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TSB 02-001-07 REV. A

When Braking The Vehicle May Drift To One Side Or Exhibits A Body Shudder

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Date: March 31, 2007   

THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 02-001-07, DATED JANUARY 20, 2007, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. ALL REVISIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH **ASTERISKS** AND INCLUDE A CHANGE TO A LABOR OPERATION NUMBER.

Models: 2006 - 2007 (DR) Ram Truck (1500)

NOTE: This bulletin applies to 4x2 and 4x4 light duty (1500 model) vehicles built on or before November 27, 2006 (MDH 1127XX).

Overview:
This bulletin involves identifying the type of vehicle drift that may be present and implementing the appropriate repair procedures for the type of vehicle drift

Symptom/Condition:
The customer when braking may experience a vehicle drift to one side and/or a vehicle body shudder. This condition may be more noticeable when brakes are applied at speeds of 88 km/h (55 mph). The vehicle body shudder may exhibit itself as: steering wheel shake, brake pedal pulsation, or seat or floor vibration.

Diagnosis:

1. Verify that all four (4) vehicle road tires are in good condition
   
2. Verify that the tire pressure in all four (4) vehicle road tires are set to 241 Kpa (35 psi).
   
3. Road test the vehicle in a safe environment on a flat and level road at a highway speed of approximately 88 km/h (55 mph).
   
4. Without applying the vehicle brakes. Does the vehicle exhibit a drift to the left, right, or both sides on a flat and level road? Record the direction of vehicle drift.
      a. If YES > then perform the section of the Repair Procedure for "Front Tire Cross-Switch and Front End Alignment".
      b. If NO > then proceed to the next step.
   
5. Apply the vehicle brakes. On a flat and level road, does the vehicle exhibit a shudder or drift to the left, right, or both sides that is different than when the vehicle brakes are not applied? Evaluate the vehicle when braking several times (during deceleration, at the end of a stop, or during light, moderate, or hard stops).
      a. If YES > then perform the section of the Repair Procedure for "Front Lower Control Arm Bushings Replacement".
      b. If NO > then this bulletin does not apply

Parts Required:

Qty.	Part No.	Description
(AR) 2	55366844AD	Bushing, Front Lower Control Arm (Front)
(AR) 2	55366746AE	Bushing, Front Lower Control Arm (Rear)

Special Tools/Equipment Required:

Repair Procedure: 

A. Front Tire Cross-Switch and Front End Alignment
1.	Cross-switch the front tire and wheel assemblies (left front to right front, and right front to left front).
2.	With the front tire and wheel assemblies removed, inspect the front brakes for problems (i.e. grease, dragging brake pads, etc.) that may cause a drift condition.
3.	Verify that the front suspension components are in good condition.
4.	Align the vehicle front end to the following specifications:

FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATION
	LEFT	RIGHT	CROSS (Lt - Rt)
CASTER	3.50° ± 0.50°	3.90° ± 0.50°	- 0.40° ± 0.20°
CAMBER	0.10° ± 0.50°	- 0.10° ± 0.50°	0.20° ± 0.20°
			SUM (Lt + Rt)
TOE (toe-in)	0.18°	0.18°	0.36°

NOTE: Follow the above alignment specification. Pay particular attention to large differences in: left to right caster and left to right toe readings.
5.	Road test the vehicle to verify that the condition has been corrected.

B. Front Lower Control Arm Bushings Replacement:
1.	Replace the left and right side front lower control arm bushings. Refer to TechCONNECT for detailed repair procedures: select the SERVICE INFO tab > 2 - SUSPENSION > FRONT > BUSHINGS > REMOVAL and INSTALLATION.
NOTE: For the front lower control arm, the front (leading) bushing is different from the rear (trailing) bushing. Take care to install the correct bushing.
2.	Verify that the front suspension components are in good condition.
3.	Align the vehicle front end to the following specification:

FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT SPECIFICATION
	LEFT	RIGHT	CROSS (Lt - Rt)
CASTER	3.50° ± 0.50°	3.90° ± 0.50°	- 0.40° ± 0.20°
CAMBER	0.10° ± 0.50°	- 0.10° ± 0.50°	0.20° ± 0.20°
			SUM (Lt + Rt)
TOE (toe-in)	0.18°	0.18°	0.36°

NOTE: Follow the above alignment specification. Pay particular attention to large differences in: left to right caster and left to right toe readings.
4.	Road test the vehicle to verify that the condition has been corrected.

Policy:    Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.

Time Allowance:

Failure Code:

This page was edited on: July 25, 2007