I stopped by a dealer yesterday to ask about the pinion nut recall and if parts were in yet. Also asked about the recall for tie rod ends from awhile ago.

Service guy told me that they will inspect it and only replace parts if the parts are bad. I thought that if my truck was identified as part of the recall that they'd replace the parts even if they haven't failed yet - that would kinda be the point of a recall, right?

 

I'm not here to defend Chrysler but my understanding of thier implementation of a recall is simply reassure thier consumers thier products are safe and to damage control the brand.

It's a ploy to scare you into returning to your dealer as you have concerns and a false security that thier a warranty on your truck.

And as you have found out, your dealer is determined to decide the mechanical fitness of the existing parts before replacing the recalled parts.

If the nstb forced Chrysler to recall for safety issues,
a dodge dealer is breaking the law by not replacing safety related components..

If Chrysler parts suppliers had a bad run of parts in the over all average, and you got the mim standard that meets expectations, than no, thier not going to be replaced.

Recalls are based on time of production, and Vin numbers..

 

I hope this helps. If you have any questions. Just the call the 800 number on this forum that i posted.

__________________________________________________ ____________________________________
SAFETY RECALL N08 / NHTSA 13V-038
REAR AXLE PINION NUT
Dear: (Name)
This interim notification letter is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Chrysler has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in some 2009 model year Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango vehicles; and 2009 through 2012 model year Dodge Dakota and Ram 1500 series trucks equipped with a 9.25” rear axle.
The problem is...
The rear axle pinion nut on your truck (VIN: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx) may have been built without an adhesive patch on the pinion nut threads. The lack of this adhesive patch could allow the rear axle pinion nut to loosen and/or the rear driveshaft to separate from the rear axle. A loose pinion nut could cause the rear axle to seize and a separated driveshaft could cause a loss of motive power. Either situation could cause a crash without warning.
What Chrysler is doing...
Chrysler intends to repair your vehicle free of charge (parts and labor). The parts required to provide a permanent remedy for this condition are currently not available. Chrysler will contact you again by mail, with a follow-up recall notice, when the remedy parts are available.
What you must do to ensure your safety...
Once you receive your follow-up recall notice in the mail, simply contact your Chrysler, Jeep, or Dodge dealer right away to schedule a service appointment. Ask the dealer to hold the parts for your vehicle or to order them before your appointment.
If you need help...
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Chrysler Group Recall Assistance Center at 1-800-853-1403.
Please help us update our records by filling out the attached prepaid postcard if any of the conditions listed on the card apply to you or your vehicle. You may also update this information on the web at www.chrysler.com/ownersreg or www.dodge.com/ownersreg.
If you have already experienced this condition and have paid to have it repaired, please send your original receipts and/or other adequate proof of payment to the following address for reimbursement: Chrysler Customer Assistance, P.O. Box 21-8007, Auburn Hills, MI 48321-8007, Attention: Reimbursement. Once we receive and verify the required documents, reimbursement will be sent to you within 60 days.
If your dealer fails or is unable to remedy this defect without charge and within a reasonable time, you may submit a written complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E., Washington, DC 20590, or call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
We're sorry for any inconvenience, but we are sincerely concerned about your safety. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Customer Services / Field Operations
Chrysler Group LLC
Notification Code N08

 

Sounds like what your dealer said he would do, inspect and replace if bad, is not the recall. As far as anyone knows, the instructions to the dealer for the recall have yet to be determined.

 

Here is the recall for the tie rod end. The sevice tech is correct. Just read the whole recall notice.

