Recall - Rear Axle Spring Seat Replacement: Overview
January 2001Dealer Service Instructions for:
Safety Recall No. 966 - Rear Axle Spring Seats
Models
2001 (BE) Dodge Ram Truck
NOTE:
This recall applies only to the above trucks equipped with a Camper Special Group package (sales code AHJ) and built at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant ("J" in the 11th VIN Position) from June 23, 2000 through July 31, 2000 (MDH 062308 through 073108);
IMPORTANT:
Many of the vehicles within the above build period have already been inspected or repaired and, therefore, have been excluded from this recall.
IMPORTANT:
Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer new vehicle inventory. Federal law requires you to stop sale and 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 DIAL VIP System.
Subject
The rear axle spring clamp bolts on about 2,700 of the above trucks may loosen due to a bent spring seat. This could cause the axle spring clamp bolts to slip off the spring seat or break, which could cause an accident without warning.
Repair
The right and left rear axle springs must be inspected for the presence of a spacer located between the auxiliary spring and spring seat. Trucks found with spacers must have the spacers removed and spring seats replaced.
Parts Information
Each dealer to whom vehicles in the recall were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address) will receive enough Rear Axle Spring Seat Packages to service about 25% of those vehicles. Every involved dealer will receive a minimum of one package.
Service Procedure
A. Inspect Rear Auxiliary Spring Seat
1. Lift the truck on an appropriate hoist.
2. Visually inspect the right and left auxiliary leaf spring. If the auxiliary spring has two leaves, no further action is required (Figure 1). If the auxiliary spring has a single leaf, continue to Step 3.
3. Inspect the right and left rear springs for the presence of a metal spacer between the spring seat and the auxiliary spring (Figure 2).
4. If spring spacers are not present, no further action is required. If spacers are found, continue with Section B. Replace Rear Spring Seat.
B. Replace Rear Spring Seats
1. Remove the rear wheel and tire assemblies.
2. Place an identification mark on the front of the auxiliary spring to ensure proper orientation during reassembly.
3. Support the left side of the rear axle with an appropriate jackstand.
4. Remove the four spring clamp bolt (u-bolt) nuts.
5. Remove the spring plate, spring clamp bolts and the spring seat. Discard the original spring seat.
6. Remove the auxiliary spring from the main spring assembly.
7. Clamp the auxiliary spring by the center bolt in a vise as shown in Figure 3.
8. Remove the center bolt from the auxiliary spring (Figure 3).
9. Remove and discard the metal spacer and white plastic isolator on the auxiliary spring.
10. Install the nut onto the center bolt of the auxiliary spring. Tighten the nut to 35 ft. lbs. (48 Nm) (Figure 4).
11. Using the alignment mark to orient the spring, place the auxiliary spring on top of the main spring assembly (Figure 5).
CAUTION:
Verify that the auxiliary spring is not installed backwards.
12. Install the new spring seat on top of the auxiliary spring (Figure 5).
13. Install the spring clamp bolts (Figure 6).
14. Install the spring plate (Figure 5).
15. Hand-start the nuts onto the spring clamp bolts.
16. While holding the spring clamp bolt and spring plate in position, snug the spring clamp bolt nuts evenly, making sure the remaining threads under the nuts have the same amount of exposed threads.
17. With the spring clamp bolt nuts snugged evenly, tighten the spring clamp bolt nuts to 110 ft. lbs. (150 Nm).
18. Remove the jackstand.
19. Repeat steps 2 through 18 on the other side of the vehicle.
20. Install both wheel and tire assemblies.
21. Tighten the wheel lug nuts to:
^ Single Rear Wheels - 135 ft. lbs. (180 Nm).
^ Dual Rear Wheels - 145 ft. lbs. (195 Nm).
22. Lower the vehicle from the hoist.
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 labor operation numbers and time allowances shown:
NOTE:
See the Warranty Administration Manual, Recall Claim Processing Section, for complete recall claim processing instructions.
Parts Return
Not required.
Dealer Notification and vehicle List
All dealers will receive a copy of this dealer recall notification letter by first class mail. Two additional copies will be sent through the DCMMS, and the MDS2 will be updated to include this recall in the near future.
Each dealer to whom involved vehicles were invoiced (or the current dealer at the same street address) will receive a list of their involved vehicles. The vehicle list is arranged in Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) sequence. Owners known to DaimlerChrysler are also listed. The lists are for dealer reference in arranging for service of involved vehicles.
Dial System Functions 53 and VIP
All involved vehicles have been entered to DIAL System Functions 53 and VIP for dealer inquiry as needed.
Function 53 provides involved dealers with an updated VIN list of their incomplete vehicles. The customer name, address and phone number are listed if known. Completed vehicles are removed from Function 53 within several days of repair claim submission. To use this system, type "53" at the "ENTER FUNCTION" prompt, then type "0RD966".
Owner Notification and Service Scheduling
All involved vehicle owners known to DaimlerChrysler are being notified of the service requirement by first class mail. They are requested to schedule appointments for this service with their dealers. A copy of the owner letter is shown.
Enclosed with each owner letter is an Owner Notification Form(not shown). The involved vehicle and recall are identified on the form for owner or dealer reference as needed.
Vehicle Not Available
If a vehicle is not available for service, let us know by filling out the pre-addressed Owner Notification Form or describe the reason on a postcard and mail to:
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
CIMS 482-00-85
800 Chrysler Drive East
Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326-2757
Additional Information
If you have any questions or need assistance in completing this action, please contact your Zone Service Office.
Customer Services Field Operations
DaimlerChrysler Corporation