After looking up the cause for why my Hemi is ticking I found that I have at lease two broken manifold bolts.

Any idea what I can expect to pay to have it fixed at a dealership?

I have 85k on the truck. So I doubt it is covered by any warranty.

 

First of all, don't sell yourself short on the warranty. Are you the original owner? if so, then you're probably covered. The '09s have lifetime power-train and the '10s and up have a 5 year 100k on the warranty.

Depending on if the bolts (studs) can be removed from the head easily with an easy-out, then labor is about 3 hours. I watched the work get done on my '09 while I was on the road on vacation and the mechanic actually did the job in about 2 hours (or less) but he was hustling to get me back on the road (I need to add that West Motors in Preston Idaho really came through for us and saved our vacation). Parts needed are a new gasket and 4 bolts per side (he only did one side). My local dealer has a labor rate of about $117/hour so figure $350 (3 hours) plus parts. They will probably cite you 4 hours labor as the stealerships like to inflate everything. So your probably in the $500 range.

The side I watched get repaired was the drivers, they put the truck up on a lift, removed the front wheel and removed the wheel well liner, all of the bolts, got the manifold out of the way, removed the broken studs, reinstalled new studs, new gasket and reassembly. All of the work was done from the wheel well.

 

The manifold bolts were a recall item. I've had mine fixed twice already - not sure if the same ones broke again or more of them.

 

They may have had some issues with the exhaust manifold gaskets, which could explain why you had yours done twice. Both gaskets have been changed a few times judging from the part numbers (53032965-AF & 53032966-AF). When they replaced the broken studs on my 2010 the technician said that the new gaskets would resolve the issue.

You can (usually) tell when a Chrysler part has been revised by the last alpha character in the part number, ie: 53032965-AF

(Are you listen, General Motors?)

In this case the part number indicates that the part has been changed in form, fit, function, or material five times from the originally issuance.


Regards,
Dusty

2014 Ram Big Horn 1500 Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP70, 3.92 LSD, factory dual exhaust, 20” wheels. Now at: 004400 miles.

 

I called a local dealer. I was told it is not a recall item but it possibly under warranty.

However 2009 Rams only have a 3/36,000 drivetrain. Does that sound right.

 

original owners of 2009 Rams have (had) a 3 year 36k bumper to bumper and lifetime power-train warranty. The 3/36 applies to all owners but the lifetime only to original buyers.

The original broken bolts were replaced under a TSB if I remember correctly. I, as oldjeep, had both sides bolts replaced before they broke but they did not change out the gasket the first time. The bolts snapped on both sides some time later, that time, they replaced the gaskets. So this goes along with what Dusty says.

 

It looks like the bolts are broken off flush with the manifold.

I have the tools but do not want to get into drilling and tapping the block. What are the chances of me being able to back the bolt out without it snapping flush with the block?

 

Your chances are not good.


Are you the original owner? How many miles?


If this repair isn't covered by any warranty and your dealer has been good to you, and you've been good to your dealer, the dealer has the power to use some of their discretionary budget to help you with a repair. Chrysler, too, may be appealed to for helping out.


I'm an old wrench turner and this is one of those repairs that would now be off my list. And I think you want the factory supplied upgraded parts as well.


Good luck and I hope Chrysler and/or your dealer helps you with this.


Best regards,
Dusty


2014 Ram Big Horn 1500 Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP70, 3.92 LSD, factory dual exhaust, 20” wheels. Now at: 004500 miles.

 

I haven't looked at how tight the working space is but I just finished helping my younger brother do a similar repair on his 328i BMW. I'm 58 YO, and my best days as a mechanic are over but I may be tempted to at least try this repair depending on how much the dealer wants. I've also done this repair on my old 914 porsche, that one was a real B--ch.

If you are lucky they studs may come right out. First thing to do is to get an angle drill with some brand new bits, get several as they dull fast. These bolts are not that hard so drilling them should be fairly easy (assuming you have the space). Get some liquid wrench and saturate the studs the night before to give it time to penetrate. After drilling the holes the next morning and with a set of easy outs try to back them off. If it works great, if not put it back together and take it to the dealer. Chances are that they will come out.

 

Pedro,


The other thing to consider is the Ram techs are probably familiar with this repair operation and know all the pitfalls and short cuts.


You've done this on a 914??? Good Lord, that must've been fun!


Best regards,
Dusty


2014 Ram Big Horn 1500 Quad Cab 2WD, 5.7 Hemi, 8HP70, 3.92 LSD, factory dual exhaust, 20” wheels. Now at: 004500 miles.