Etorque Seized

[Klondike]

So the wife had the etorque seize up while driving the other day. Pulled over and as soon as rolled to a stop, the truck died. Couldn’t start, couldn’t shift to neutral, lots of strange issues. Got it home and I took the belt off, and discovered the seized etorque. Started the truck with the belt off and everything electronic recovered and works properly (except for air suspension for some reason…). Not my worry at the moment.

Anyone dealt with this? This was the only thing I had concern about when I bought this truck. 2022 Limited with 120,000 km.

Dealer quoted $3,700 and 3 weeks lead time. I ordered bearings and am planning on taking a swing at rebuilding myself. Local starter shops can’t get any info on them, so they’re unwilling to experiment with it, so I’ll dig in myself. I’ve seen a few videos on YouTube where guys have done it, but likely with failing bearings, not completely locked. Hopefully nothing inside is wiped out, but for that price and lead time, it’s worth a shot to try on my own.

 

[John Kloehr]

Please post up your experience, cost, any special tools, links to helpful videos, and such. If doing so fits into your life. Even though I have extended warranty, the long lead time might still make self repair worth the effort should mine fail. Most have reported much longer than 3 weeks to get OEM parts, even 3 months.

 

[MarPar]

There was at one point a sticky thread on how to rebuild the etorque yourself, but now I can't find it.

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

U

Thread 'eTorque Bearing Replacement, Fixed Grinding Noise'

Feb 4, 2025

Like many others with the 5.7 eTorque mine started making a grinding noise. At first it sounded like an old power steering pump without fluid. Then, it progressed into a horrible bad bearing sound. All the while the dealer told me the part was backordered and that I should keep driving it (my truck is under warranty with about 25000 miles on it). Eventually the noise got so bad I told the dealer I couldn't drive it any longer as I was worried about causing other damage or short circuiting and starting a fire. Again, they nor Ram offered any solution so I took matters into my own...

• UpNorthEngineer
• Replies: 187
• Forum: 5th Gen General Discussion

• 

 

[Klondike]

U

Thread 'eTorque Bearing Replacement, Fixed Grinding Noise'

Feb 4, 2025

Like many others with the 5.7 eTorque mine started making a grinding noise. At first it sounded like an old power steering pump without fluid. Then, it progressed into a horrible bad bearing sound. All the while the dealer told me the part was backordered and that I should keep driving it (my truck is under warranty with about 25000 miles on it). Eventually the noise got so bad I told the dealer I couldn't drive it any longer as I was worried about causing other damage or short circuiting and starting a fire. Again, they nor Ram offered any solution so I took matters into my own...

• UpNorthEngineer
• Replies: 187
• Forum: 5th Gen General Discussion

• 

Thanks for posting that. I’m trying to consume as much as I can before I dig in on Friday. I’ve never put a how-to together, but maybe I’ll see if I can on this one. Feels like this issue is being turned into a much bigger problem than it may need to be. If I have to do bearings every 100,000km, I’m good with that. I regularly use my vehicles past 350,000km (200,000 miles). For what they cost, I squeeze every dollar of value out of them. If it’s truly just bearings, that is a straightforward repair that any half-capable mechanic or shop could do, but most places need information to be able to take on the liability of performing that repair. Mostly because consumers are litigious and untrustworthy. If the shop doesn’t get something right, they’re going to lose their shirt on that job, so why take the risk. I’ve heard most units going on for replacement are rebuilt MGU’s, but I guarantee the price is the same. “We rebuilt it so it’s same as new”. I don’t want a rebuilt unit for $3,700. I’ll do my own for $80.


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[CHeYeNNe71]

Thanks for posting that. I’m trying to consume as much as I can before I dig in on Friday. I’ve never put a how-to together, but maybe I’ll see if I can on this one. Feels like this issue is being turned into a much bigger problem than it may need to be. If I have to do bearings every 100,000km, I’m good with that. I regularly use my vehicles past 350,000km (200,000 miles). For what they cost, I squeeze every dollar of value out of them. If it’s truly just bearings, that is a straightforward repair that any half-capable mechanic or shop could do, but most places need information to be able to take on the liability of performing that repair. Mostly because consumers are litigious and untrustworthy. If the shop doesn’t get something right, they’re going to lose their shirt on that job, so why take the risk. I’ve heard most units going on for replacement are rebuilt MGU’s, but I guarantee the price is the same. “We rebuilt it so it’s same as new”. I don’t want a rebuilt unit for $3,700. I’ll do my own for $80.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

You're Welcome and G'luck! Hope goes smooth as possible.

