Yes, if the nut hasn't backed off then I believe they can simply install a retainer to ensure the nut can't back off in future. The frustration I had was that my pinion nut had backed off, before the recall parts were available, so the dealer put another pinion nut on with Loctite as a temporary "fix". Shortly after that, the recall parts became available but instead of reconditioning the axle/differential they simply put another nut on with retainer. 3 - 4 hours later the differential bearings went and they had to replace..

 

The following partial dealer service instructions are for Recall N08.. Figures (photos) have not been included.

 Copyright 2013, Chrysler Group LLC, All Rights Reserved
September 2013
Dealer Service Instructions for:
Safety Recall N08 / NHTSA 13V-038
Rear Axle Pinion Nut
NOTE: Vehicles that are involved in Safety Recall M34 are not included in this recall.
2009 - 2012 (DS) RAM Truck (1500 series)
(ND) Dodge Dakota
2009 (HB) Dodge Durango
(HG) Chrysler Aspen
NOTE: This recall applies only to the above vehicles equipped with a 9.25 rear axle (sales code DRB) or a C235 rear axle (sales code DRN).
Subject
The rear axle pinion nut on about 278,000 of the above vehicles may loosen due to undersized pinion shaft splines. A loose pinion nut could cause the rear axle to seize or cause the driveshaft to separate resulting in a loss of motive power. Either situation could cause a crash without warning.
Models IMPORTANT: Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer used vehicle inventory. Dealers should complete this recall service on these vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers should also perform this recall on vehicles in for service. Involved vehicles can be determined by using the VIP inquiry process.
Repair
The rear axle pinion nut must be inspected. Rear axles found with a loose pinion nut and/or a seized up rear axle assembly must be reconditioned. Rear axles with a 6-point pinion nut that has not loosened will have a pinion nut retainer installed. All rear axles with a 12-point pinion nut require no additional repairs.
Repair Procedure
A. Inspect Rear Axle Pinion Nut
1. If the rear axle has locked up and/or has completely failed, continue to Section B. Recondition Rear Axle. If the axle seems to be functioning properly, continue with Step 2 of this inspection procedure.
2. Lift the vehicle on an appropriate hoist.
3. Mark the propeller shaft-to-companion flange to maintain orientation during installation of the propeller shaft (Figure 1).
4. Remove and discard the four rear propeller shaft retaining bolts.
5. Separate the propeller shaft from the companion flange and set the end of the propeller shaft onto a jack stand.
CAUTION: Do not allow the propeller shaft to hang from the transmission/transfer case unsupported.
6. If the rear axle is equipped with a:
 12 point pinion nut, the rear axle requires no repair (Figure 2). Using new bolts, install the propeller shaft to the companion flange. Tighten the bolts to 85 ft. lbs. (115 N·m). Return the vehicle to the customer.
 6 point pinion nut, continue with Step 7 of this procedure.
7. Place a mark on the pinion nut and pinion shaft as shown in Figure 3.
8. Place the Position Holder 6719A against the companion flange and install a bolt and washer in the threaded holes (Figure 4). Tighten the bolts so the Position Holder 6719A is held to the flange.
9. Using a torque wrench, tighten the pinion nut to 50 ft. lbs. (68 N·m) (Figure 5).
10. Inspect the mark placed on the pinion nut and pinion shaft:
 If the pinion nut mark has not moved (Figure 6), continue with Step 11 of this procedure.
 If the pinion nut mark has moved (Figure 6), the ring and pinion must be replaced. Continue with Section B. Recondition Rear Axle.
11. Using a torque wrench, tighten the pinion nut to 100 ft. lbs. (135 N·m) (Figure 5).
12. Again, inspect the mark placed on the pinion nut and pinion shaft:
 If the pinion nut mark has not moved (Figure 6), continue with Section C. Install Pinion Nut Retainer Ring.
 If the pinion nut mark has moved (Figure 6), the ring and pinion must be inspected and/or replaced if necessary. Continue with Section B. Recondition Rear Axle.
B. Recondition Rear Axle
NOTE: Only rear axles with a loose pinion nut and/or a complete axle failure, as determined by the inspection in Section A, require reconditioning. Very few vehicles are expected to require rear axle reconditioning.

 

I just received this letter in the mail about the recall. I bought the truck with the 3.55 axle, and about three years ago way before the pinion nut issue was known, i was towing my camper across Canada and the rear end started whining really bad and was getting worst (think i had started a thread way back about that). But anyways I went to the dealership in Fort St. John BC, which is where i was working, and got them to look at it. They phoned me back saying the rear end was pretty much pooched and needed new gears and the whole nine yards. I asked if this would be warranty since my truck was basically new, he asked if i had records of the diff oil change, I said no. So they denied the warranty because i didn't change the oil in on time, (forget how much i was off by). So i just told them to change the front and back to 4.56 due to my bigger tires, and better towing abilities, i never really argued much more just wanted my truck fixed, I was out there for work.

Now my suspicion here after this entire pinion nut ordeal is that my diff may have started whining really bad because of that nut backing off, and not because of me not changing the oil. Personally I don't think not changing the oil would cause the diff to all of a sudden start whining really bad, and it was loud, I thought it was about to explode, but luckily i got to Fort St. John in time.

I'm curious to see if I'd be able to file a claim asking a refund for the diff work they did probably 3 or so years ago when it happened. Of course I have no proof to show that it was the pinion nut that backed off, but I have a hard time believing my rear diff went because of the oil not being changed.

Opinions here please.

 

I definitely think it's worth sending a letter and repair receipts to Chrysler. Not sure about the US, but the recall letter from Chrysler Canada states that if you've had the problem repaired prior to the recall notice you will be reimbursed. Not changing the diff fluid may be an out for them, but at the same time the issue with the pinion nut is now well-known. Your description of the noise etc was exactly how my truck sounded 3 hours AFTER they did the recall (new pinion nut and retainer) and then had to replace all the bearings in the diff. I can only speak from my own personal experience, and that is that Chrysler Canada has been very fair with me with respect to "goodwill" repairs when my truck was out of warranty. Good luck.

 

So what are the symptoms of the loose pinion nut? Just whining from the diff? I've been having serious vibrations in the gas pedal and now it's in the steering wheel. It even started the 'death wobble'. I have an ever slight whine. At first I thought it was my tires going bad but getting new tires didn't help. After the new tires it truly felt like the rear axle needed to be aligned.

 

If you think the pinion has backed off, Then you should have the pinion nut inspected. The symptoms maybe a loud whining sound from the differential.

 

Well they moved me to the top of the list after I told them what was going on. I couldn't get a loaner though so I am car-less.

 

BullyT, I have the exact same issue with mine going on. Checked to see if I needed the recall done while I got a brake job done. While driving away from the dealership i heard the grinding noise/growl and thought maybe it was something with the brakes. Nope! Pinion bearing needs to be replaced. took it in today for hopefully a complete fix.

 

Do you guys think that if I changed out the gears for bigger ratio would I still be covered under the recall??

 

If you did replace the ring and pinion to a different size, and the ring and pinion needs to be replace. They will most likely install the factory set. You may want to ask dodgecares about what may or may not be covered.