 Copyright 2012, Chrysler Group LLC, All Rights Reserved
Revised October 2012
Dealer Service Instructions for:
Safety Recall L16 - Left Tie Rod
NOTE: A date range has been added for steering linkage replacement with Mopar service parts.
2008 (DH) Ram Truck 2500 series (4x4)
NOTE: This recall applies only to the above vehicles equipped with four wheel drive and built at the St Louis Assembly Plant (“J” in the 11th VIN Position) from February 14, 2008 through September 22, 2008 (MDH 021400 through 092217).
2008 (DH) Ram Truck 1500 Mega Cab (4x4)
2008 - 2009 (DH) Ram Truck 2500 (4x4)
2008 - 2009 (D1) Ram Truck 3500 (4x4)
2010 - 2011 (DJ) Ram Truck 2500 (4x4)
2010 - 2011 (D2) Ram Truck 3500 (4x4)
2008 - 2010 (DC) Ram Truck 3500 Cab Chassis
2011 (DD) Ram Truck 3500 Cab Chassis
NOTE: This recall applies only to the above vehicles built at the Saltillo Assembly Plant (“G” in the 11th VIN Position) from February 14, 2008 through March 28, 2011 (MDH 021400 through 032823). Models
Safety Recall L16 – Left Tie Rod Page 2
2003 – 2004 (DR) Ram Truck 2500/3500 (4x4)
2006 – 2008 (DH) Ram Truck 1500 Mega Cab (4x4)
2006 – 2008 (D1) Ram Truck 3500 (4x4)
2007 – 2008 (DC) Ram Truck 3500 Cab Chassis
2005 – 2008 (DH) Ram Truck 2500 (4x4)
2005 (DH) Ram Truck 3500 (4x4)
NOTE: This recall applies only to the above vehicles that were built between July 12, 2002 and February 13, 2011 and had the steering linkage replaced with Mopar service parts between February 14, 2008 and August 09, 2011.
The left tie rod ball stud on about 208,000 of the above vehicles may fracture under certain driving conditions. This could cause a loss of directional control and/or a crash without warning.
The same vehicles may also have a loose front track bar bolt. This could cause a rattle or banging noise under certain driving conditions.
The vehicle must be inspected for the type of steering linkage the vehicle is equipped with and those found with a certain linkage configuration must have the right and left tie rod angles measured. If the tie rod angles are not within specification, the left tie rod must be replaced.
Also, the front track bar mounting bolt must be tightened to the proper torque specification on all affected vehicles. Models (Continued) IMPORTANT: Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer new vehicle inventory. Federal law requires you to complete this recall service on these vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers should also consider this requirement to apply to used vehicle inventory and should perform this recall on vehicles in for service. Involved vehicles can be determined by using the VIP inquiry process. Subject Repair
Safety Recall L16 – Left Tie Rod Page 3
Part Number Description
CBRCL160AA Left Tie Rod Package
Each package contains the following components:
Quantity Description
1 Tie Rod
1 Nut, Hex Lock
Each dealer to whom vehicles in the recall were assigned will receive enough Left Tie Rod Packages to service about 5% of those vehicles.
The following special tool is required to perform this repair:
 10326 Kit, Tie Rod Alignment
 8677 Puller, Tie Rod
NOTE: Special Tool 10326 was released to dealers in November of 2010. Service Bulletin 19-001-11 was also issued to alert dealers to the new service tool and procedure for setting toe on the affected, and all subsequent, vehicles. Parts Information Special Tools
Safety Recall L16 – Left Tie Rod Page 4
A. Inspect Steering Linkage Type
1. Look under the front of the vehicle and inspect the steering linkage at the steering damper mounting point:
 If the steering damper mounts to the tie rod tube as shown in Figure 1, the steering linkage is good. Continue with Section D. Tighten Front Track Bar Bolt.
 If the steering damper mounts to the tie rod tube as shown in Figure 2, the vehicle will require further inspection and/or repair. Continue with Section B. Inspect Tie Rod Angles.
Service Procedure
Figure 1 – Steering Linkage
Figure 2 – Steering Linkage
TIE ROD TUBE
STEERING DAMPER
STEERING DAMPER
STEERING DAMPER BRACKET
U-BOLTS
TIE ROD TUBE
Safety Recall L16 – Left Tie Rod Page 5
B. Inspect Tie Rod Angles
1. The vehicle must meet the following criteria before measuring the tie rod angles:
 Vehicle on level surface.
 Full vehicle weight on front tires.
 Bottom side of both tie rods must be clean and free of any burrs.
2. Install Special Tool 10326-1 and 10326-2 onto the bottom surface of the right side tie rod as shown in Figure 3. Special Tool 10326-1 should be centered on the tie rod.
3. Measure the angle of the right side tie rod. Record the number displayed on the inclinometer gauge.
Service Procedure
Figure 3 - Measure Right Side Tie Rod Angle
SPECIAL TOOL 10326-1
SPECIAL TOOL 10326-2
RIGHT SIDE TIE ROD END
Safety Recall L16 – Left Tie Rod Page 6
4. Install Special Tool 10326-1 and 10326-2 onto the bottom surface of the left side tie rod as shown in Figure 4. Special Tool 10326-1 should be centered on the tie rod.
5. Measure the angle of the left side tie rod. Record the number displayed on the inclinometer gauge.
6. Determine how many degrees difference there is between the right and left tie rod:
 If the difference in the angle of the right and left tie rod is 5 degrees or less, the tie rod does not need to be replaced. Continue with Section D. Tighten Front Track Bar Bolt.
 If the difference in the angle of the right and left tie rod is more than 5 degrees, replace the tie rod. Continue with Section C – Replace Left Tie Rod.
