Front end clunk while turning - FIXED - TSB # 23-047-18

[OgRedd]

@Icecold77, I agree with you. My clunk has diminished greatly, but I'm still awaiting a TSB until I take it back in. My dealer hasn't heard of an issue and I don't want my truck to be their experiment without clear instruction. Until then, I'm trying to enjoy my 60k investment as much as possible. When all is said and done, I take comfort in knowing that if anything major or minor happens, FCA/Ram will be on the hook for it anyway. They know this and I'm sure they're working on something to keep the launch of a brand new product as smooth as possible. My .02.

 

[Icecold77]

Icecold77 , I agree with you as to the reasons why you are here.I feel the same. I am not defending FCA in this or any other issue, we all know as regular visitors here that there are a few. I , however don't feel the same urgency as some regarding this issue. I don't feel it is a saftey concern. or one that will leave me stranded on the side of the road . I am not comfortable with my dealer therefore I want to be sure the fix is final. This is my reason for my attitute towards an obvious flaw.

I agree with you regarding the Dealership. Sales crew is good, Service Department has failed both times Ive had my Rams there. Like I said its an annoyance none of us should have to deal with. Id appreciate something from RAM acknowledging the issue and a "fix" is coming. I'd be much more at ease...

 

[Accountant]

@Icecold77 I had the clunk under my feet but my fix was to have the dealer retorque all my front suspension bolts, including sway bar bracket, when I took it in for my first service appt. The clunk I had is gone and my ride is a tad stiffer but feels solid.

Lots of things can cause it as was mentioned before.

 

[Smoot178]

The problem is people are going to their dealership and asking them to fix a very hard to find problem. You can't exactly get underneath the truck while it's moving and listen to where it's coming from.

Then, when the dealership torques some **** down and replaces a few bolts but the problem isn't fixed, they call the dealership incompetent and say "I spent $60k on a truck and FCA won't fix it!!!".

FCA isn't going to go to the press and say "We still haven't found the source of this really small problem so we are cancelling production of all new trucks sorry" and they sure as hell aren't going to acknowledge the problem if they knew about it before they went to production.

Everybody needs to calm down. Wait for a TSB. I can only imagine they have to:

1. Find the source of the problem
2. Devise a solution
3. Redesign parts
4. Retool for redesigned parts
5. Test the redesigned parts on multiple vehicles
6. Ship parts out

They aren't going to just mull over some forum for answers and say "Yep! That's it! Release the TSB!".

Think about it. There are vehicles out there still waiting for the Takata airbag recall and that defect was injuring people.

This is my final thought: My truck has the clunk. It's not loud. It's not normal. I don't feel like my safety is in jeopardy. I know FCA will fix it eventually. I'm just happy that I'm not driving around my old truck that had a sudden and total brake failure just a few weeks ago.

/rant

 

[Douglas31]

I got my truck back today from fixing the clunk. Initially after replacing 2 isolators it was still there. So they kept it and ended up replacing all 6 isolators and bolts. Happy to say I haven’t heard it since. It could be my imagination but the trucks feels like it rides better too. I will monitor it for a little bit to make sure it stays gone but so far so good.

 

[Icecold77]

I'm pretty sure everyone with the "Clunk" doesn't expect a magical fix, or admitting anything by FCA. Like I've said before one clunk to another can be very different. Same goes for expecting everyone to react the same. I'm not about to tell anyone to not be upset or aggravated with the issue, nor am I saying I think it's going to come apart going down the road. People want an answer, and I doubt we ALL have the same problem. For starters a 4x2 and 4x4 couldn't be further from the same truck. Same goes for other parts. I'll be happy when everyone's Clunk is gone and we can move on to all of the positives the new 1500 offers!

 

[Jhaney]

Clunk report:
I think it's getting worse, seems like it's making noise in the floorboard closer to the center of the cab whereas the first few weeks it was only near the left of the cab. The clunk only happens when making a turn (left or right) that puts torque on the cab vs. the frame. Time to call the dealer.

Same here with only 1800 miles

 

[Jhaney]

Hello druchala,

We completely understand your desire to reach a solution for this. Not sure if you've seen our posts to other forum members but we've been documenting this within our database for further review. Feel free to send me your VIN within a direct message.

Jasmine
Ram Social Care Specialist

Did you get my vin I direct messaged you?

 

[RamCares]

I am planning on taking mine in for the clunking issue to be fixed as I just got my truck yesterday and I heard it this morning. How can i can your assistance in making sure they know what to replace for this issue? Is there a case number or TSB that I can refer them too?

Hello Brwood14608,

Thank you for reaching out to our team. We terribly sorry to hear about you experiencing this with your new vehicle. Currently we are currently documenting vins and creating cases to ensure that the appropriate departments are aware. Please send us a PM with your vin, I will also inform you of the next steps.

