Recall Alert: 2008-2011 Dodge Ram and Ram 4500/5500 and Sterling Bullet
Chrysler is recalling 22,274 Sterling Bullet, Dodge Ram and Ram 4500 AND 5500 chassis cabs from the 2008-11 model years to fix a problem with steering components that could lead to a loss of vehicle control, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The affected trucks were designed to have a higher steering angle to achieve a greater turning radius than the models they replaced. However, part of the ball stud and joint design used in the steering system’s left tie rod to control vertical wheel travel during rough road conditions can become fatigued, degrading handling performance, or fractured over time, leading to a loss of directional stability. A newly created enhanced toe alignment process maintains the correct ball joint alignment.
Between August 2007 and December 2010, there were about 86 customer complaints of left tie rod replacements due to the facture of the ball stud. No crashes or injuries have been reported.
Chrysler will notify owners and replace the left outer tie rod free of charge and will reimburse owners who have incurred the cost of repairing the problem (with a copy of the original receipt and/or other adequate proof of payment). The safety recall is expected to begin in February. Owners can contact Chrysler at 800-853-1403.
[Source: NHTSA]