Service Procedure (Continued)
Figure 4 - Measure Left Side Tie Rod Angle
SPECIAL TOOL 10326-1
LEFT SIDE TIE ROD END
SPECIAL TOOL 10326-2
Safety Recall L16 – Left Tie Rod Page 7
C. Replace Left Tie Rod
1. Lift the vehicle on an appropriate hoist.
2. Remove the left front wheel.
3. Loosen the left tie rod adjuster clamp nut and bolt (Figure 5).
4. Apply Mopar Rust Penetrant (P/N 04318039AC) or equivalent to the tie rod threads (Figure 3).
5. Remove and discard the tie rod retaining nut (Figure 5).
6. Separate the tie rod from the left knuckle using Special Tool 8677 (Figure 6).
7. While counting the number of turns, unscrew the original tie rod from the drag link. Record the number of turns.
NOTE: The threads on the tie rod are right handed threads.
8. Discard the original tie rod.
Service Procedure (Continued)
Figure 5 – Steering Components
Figure 6 – Special Tool 8677
LOOSEN LEFT TIE ROD ADJUSTER CLAMP NUT AND BOLT
APPLY RUST PENETRANT TO TIE ROD THREADS
TIE ROD RETAINING NUT
SPECIAL TOOL 8677
Safety Recall L16 – Left Tie Rod Page 8
9. Apply a light coat of Mopar Anti-Seize Lubricant (P/N05012249AB) or equivalent to the threads of the new tie rod (Figure 7).
10. Thread the new tie rod into the drag link the number of turns noted in Step 7 of this procedure.
NOTE: There should be the same amount of exposed threads on each side of the tie rod sleeve.
11. Clean the tapered bore in the steering knuckle with Mopar Brake Cleaner (P/N 04897150AB) or equivalent (Figure 8).
CAUTION: Failure to clean the steering knuckle arm tapered hole may cause the tie rod connection to the steering knuckle to not seat properly. The steering knuckle arm tapered hole must be clean and dry.
12. Remove any grease or dirt from the tie rod stud before installing the stud into the steering knuckle arm tapered hole (Figure 8).
13. Place the tie rod stud into the steering knuckle arm and install the tie rod retaining nut. Tighten the nut to 75 ft. lbs. (102 N·m).
Service Procedure (Continued)
Figure 7 – Apply Light Coat of Anti-Seize
Figure 8 – Clean Steering Knuckle Arm Tapered Hole and Tie Rod Stud
TIE ROD THREADS
REMOVE GREASE AND DIRT FROM TIE ROD STUD
CLEAN STEERING KNUCKLE ARM TAPERED HOLE
LEFT TIE ROD
Safety Recall L16 – Left Tie Rod Page 9
14. Snug the left tie rod adjuster clamp nut and bolt.
15. Install the left front wheel. Tighten the wheel lug nuts to:
 Lug Nut 9/16 x 18 with 60° Cone (1500) 130 ft. lbs. (176 N·m).
 Lug Nut 9/16 x 18 with 60° Cone (2500, 3500 - SRW) 140 ft. lbs. (190 N·m).
 Lug Nut 9/16 x 18 with Flat Washer (3500 - DRW) 145 ft. lbs. (197 N·m).
16. Lower the vehicle from the hoist and move the vehicle to an appropriate alignment rack.
17. Set the toe-in and center the steering wheel following the alignment rack manufacturer’s instructions.
NOTE: Toe should be set to +0.20ş total toe on all models.
18. The vehicle must meet the following criteria before measuring the tie rod angles:
 Vehicle on level surface.
 Full vehicle weight on the tires.
 Bottom side of both tie rods must be clean.
 Bottom side of both tie rods must not have burrs.
Service Procedure (Continued)
Safety Recall L16 – Left Tie Rod Page 10
19. Install Special Tool 10326-1 and 10326-2 onto the bottom surface of the right side tie rod as shown in Figure 9.
20. Measure the angle of the right side tie rod. Record the number displayed on the inclinometer gauge.
Service Procedure (Continued)
Figure 9 – Measure Right Side Tie Rod Angle
PLACE TOOL AGAINST THE BOTTOM OF THE RIGHT SIDE TIE ROD
SPECIAL TOOL 10326-1
SPECIAL TOOL 10326-2
Safety Recall L16 – Left Tie Rod Page 11
21. Install Special Tool 10326-1 and 10326-2 onto the bottom surface of the left side tie rod as shown in Figure 10.
22. Adjust the left tie rod so that the same angle appears on the inclinometer gauge as was measured on the right tie rod.
NOTE: The objective is to have both tie rods at the same angle.
23. Tighten tie rod adjuster clamps to 40 ft. lbs. (54 N·m).
24. Recheck both right and left tie rod angles. The right and left tie rod angles must be the same. If the tie rod angles are different, loosen the left tie rod adjuster clamp and adjust left tie rod as required.
WARNING: Failure to have the same right and left tie rod angles will cause the condition this recall is addressing to still be present.
25. Continue with Section D. Tighten Front Track Bar Bolt. Service Procedure (Continued)
Figure 10 – Adjust the Left Tie Rod Angle to Match Right Tie Rod Angle
SPECIAL TOOL 10326-2
SPECIAL TOOL 10326-1
PLACE TOOL AGAINST THE BOTTOM OF THE LEFT SIDE TIE ROD
Safety Recall L16 – Left Tie Rod Page 12
D. Tighten Front Track Bar Bolt
1. Turn the steering wheel to the full right position.
2. Tighten the track bar bolt at the axle (see chart below for tightening specification).
NOTE: The vehicle must be on a level surface with full weight on the wheels before tightening the track bolt (Figure 11).
Socket Size
Ft. Lbs.
N·m
18 mm
170
230
21mm
221
300
Service Procedure (Continued)
Figure 11 – Tighten Track Bar Bolt at Axle
SWAY BAR
STEERING DAMPER
TORQUE WRENCH
RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING
THE SOCKET SIZE USED TO TIGHTEN THE BOLT WILL DETERMINE THE TIGHTENING SPECIFICATION
(SEE CHART ABOVE)
Safety Recall L16 – Left Tie Rod Page 13
Claims for vehicles that have been serviced must be submitted on the DealerCONNECT Claim Entry Screen located on the Service tab. Claims submitted will be used by Chrysler to record recall service completions and provide dealer payments.
