Let me first assure you: I've searched the whole Internet about this trouble before comming to you here with my question. I've come up with so many possibilities (which I will enumerate) that I found that formulating my question to you as clearly as possible would be my best bet. So here it comes.

My truck (2007 RAM 1500 quad cab 4x4, 50000km) has this rattle up front (drive side most suspected) that is heard only when i hit rapid bumps like gravel roads washboards or potholes. It sounds like loose pieces of metal clunking together. I can also sometimes reproduce the sound by coasting slowly and applying brakes sharply.

Now It took it to a mechanic and explained the whole thing. He changed a tie-rod that was loose but the truck still does it. Brought it back to him but his final words were : "we cant reproduce the trouble, the truck is fine".

Well I use this truck on gravel roads all the time and let me tell you: I can reproduce it, it's actually f*** annoying.

The truck has had all scheduled maintenances done, I treat it like a jem, although it's true, I make it work when out in the woods.

I'm not mecanically enclined at all. I do grasp the general concepts but I don't touch myself. And before I sink thousands of dollar trying to have someone search and find the nature of that trouble, I would like your advices. Here are a list of potential culprits:

1- Sway bar links
2- Ball joints
3- Caliper bolts
4- Hood stops (this I can check myself :-p )
5- Rack and pinion
6- Strut/strut mount

Feel free to post any specific question. Thanks

 

If you searched on here you would find about 15 posts (a couple are mine) about this issue. The accepted solution is the sway bar bushings and/or end links. I took my sway bar off and eliminated most of my rattle so the only other thing I can think it is would be the rack and pinion or something involved in the steering department but I'm not comfortable enough to go messing with my steering. But those would be the two main culprits of the rattle

 

 

What type of rims do you have?
If they are the plastic clad kind I would say that could be the source of your rattle.

 

This klonking is barely heard when driving in town, which is why the mechanic said they couldn't reproduce the trouble even when driving the truck. You need small bumps at fast rate to hear it, and even then closed windows and light music almost cover it. Was your issue really similar to that?

 

Yeah ... I guess my english is that good. Sorry.

 

Yes mine was rattling when I would hit a series of small bumps or uneven road such as a gravel road (actually especially gravel road). And I couldn't reproduce the noise when not in motion. You just had to drive it over small bumps to hear it. I always have my windows down and my music all the way up so I don't hear it but I know it's there

 

Check your steering shaft where it attaches to the steering box. If there is any play at the input shaft of the box, it will give you a very annoying rattle.

 

Shardy,

I would suggest bringing the vehicle to your local Dodge dealer, if they are unable to reproduce the problem, go for a drive with the service manager, since you know how to duplicate it. They are technically trained to work specifically with the Dodge models.

If you'd like to PM me, I can help you locate your closest Dodge dealer.

Sorry to hear about your concern. I hope this is helpful!

 

I thought about that one already, but I've read many stories of people sticking with their dealers but who couln't fix the thing faster than anyone else. My truck is not under warranty anymore and dealership repair shops cost $$. That's why I'm trying to make up a plan and tip the mechanics in a few directions.