Lamar
RAM Social Care Specialist

 

[superbird77]

I dropped my rig off to my dealer this week for the clunk and water leak. The service manger acknowledged that he did see a TSB on the clunk as well as a few Star cases opened on the same issue. Just an FYI, I am sure some dealers may not of looked or dug deep enough to see it.

 

[echristi]

I dropped my rig off to my dealer this week for the clunk and water leak. The service manger acknowledged that he did see a TSB on the clunk as well as a few Star cases opened on the same issue. Just an FYI, I am sure some dealers may not of looked or dug deep enough to see it.

I didn't believe there was a TSB yet? Just the Star cases?

 

[superbird77]

I didn't believe there was a TSB yet? Just the Star cases?

That's what he told me, I'll post more when I hear back from the dealer shortly.

 

[ExcursionDiesel]

That's what he told me, I'll post more when I hear back from the dealer shortly.

Ask for the TSB number please!

 

[Ramjack]

The service manger acknowledged that he did see a TSB on the clunk as well as a few Star cases opened on the same issue. Just an FYI, I am sure some dealers may not of looked or dug deep enough to see it.

That would be great. Hopefully your dealer did not speak too soon.

 

[superbird77]

OK guys, heres the scoop from my dealer experience on this. Dropped it off yesterday and the service manager said he indeed had read the TSB on the clunk and would be talking to FCA about the star case as well. Fast forward to today, a different service guy calls and says they can't find any issues with it clunking, lol. It does it on almost every turn FYI. So, no luck. I mentioned that the manager said he had acknowledged the TSB. The guy on the phone had no clue and it is what it is. I get that its still a new issue but why tell me that they saw the TSB and then backtrack? I am keeping my cool, however this new dealer i purchased thru has been awful to deal with. Its gonna be pound sand until we find this TSB number.

 

[Tai]

Anybody heard any clunking noises while turning? I can replicate the issue fairly easily. Doesn’t happen every time but often. Not sure if it might be air bags, control arms, etc but definitely sounds suspension/steering related. Wondering if it’s something that will break in or a problem I should have looked at.

I don’t feel anything but while I’m on the freeway and there’s a slight left curve my steering wheel feels like it sticks. Only on left curves

 

[ExcursionDiesel]

I don’t feel anything but while I’m on the freeway and there’s a slight left curve my steering wheel feels like it sticks. Only on left curves

Is Lane Detection turned on? The truck will steer itself based on lines on the road. It feels like the steering wheel sticks then releases.

 

[Edwards]

Is Lane Detection turned on? The truck will steer itself based on lines on the road. It feels like the steering wheel sticks then releases.

I'm set on medium and have noticed if I have tow solid lines it will steer itself around curves. Dashed lines not so much on medium but overall it's really teaching me to be in the center of the lane.

 

[ExcursionDiesel]

I'm set on medium and have noticed if I have tow solid lines it will steer itself around curves. Dashed lines not so much on medium but overall it's really teaching me to be in the center of the lane.

I'm running high on Warning and Medium on Action (it whatever it's called). Mine will hold the the lane with a little zig zag where it bounces from line to line. If I dampen the wheel with a little resistance, it really does suprisingly well. That plus adaptive cruise make for a great experience.

....but my truck still has a mild clunk like everyone else in here. I'm waiting on the TSB or for it to get intolerable before I I address it myself or through the dealer.

 

[Duane]

I'm running high on Warning and Medium on Action (it whatever it's called). Mine will hold the the lane with a little zig zag where it bounces from line to line. If I dampen the wheel with a little resistance, it really does suprisingly well. That plus adaptive cruise make for a great experience.

....but my truck still has a mild clunk like everyone else in here. I'm waiting on the TSB or for it to get intolerable before I I address it myself or through the dealer.

I believe mine may have a (very) mild clunk, too.....audible only upon sharp turn at the very lowest parking-lot speeds.
Short of an available TSB, can any member see what Rapid Response Transmittals (RSTs) have been issued for this truck??

I have 4,000 miles on my '19 Ltd. & really love it.
The truck is buttery smooth, the headlights are great, the comfort & leather are Bentley-level, and the RamBoxes are sweet & most convenient.
My (predominantly highway) mileage quite easily tops 20 MPG. Note: Mine is 2WD, w/ 3:21 gears.
I've already purchased the Lifetime Max Care externded warranty.

Upon 1st oil change visit, I'll also have 'em look at:
a) Having to SLAM tthe tailgate.
b) H-K stereo not as loud as the Alpine in my 2009 Ram (all the more disapointing, as the sound quality is so wonderful)
c) Driver's door chrome trim strip topper piece is misaligned....(thus breaking-up the smoothness of the visual character line on the driver's side of the vehicle).
d) Factory-installed Tri-Fold Tonneau cover does not sit flat on gasket, just behind the cab on passenger side.
e) Lane Sense system sometimes tells me to put my hands on the wheel, when they ARE already on it.
f) Rear (backlight) sliding glass 'window' is sqeeky.
g) a minor (yet near constant, & anoying) plastic 'itch' noise, at the over-head roof controls-console trim surround.