 

[MarPar]

U

Thread 'eTorque Bearing Replacement, Fixed Grinding Noise'

Feb 4, 2025

Like many others with the 5.7 eTorque mine started making a grinding noise. At first it sounded like an old power steering pump without fluid. Then, it progressed into a horrible bad bearing sound. All the while the dealer told me the part was backordered and that I should keep driving it (my truck is under warranty with about 25000 miles on it). Eventually the noise got so bad I told the dealer I couldn't drive it any longer as I was worried about causing other damage or short circuiting and starting a fire. Again, they nor Ram offered any solution so I took matters into my own...

• UpNorthEngineer
• Replies: 187
• Forum: 5th Gen General Discussion

• 

There it is! Was I dreaming, or was it a sticky thread at one point??

 

[bigdodge]

So the wife had the etorque seize up while driving the other day. Pulled over and as soon as rolled to a stop, the truck died. Couldn’t start, couldn’t shift to neutral, lots of strange issues. Got it home and I took the belt off, and discovered the seized etorque. Started the truck with the belt off and everything electronic recovered and works properly (except for air suspension for some reason…). Not my worry at the moment.

Anyone dealt with this? This was the only thing I had concern about when I bought this truck. 2022 Limited with 120,000 km.

Dealer quoted $3,700 and 3 weeks lead time. I ordered bearings and am planning on taking a swing at rebuilding myself. Local starter shops can’t get any info on them, so they’re unwilling to experiment with it, so I’ll dig in myself. I’ve seen a few videos on YouTube where guys have done it, but likely with failing bearings, not completely locked. Hopefully nothing inside is wiped out, but for that price and lead time, it’s worth a shot to try on my own.

wow

 

[fishslayer]

So the wife had the etorque seize up while driving the other day. Pulled over and as soon as rolled to a stop, the truck died. Couldn’t start, couldn’t shift to neutral, lots of strange issues. Got it home and I took the belt off, and discovered the seized etorque. Started the truck with the belt off and everything electronic recovered and works properly (except for air suspension for some reason…). Not my worry at the moment.

Anyone dealt with this? This was the only thing I had concern about when I bought this truck. 2022 Limited with 120,000 km.

Dealer quoted $3,700 and 3 weeks lead time. I ordered bearings and am planning on taking a swing at rebuilding myself. Local starter shops can’t get any info on them, so they’re unwilling to experiment with it, so I’ll dig in myself. I’ve seen a few videos on YouTube where guys have done it, but likely with failing bearings, not completely locked. Hopefully nothing inside is wiped out, but for that price and lead time, it’s worth a shot to try on my own.

E Torque is covered by 8 yr emission warrenty

 

[John Kloehr]

E Torque is covered by 8 yr emission warrenty

US is 8 yr/80K miles. I think @Klondike is in Canada so 5 yr/100K km for a '22. Out of warranty.

 

[GyRoCoN]

US is 8 yr/80K miles. I think @Klondike is in Canada so 5 yr/100K km for a '22. Out of warranty.

Mine is a Canadian 2022, This shot is from the warranty booklet. His truck should be still covered. Ive had my MGU and 48 Volt pack replaced once already.

 

[John Kloehr]

Mine is a Canadian 2022, This shot is from the warranty booklet. His truck should be still covered. Ive had my MGU and 48 Volt pack replaced once already.
View attachment 213320

Well so much for google AI, you are covered. But still, do you want to wait weeks or months or just fix the damn thing yourself? That is why I am interested in the repair. I can deal with a few days without my ride, but not weeks or months if the alternative self-repair is only $100 or two.

 

[bigdodge]

Well so much for google AI, you are covered. But still, do you want to wait weeks or months or just fix the damn thing yourself? That is why I am interested in the repair. I can deal with a few days without my ride, but not weeks or months if the alternative self-repair is only $100 or two.

ai is proving to be stupid more times than not.

 

[GyRoCoN]

Well so much for google AI, you are covered. But still, do you want to wait weeks or months or just fix the damn thing yourself? That is why I am interested in the repair. I can deal with a few days without my ride, but not weeks or months if the alternative self-repair is only $100 or two.

Agreed. My truck sat rusting on the lot for 8 weeks and needed new brakes afterwards due to the corroded rotors. My warranty provided a rental so I let them do it, but if / when it happens post warranty, I'd be trying the fix myself.