Use one of the following labor operation numbers and time allowances:
Labor Operation Time
Number Allowance
Inspect steering linkage type, inspect tie
rod angles and tighten track bar bolt 02-L1-61-82 0.3 hours
Inspect steering linkage type, inspect tie
rod angles, replace left tie rod, set toe
angle and tighten track bar bolt 02-L1-61-83 1.3 hours
Inspect steering linkage type and tighten
track bar bolt 02-L1-61-84 0.2 hours
Add the cost of the recall parts package plus applicable dealer allowance to your claim.
NOTE: See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing Section, for complete recall claim processing instructions.
To view this notification on DealerCONNECT, select “Global Recall System” on the Service tab, then click on the description of this notification.
All involved vehicle owners known to Chrysler are being notified of the service requirement by first class mail. They are requested to schedule appointments for this service with their dealers. A generic copy of the owner letter is attached.
Enclosed with each owner letter is an Owner Notification postcard to allow owners to update our records if applicable. Completion Reporting and Reimbursement Dealer Notification Owner Notification and Service Scheduling
Safety Recall L16 – Left Tie Rod Page 14
All involved vehicles have been entered into the DealerCONNECT Global Recall System (GRS) and Vehicle Information Plus (VIP) for dealer inquiry as needed.
GRS provides involved dealers with an updated VIN list of their incomplete vehicles. The owner’s name, address and phone number are listed if known. Completed vehicles are removed from GRS within several days of repair claim submission.
To use this system, click on the “Service” tab and then click on “Global Recall System.” Your dealer’s VIN list for each recall displayed can be sorted by: those vehicles that were unsold at recall launch, those with a phone number, city, zip code, or VIN sequence.
Dealers must perform this repair on all unsold vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers should also use the VIN list to follow up with all owners to schedule appointments for this repair.
Recall VIN lists may contain confidential, restricted owner name and address information that was obtained from the Department of Motor Vehicles of various states. Use of this information is permitted for this recall only and is strictly prohibited from all other use.
If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please contact your Service and Parts District Manager.
Customer Services / Field Operations
Chrysler Group LLC
Vehicle Lists, Global Recall System, VIP and Dealer Follow Up Additional Information
__________________________________________________ ____________________________________
SAFETY RECALL L16
LEFT TIE ROD
Dear: (Name)
This notice is sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.
Chrysler has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists in some 2008 through 2011 model year Ram Trucks. Also involved are 2003 through 2008 Ram Trucks that had the steering linkage replaced with Mopar service parts.
The problem is...
The left tie rod ball stud on your truck (VIN: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx) may fracture under certain driving conditions. This could cause a loss of directional control and/or a crash without warning. Also, the front axle track bar bolt torque must be checked and tightened if required.
What your dealer will do...
Chrysler will repair your vehicle free of charge (parts and labor). To do this, your dealer will tighten the front axle track bar bolt, inspect the left tie rod end and replace it if required. The work will take about ˝ hour to inspect and an additional hour if the tie rod requires replacement. However, additional time may be necessary depending on service schedules.
What you must do to ensure your safety...
Simply contact your Chrysler, Jeep, or Dodge dealer right away to schedule a service appointment. Ask the dealer to hold the parts for your vehicle or to order them before your appointment. Please bring this letter with you to your dealer.
If you need help...
If you have questions or concerns which your dealer is unable to resolve, please contact the Chrysler Group Recall Assistance Center at 1-800-853-1403.
Please help us update our records by filling out the attached prepaid postcard, if any of the conditions listed on the card apply to you or your vehicle. You may also update this information on the web at CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
If you have already experienced this condition and have paid to have it repaired, please send your original receipts and/or other adequate proof of payment to the following address for reimbursement: Chrysler Customer Assistance, P.O. Box 21-8007, Auburn Hills, MI 48321-8007, Attention: Reimbursement. Once we receive and verify the required documents, reimbursement will be sent to you within 60 days.
If your dealer fails or is unable to remedy this defect without charge and within a reasonable time, you may submit a written complaint to the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave., S.E., Washington, DC 20590, or call the toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
We're sorry for any inconvenience, but we are sincerely concerned about your safety. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Customer Services / Field Operations
Chrysler Group LLC
Notification Code L16

