Safety Recall #955

Upper Control Arm Fasteners

Visit Geno's Garage for Truck accessories.

Date: October 2000

Models: 2001 (BE) Dodge Ram Club/Quad Cab Four-Wheel-Drive (4WD)

NOTE: This recall applies only to the above vehicles built at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant ("J" in the 11th VIN position) from July 15, 2000 through July 19, 2000 (MDH 071500 through 071907)

Subject:

An incorrect nut may have been used with the front suspension upper control arm bolts on about 475 of the above vehicles. Use of an incorrect nut may cause the bolts to crack and break. If one of the upper control arm bolts breaks at each end of the front axle, the axle could rotate forward under braking conditions. This forward rotation could twist the steering linkage, separate the front brake lines and cause an accident without warning.

Repair:

All four (4) of the upper control arm bolts and nuts must be replaced.

Parts Information:

Each package contains four (4) bolts and four (4) nuts.

Each dealer to whom vehicles in the recall were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address) will receive enough Fastener Packages to service 100% of those vehicles.

Service Procedure:

1. Raise the vehicle on an appropriate hoist. 2. Using a hydraulic jack, support the front axle under the differential. 3. Remove the left front UPPER control arm nut and bolt (Figure 1). 4. Remove the left rear UPPER control arm nut and bolt (Figure 1). 5. Loosely install a new left rear bolt and nut. Do NOT tighten. 6. Loosely install a new left front bolt and nut. Do NOT tighten. 7. Repeat Steps 3 through 6 for the right upper control arm.

NOTE: Have an assistant pry the top of the axle rearward to align the right front bolt holes.

8. Remove the hydraulic jack.

9. Lower the vehicle.

10. With the full weight of the vehicle on the suspension, tighten the left and right upper control arm fasteners to 110 ft-lbs 150 N-m).

Completion Reporting and Reimbursement

Claims for vehicles that have been serviced must be submitted on the DIAL System. Claims submitted will be used by DaimlerChrysler to record recall service completions and provide dealer payments.

Use one of the following labor operation numbers and time allowances:

Add the cost of the recall parts package and switch assembly, if necessary, plus applicable dealer allowance to your claim.

NOTE: See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing Section, for complete recall claim processing instructions.

Parts Return

Not required.

If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please contact your Zone Service Office.

This page was edited on: May 3, 2004