Read Update Below!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Important!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

While pulling into a parking stall the drivers side tie rod broke off the drivers side knuckle causing the tie rod to drop and wedge its self between the tire. This truck has been a freeway warrior, no off road, no crashes. With only 56,000 miles how does a tie rod have a catastrophic metal failure. Just glad I was not driving on the freeway. I do tow a 14,000 lb 5th wheel at times.

Has anyone experienced this issue, has their been any recalls? It looks like metal fatigue. Is there any non Dodge brand replacement tie rods that I should use. I cannot trust Dodge parts at all.

Any assistance would be appreciated.

 

Just bad luck is all. Why does one engine make it to 300k and the other only 100k? Just bad luck. No other reason.

 

Well after many hours on the internet I found a recall that may apply. Chrysler recall L16, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Campaign 11V350000. Recall started 10-3-11

2008-2011 left tie rod recall for low speed, parking lot type turns, left tie rod may fail. Includes 2003-2008 Ram 2500/3500 that may have been serviced with replacement steering assemblies.

My truck had the complete steering assembly replaced under warranty in June 2009. It appears I fall under that recall window. Currently I am on telephone hold (32 minutes) with my local Dodge dealer service department. I will keep the forum posted on how Dodge handles this situation.

This may effect MANY Ram owners in my similar situation.

After 40 minutes on hold the service adviser said that Chrysler will have the truck towed to their dealership, $145.00 to inspect and if defective and it meets the recall criteria they will take care of it.. We will see how this goes.

 

Sounds cheaper to replace it yourself

 

As of 2 hrs ago it sounds like Chrysler will tow the vehicle at their expense, provide a rental car and at this point sounds like they will take care of the issue. More info to follow. I wonder how many other Ram owners have had the same issue.