Steering/Suspension - Vibration/Shimmy Above 50 MPH
NUMBER: 19-002-12GROUP: Steering
DATE: July 12, 2012
SUBJECT:
A Self-Sustaining Vibration (Shimmy) Of The Vehicle And Steering Wheel While Driving At Speeds Typically Above 50 MPH (80 KMH)
OVERVIEW:
Vehicles equipped with a solid front axle can be susceptible to steering shimmy. Often this condition is due to modifications to the vehicle that may involve aftermarket equipment that may not be compatible with the vehicle architecture or is not intended for on-road use. For original equipment, this condition can be corrected with routine inspection for properly maintained wheels and tires and replacement of damaged or worn components.
MODELS:
2003-2004 (DR) RAM 2500 Pickup
2005-2009 (DH) RAM 2500 Pickup
2006-2009 (D1) RAM 3500 Pickup
2007-2009 (DC) RAM 3500 Cab Chassis
2010-2012 (D2) RAM 3500 Pickup
2010-2012 (DJ) RAM 2500 Pickup
2011-2012 (DD) RAM 3500 Cab Chassis
1997-2006 (TJ) Wrangler
2007-2012 (JK) Wrangler
NOTE:
This bulletin applies to vehicles equipped with a solid front axle only.
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
The customer may experience steering wheel vibration while driving typically above 50 MPH (80 KMH).
DISCUSSION:
1. Verify warranty coverage and discuss with customer as appropriate. Test drive the vehicle to verify customer complaint.
NOTE:
It may be necessary to drive the vehicle in the environment (i.e., same type of terrain, such as uneven pavement, railroad tracks, etc.) that the customer experienced the condition in order to properly diagnose the condition and confirm that the repairs corrected the concern.
2. Is the vehicle equipped with aftermarket components or other modifications (e.g. lift kits, wheels, suspension components or tires) that can affect the performance of or wear upon steering components?
a. Yes >>> notify the owner and document in the repair order that: i. the express limited warranties do not cover conditions or damage caused by the use of aftermarket components, improper maintenance, or impact damage; and ii. the use of aftermarket components, improper maintenance, and impact damage can cause steering shimmy or otherwise accelerate the wear of steering components that cause steering shimmy; and iii. the dealership will inspect steering components that were supplied by the manufacturer for defects in material, workmanship and factory preparation and determine if necessary repairs are covered under the terms of the warranties applicable to the vehicle. With customer authorization, proceed to Step # 3.
b. No >> Proceed to Step # 3.
3. Inspect the vehicle steering components for any damage.
4. Was any visible damage present?
a. Yes >>> Recommend the replacement of all damaged components and proceed to Step # 5.
b. No >>> Proceed to Step # 5.
5. Are the tires on the vehicle properly inflated to the correct pressure?
a. Yes >>> Proceed to Step # 6.
b. No >>> Refer to the tire placard on the inside of the drivers door and inflate the tires to the specified pressure and proceed to Step # 6.
6. Do the tires exhibit a condition of excessive wear, cupping or damage?
a. Yes >>> Recommend replacement if required or perform tire rotation to locate the best tires onto the front axle.
b. No >>> Proceed to Step # 7.
NOTE:
Refer to the proper diagnosing and testing procedures indicated in the service information, if applicable, for the specific year and model
configuration of the vehicle.
7. Verify proper wheel and tire balance. Refer to the detailed procedures available in DealerCONNECT > TechCONNECT under: Service Info > 22 - Tires and Wheels > Standard Procedure > TIRE AND WHEEL BALANCE.
8. Does the vehicle still exhibit the condition?
a. Yes >>> Proceed to Step # 9.
b. No >>> Return the vehicle to the customer.
9. Recommend the replacement of the steering damper. Refer to the detailed procedures available in DealerCONNECT > TechCONNECT under: Service Info > 19 - Steering > Linkage, Link and Coil > DAMPER, Steering, (See Note) Removal / Installation.
NOTE:
Refer to the correct service information component group for steering damper removal and installation procedures as the location of this information may vary by year and specific model configuration.
10. Does the vehicle still exhibit the condition?
a. Yes >>> Proceed to Step # 11.
b. No >>> Return the vehicle to the customer.
11. Does the track bar show signs of excessive wear or damage?
a. Yes >>> Proceed to Step # 12.
b. No >>> Proceed to Step # 14.
NOTE:
Refer to the proper diagnosing and testing procedures indicated in the service information, if applicable, for the specific year and model configuration of the vehicle.
12. Recommend the replacement of the track bar. Refer to the detailed procedures available in DealerCONNECT > TechCONNECT under: Service Info > 02 - Front Suspension > (See Note) > TRACK BAR, Front > Removal / Installation.
NOTE:
Refer to the correct service information component group for track bar removal and installation procedures as the location of this information may vary by year and specific model configuration.
13. Does the vehicle still exhibit the condition?
a. Yes >>> Proceed to Step # 14.
b. No >>> Return the vehicle to the customer.
14. Do the tie rods show signs of excessive wear or damage?
a. Yes >>> Proceed to Step # 15.
b. No >>> Proceed to Step # 16.
NOTE:
Refer to the proper diagnosing and testing procedures indicated in the service information, if applicable, for the specific year and model configuration of the vehicle.
15. Recommend the replacement of worn tie rods. Refer to the detailed procedures available in DealerCONNECT >TechCONNECT under: Service Info > 19-Steering > (See Note) > Tie Rod > Removal / Installation.
NOTE:
Refer to the correct service information component group for tie rod removal and installation procedures as the location of this information may vary by year and specific model configuration.
16. Does the drag link show signs of excessive wear or damage?
a. Yes >>> Proceed to Step # 17.
b. No >>> Proceed to Step # 18.
NOTE:
Refer to the proper diagnosing and testing procedures indicated in the service information, if applicable, for the specific year and model configuration of the vehicle.
17. Recommend the replacement of the worn drag link. Refer to the detailed procedures available in DealerCONNECT > TechCONNECT under: Service Info > 19-Steering > (See Note) > DRAG LINK > Removal / Installation.
NOTE:
Refer to the correct service information component group for drag link removal and installation procedures as the location of this information may vary by year and specific model configuration.
18. Verify vehicle wheel alignment is within specification and adjust accordingly. Refer to the detailed specifications available in DealerCONNECT > TechCONNECT under: Service Info > 02 - Front Suspension > Wheel Alignment > Specifications.
19. Does the vehicle still exhibit the condition?
a. Yes >>> Proceed to Step # 20.
b. No >>> Return the vehicle to the customer.
20. Do the ball joints show signs of excessive wear or damage?
a. Yes >>> Proceed to Step # 21.
b. No >>> Further diagnosis required.
NOTE:
Refer to the proper diagnosing and testing procedures indicated in the service information for the specific year and model configuration of the vehicle.
21. Recommend the replacement of worn ball joints. Refer to the detailed procedures available in DealerCONNECT >TechCONNECT under: Service Info.
NOTE:
Refer to the correct service information component group for ball joint/stud removal and installation procedures as the location of this information may vary by year and specific model configuration.
22. Does the vehicle still exhibit the condition?
a. Yes >>> Further diagnosis is required.
b. No >>> Return the vehicle to the customer.
POLICY:
Information Only.
Disclaimer:
This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair.