to the Tire Inflation Chart brochure in
the Owners Manual or to the placards
located either on the face of the driver's door
or on the driver's side “B” pillar.
LT265/70R17E or LT285/70R17E Refer to the Tire Inflation Chart brochure in
the Owners Manual or to the placards
located either on the face of the driver's door
or on the driver's side “B” pillar.
5. Verify that the steering damper is operating correctly.
a. Unbolt the end of the damper at the axle end.
b. Cycle the damper rod by hand.
c. There should be resistance to motion in both directions of the damper rod.
d. Replace the damper if no resistance is present.
6. Verify both outer tie rod ends dust covers are not worn.
a. Attempt to rotate the dust cover by hand.
b. If the dust cover on an outer tie rod end can be rotated, or is free and loose, then
replace the tie rod (regardless of joint wear).
7. Inspect each outer tie rod end for internal wear.
a. Maximum allowed wear (joint travel) for a tie rod end is 1.15 mm (0.045 in.).
b. Install a dial indicator to the tie rod end (in-line with the vertical stud of the tie rod
end).
c. With a pry bar placed between the steering linkage and the axle tube, pry upwards
while measuring the amount of joint travel (wear).
d. Measure the amount of wear in the other outer tie rod end joint.
e. If wear (joint travel) in either outer tie rod end is greater than 1.15 mm (0.045 in.),
then replace the worn tie rod end.
8. Verify the torque on each outer tie rod end stud nut. The nut should be tightened to
122 Nm (90 ft. lbs.).
9. Make sure any worn outer tie rod ends have been replaced before proceeding further.
10. Verify all other steering linkage connections are tightened to their torque
specifications.
22-005-06 -2-
11. Grease both outer tie rod ends (even if the outer tie rod is new). Apply sufficient
grease to each tie rod end until grease is seen purging from the joint at the dust
seal.
12. Align the vehicle front end. Adjust to specifications.
13. Road test the vehicle and verify the shimmy condition has been corrected.