Hello,


I just purchased a 2006 Ram 1500 Laramie Quad Cab w/ 5.7 HEMI. From the time I left the dealer's lot, it had an awful vibration. The dealer was unfortunately closed, but I called the next morning and they said "well, it sat on the lot a good 7+ months, you may want to put a few hundred miles on it to see if it smooths out, it's probably just a flat spot on the tires." Ok, I think... I can accept that. I made a painful, jarring trip of about 700 miles, brought it back and it was no better than when I left.

The vibration can best be described as: Little to no feeling in the steering wheel, however, significant shaking (I'd describe it as shuddering) felt in the seats. It's more predominant in my seat, but still quite noticeable for passengers. It can felt starting at 30 miles, just as/after it shifts and under light/moderate acceleration. It's most noticeable at 45-50mph. Throwing it into neuteral does alleviate the symptoms. It's also worth noting that the transmission, when shifting from neuteral to R or neuteral to D or vice-versa -- a "clunk" and a general feeling of looseness if felt. I'm not sure if this is normal or not.

I took it to the local Chrysler dealer initially... the tech said he didn't even make it down the street and could tell something was seriously wrong and brought it right back. They "match-mounted" "laser force balanced" blah blah the tires and the vibration was, to their credit, less life ruining than before, but still nowhere near normal. So, I took it back to the same dealer and grabbed the tech to go out on a test drive. He said "I feel something, but I don't know what it is. We don't sell Dodges here so I don't have anything to compare it to." Fair enough. He then said "I'll tell you what though, these 20" goodyear tires suck, I don't know why Chrysler uses them. If you throw a set of Michelins on this, I guarantee you'd notice an improvement." I politely explained I have no doubt goodyear sucks as I've been down that road (sic) before, however, with only 700 miles on the clock, the quality of the tires should not be my problem. Further, the wheels and tires have been rotated and balanced twice now. I've never, to-date, felt anything significant in the steering wheel... it's always in the seat, no matter how they rotate or balance the tires. Further, the shaking/vibration subsides when in neuteral (eg. going downhill)

I then took it to a Dodge dealer... they gave me the classic "cannot reproduce, within chrysler specifications" unhelpful rhetoric and sent me on my way. Thankfully I have other vehicles to drive while this crap Ram is being dealt with as it's truly a life ruining experience driving it. I've let several people, employees, etc. drive and ride in it just to ensure I'm not insane (more than usual) and all, even my wife who wouldn't notice if her motor throw a piston right through the firewall and into her lap, commented on how awful it is.

There's another Dodge dealer that's agreed to take a look at it on Thursday. I'm hopeful it will be resolved, but I'm not sure what direction to point them in and let's be honest, dealers need pointing.

Has anyone else experienced this problem and if so, what was the cause? It almost feels like an engine miss combined with a worn/frozen u-joint. The vibration itself feels like torque converter shudder.

Any help you could provide would be greatly, greatly appreciated!

Also, if anyone has any information on the 30 day return promotion Chrysler offers, I'd appreciate that as well. I know about the restock and mileage fees. Does it have to be financed through Chrysler (I paid cash) and does it have to be returned to the selling dealer?



Thank you in advance for your help!!

 

You may want to look into the lemon law. I had a problem on a used car that persisted for about two months. In New York the lemon law stated to me said if you have the same problem that has been repaired or adjusted three or more times you have the right to return this vehicle for full reimbursement. I stated this to the dealership and they became very helpful in helping me get a great deal on another car I hope this helps you
good luck

 

The problem is, only the first dealer has verified that a problem exists. The second dealer said "within chrysler specification." We'll see what the third dealer says... I was just hoping someone else may have an idea so I'm better prepared.

Thanks.

 

Sounds like a bent driveshaft.

 

LLT I dont know if i am feeling the same thing in my 06 but around 60 i can definantly feel vibration and it is not in the steering it is in the seat. i pull a 7x16 trailer and with the trailer i get it very bad at 50 i took my truck to the dealer i got it from of course they couldnt find any problems. I asked if they ballanced my tires they said of course, although not a mark on the dirty rims showed sign of someone touching them. When I have the trailer hooked up the vibration will rattle my teeth it is bad. Others said that mine is because of my trailer not riding level but i do still feel it without the trailer. If you make any headway on this let us know. I gotta find time to get to the dealer to let the tech ride with me so i can show them how to produce the problem.

 

You guys might want to consider putting the rear wheels up, and running a dial indicator on the center of the drive shaft. There should be virtually no run out. If it proves straight,
make sure the wheels are well chocked, then fire it up, put it in gear and see if you can find it. It might work better if you have someone else there to help.

 

So when you put it in Neutral while driving, does the vibration go away?? If so it's deff. in the drivetrain,... U-joints, driveshaft, ect..!! Since rotating the tires didn't change anything, it most likely isn't the tires.!!

 

As an update, the dealer finally verified that there is in fact a problem. Thus far, they've balanced, rebalanced and rebalanced the tires, cross-matched, blah blah blah. They said it hasn't helped. Tomorrow they're going to pull the wheels off another Ram in stock and give that a shot. If that doesn't help, they said they'll start looking at drivetrain. I'm just happy they've verified it. If nothing else, I now have a leg to stand on regarding dumping it under the lemon law.

Hopefully they'll get it resolved as I do like the truck. I'll definitely keep you posted.

 

Bad driveshaft combined with bad wheels/tires.
If it got better after having the wheels balanced, it indicates they were part of the problem.
I'd wager you happened to get one of the very rare defective drive shafts in addition to your tire issues.
Don't settle for less than a fully satisfactory vehicle... Keep copious records of every minute the truck is at the shop.
You'll have a strong lemon case if things aren't made right.

You deserve to be able to enjoy an 06 as much as I do!!!!!!!!

 

I have somewhat of the same problem. On a nice smooth road it feels like the tires are wobbling. I can see the steering wheel moving just a tad back and forth. Its a wierd feeling. I am taking it in for its 1st oil change next week, and figured I would have them look at it then. Keep us informed, as I will do the same.