 

Hmmmmm, i posted a comment in here and its get deleted....???

 

Try posting it again and see what happens. just a suggestion.

 

I noticed i had some other posts that were deleted too, so i`m thinkin someone may be a touch sore at me.
Oh well, if thats the case, and they want to "delete/dictate" who can say what in here....

 

Maybe more information and less whining - I'm a bit amazed that they haven't banned you yet.

 

The tie rod recall I'm referring to says specifically that both outer tie rod ends must be replaced. I'm thinking maybe the dealer was referring to a different tie rod recall. Here's what mine says:

Customer Satisfaction Notification L04

Outer Tie Rod Ends
NOTE: The wheel lug nut torque specification has been revised.
IMPORTANT: Only vehicles “shipped to” or “sold to” cold weather states are involved. See “Owner Notification and Service Scheduling” section for a list of cold weather states.
2009-2010 (DS) Ram Truck (1500 series)
NOTE: This notification applies only to the above vehicles in cold weather states built through May 29, 2010 (MDH 052901).
The outer tie rod ends on about 89,000 of the above vehicles may experience water ingression in one or both outer tie rod ends. This could cause a rattling or clunking noise under certain driving conditions.
Both outer tie rod ends must be replaced.
Models IMPORTANT: Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer vehicle inventory. Dealers should complete this repair on these vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers should also perform this repair on vehicles in for service. Involved vehicles can be determined by using the VIP inquiry process. Subject Repair
Customer Satisfaction Notification L04 – Outer Tie Rod Ends Page 2
Part Number Description
CEMFL040AA Tie Rod End Package
Each package contains the following components:
Quantity Description
2 Tie Rod Ends
2 Nut, Tie Rod End Ball Stud
2 Nut, Tie Rod Jam
Part Number Description
05012249AB Compound, Anti-Seize