I just started doing research on a vibration we're having with our 2003 Ram 1500 4x4. In the spring, we decided to replace the tires. (Had about 40,000 miles on them.) We had absolutely NO problem with the truck at this point. Absolutely no vibration, no problems at all.

We put a set of Wranglers on. All of a sudden we have a vibration problem! Pretty bad! Well, to make a long story short, after upgrading from Wranglers to Forterras, balancing 5 or 6 times (even tired different places - goodyear, dealership, and an independent), replacing a rim they said was out of round (ha!), replacing a tie rod, replacing front brakes, alignment, and thorough inspection by dealership that gave us in writing that everything is within specs, we still have a bad vibration problem.

I can't tell you how frustrated we are with this!

Next week it is going back to Goodyear, as dealership says it has to be the tires. I find it hard to believe with two sets of tires. Goodyear said they will have their mechanic go over it, too. We have spent twice the amount of the tires we originally bought and no improvement whatsoever.

We tow a 29 foot trailer, and are planning some longer trips next summer. I sure hope this truck is in shape by then.

Suggestions? I've seen out of round axle mentioned, driveshaft mentioned (dealership swore both were fine, but I wonder if they 'really' checked it out).

The other thing that is weird is that the rear wheels skip when we turn out at intersections even if we are not stepping on it. I don't know if this has anything to do with the problem.

To me, it is very strange that before the first set of tires it was fine, and all of a sudden it's bad. I wonder if the tire place didn't damage it somehow, but you would think the dealership could find that.

Frustrated, and angry...

 

LLT, Is your vibration a pulsating type of vibration? Ive got it with mine too, the dealer has no idea but Ive finally got a final attempt to repair scheduled, so they can fix out or buy it back. They gave me the whole its in specs, and considered a "normal" issue they reproduce with other trucks.

 

Ya know I hadnt read this thread until..... I start getting a vibration at cruising speeds (55-60) and it feels like a grinding or like a stick shift car in to high of a gear at to low a speed. I cant beleive with all of these vibration complaints that chrysler hasnt come up with a technical service bulliten. I can hosently say i feel a vibration but its ever so slight and not teeth jarring but it is no doubt its there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

ive got the same pulsating vibe at the same 55-65mph smooths out a little at 70-75
also have tire vibration but I think they are two different problems

reading all these threads remind me of when the new f150 came out in 04
there were many with unresolved vibration problems--to the best of my understanding
ford eventually came out with a tsb that involved placing some sort of weight or dampner
on the rear frame to help control the vibes

sounds similar to this dodge problem
hopefully its just a matter of time for a tsb

Josh

 

I worked as a mechanic at a ford dealership when they were having that problem. You are correct it fixed the problem but it had to be placed in a specific spot.

 

Ddodge Ram Owners, I beensitting here reading all thes threads in this part of the forum. I agree, Chrysler has a srious problem.
I have a, see the signature, a new truck 2200 miles on it and a vibration is there also.
If it is posible, go the "Post a Poll section" in this forum and see my experiences. The Dealer's Svc Mgr; in So. Calif; is trying to help. I will follow up, here , when they finish. I had to cancel a 6,000 mile trip due to them not finding the cause 100%.

 

Just an update -


The dealer is now saying they suspect a bent wheel(s) and have ordered replacements. I swear it's in the rear diff, but tires can be funky beasts. Either way, I'm into my 5th repair and as of this week, will hit my 30 day out-of-service mark, so if that thing isn't PERFECT (by my standards) by the end of the week, I'm simply going to call Chrysler and ask for a new truck. If they refuse or play games, I'll just fight them for a full refund. In Virginia, you don't need to submit to their arbitration and they have to refund ALL of my expenses, original and incidental. Taxes, plates, interest, loan payments, etc.

Would be much easier if they don't hide behind their crap quality control.

 

Well I picked mine up this morning after getting my scratched wheels "fixed". One of them still had some scratches so they just pulled a wheel off a truck on the lot and put it on mine. I haven't really driven the truck much since the new tires and I hadn't noticed any more vibrations until today. I did a lot of driving today, and sure enough the vibration is still there. Guess I'll have to schedule another appointment. This is becoming quite annoying.

 

Well something has developed!
The service dept called today. They want me to bring the truck in tomorrow for them to do some specific tests. Don't know yet what type of tests. I was told "the mfg told them "they" have have this type of problem and to test my truck.
I had found that more vib is comeing fromthe right rear, with the wheel and tire off compared to the left. Itold the svc mgr. this new development Monday. LOL, and I hope they KNOW what they are doing anf ind the absolute cause.
I will post an update!

 

Well, I got the truck back today... they replaced the wheels and said "4 new tires will solve the problem" and referred me to Good Year. At this point, I'm not going to even bother. I contacted an attorney and am going to lemon law it and never look back at Chrysler. 24 days out of service, 5 repair orders from 2 dealers. I have a fairly strong case and am ready to dump my heap of junk.

Best of luck to those who are going to fight the good fight.

41pawpaw - I'm betting the 'test' they're going to perform is something related to driving the truck in 4-low to see if the vibration persists. They did this on mine and the vibration remained. Good luck nonetheless.