 

[CHeYeNNe71]

There it is! Was I dreaming, or was it a sticky thread at one point??

I just did a quick google search to find, so I'm not sure.

 

[G Gerard]

So the wife had the etorque seize up while driving the other day. Pulled over and as soon as rolled to a stop, the truck died. Couldn’t start, couldn’t shift to neutral, lots of strange issues. Got it home and I took the belt off, and discovered the seized etorque. Started the truck with the belt off and everything electronic recovered and works properly (except for air suspension for some reason…). Not my worry at the moment.

Anyone dealt with this? This was the only thing I had concern about when I bought this truck. 2022 Limited with 120,000 km.

Dealer quoted $3,700 and 3 weeks lead time. I ordered bearings and am planning on taking a swing at rebuilding myself. Local starter shops can’t get any info on them, so they’re unwilling to experiment with it, so I’ll dig in myself. I’ve seen a few videos on YouTube where guys have done it, but likely with failing bearings, not completely locked. Hopefully nothing inside is wiped out, but for that price and lead time, it’s worth a shot to try on my own.

I have a 22 eTorque, and so far so good. Regardless, with all the problems I am reading about, this seems to be a class action situation. Its bad enough there is a persistent and common failure, but add the out of warranty cost, and the lack of replacement parts, it sounds actionable to me.

 

[Trooper4]

I just did a quick google search to find, so I'm not sure.

UpNorthEngineer

5thgenrams.com

Did a full how to. Check his postings

 

[Klondike]

Completed this job yesterday and truck is back running like it did before the unit seized. There was some scuffing of the rotor on the stator, but luckily, not enough to impact operation of the MGU. My theory after disassembly is that the pins holding the bearing cage together separated, allowed the balls to move within the race, and separated far enough apart to allow the rotor to hit the stator. That was the sound my wife heard and why everything stayed seized up afterwards.

Also, the 48V connection seems to keep the magnetism engaged, even when moving. When disconnect, was able to spin the rotor again, but with obvious bearing issues. I think that’s why it felt seized - it was locked in place by the magnetism with the rotor contacting the stator.

The rest of the bearing components looks fine. No excessive scratching or wear visible. Two pins in the race were missing, and judging by the contamination of the bearing geese, likely ground up into dust by the hardened balls and race. Also would explain the relative lack of warning of the failure.

I took a bunch of pictures as I went - partly so I knew how to put it back together 2 weeks later and partly for next time. I’ll see if there is anything new/relevant that I have that isn’t covered in the other how to’s.

I had a typo in my original post indicating I had 120,000 km. It’s 136k so outside of Canadian warranty period.


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[Grape_Ape]

Completed this job yesterday and truck is back running like it did before the unit seized. There was some scuffing of the rotor on the stator, but luckily, not enough to impact operation of the MGU. My theory after disassembly is that the pins holding the bearing cage together separated, allowed the balls to move within the race, and separated far enough apart to allow the rotor to hit the stator. That was the sound my wife heard and why everything stayed seized up afterwards.

Also, the 48V connection seems to keep the magnetism engaged, even when moving. When disconnect, was able to spin the rotor again, but with obvious bearing issues. I think that’s why it felt seized - it was locked in place by the magnetism with the rotor contacting the stator.

The rest of the bearing components looks fine. No excessive scratching or wear visible. Two pins in the race were missing, and judging by the contamination of the bearing geese, likely ground up into dust by the hardened balls and race. Also would explain the relative lack of warning of the failure.

I took a bunch of pictures as I went - partly so I knew how to put it back together 2 weeks later and partly for next time. I’ll see if there is anything new/relevant that I have that isn’t covered in the other how to’s.

I had a typo in my original post indicating I had 120,000 km. It’s 136k so outside of Canadian warranty period.


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Glad it went well for you and you're back up and running. I'm at 87,xxx miles now myself so just a touch more than you. Hopefully my truck allows me the opportunity to plan for this - my intention is to do it sometime in the next 8,000 miles as preventative maintenance.

 

[TheWaterman83]

I went through three generators within 83,000 miles and the last one caused me to trade the truck in. Couple things:

First off, good for you on tackling that yourself. Second, just be careful. When the last one on my truck failed the dealer was very reluctant to let me drive it. When they fail and the armature contacts, it can send a voltage spike through the system. My service tech said they've seen them fry BCM's, TCM's, and all sorts of stuff. If that shorts again, just know it can cause a lot of issues.

I am sorry you went through this. Like I said, this caused me to trade the truck for a Ford F150.