Ram 1500 Recall For Rear Axle Bearings, Tundra Too?
Jason Lancaster | Jan 03, 2011 | Comments 22
Chrysler-Fiat is recalling more than 50,000 Ram 1500 pickups because of a rear axle bearing problem that can eventually cause a rear axle failure. The symptoms of this problem are a growling, griding noise coming from the rear axle:
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011 Ram 1500 trucks manufactured from September 2009 through December 2010. Some vehicles may have experience a noise (growl, grind) coming from the rear axle bearing which could eventually seize.
If this recall is not completed, a failure of the bearing could cause the vehicle to stall increasing the risk of a crash.
The interesting thing – to me at least – is that these symptoms match a Toyota Tundra TSB (#T-SB-015-10):
Some 2007-2010 model year Tundra vehicles may exhibit a howling or growling noise from the rear of the vehicle that increases with vehicle speed. Changes have been made to the rear axle bearing to correct this condition.
The Toyota TSB says to remove and replace the rear axle shaft bearing to correct this condition.
While I’m reasonably certain Toyota would recall this bearing if there was a problem (Toyota is recall paranoid after paying nearly $50 million in NHTSA fines last year), the symptoms that necessitated a Ram recall sound fairly similar to the symptoms Toyota has identified in their TSB.
Anyone have first-hand knowledge of this TSB repair for the Tundra and/or the issue with the Ram?
Filed Under: Auto News
Jason: When was the bulletin issued? Where can I find the TSB? Thanks.
swampdog – That TSB came out a few months ago…your Toyota dealer has access to if your Tundra exhibits this issue.
Jason: Thanks for the response. FYI – I found the TSB at the NHTSA website, which lists all TSBs. The bulletin was issued on June 11, 2010.
Can you send me a link to the Tundra TSB for the rear axle bearings?
swampdog – Cool – good tip.
I have a 2008 5.7L CrewMax, The truck is 31 months old and I have had the dealership replace 1 wheel berring on the right front after hearing the noise you describe. More concerning, however is the noise that comes from the front diff. There is a growling between 40 and 60 km’s per hour. The dealership has said in the past that it was a known problem and they had a fix and that it is something to do with the design of the diff and the way weight is distributed on the gear. The trouble is that they have replaced this twice now. The noise goes away for awhile, but eventually returns with-in a few months. Now that I only have 12,000km left on my warranty the noise has returned. When I brought this up again, the dealership now says that its because I have the 3″ leveler/Lift kit (dealer installed) that is the cause and that its common because of this lift? It seems awful funny that this is the first they have said anything about this being the prob and they continue to sell these trucks with lifts of various sizes and even promote them in their showroom. One would think that if they know that there is a situation they would mention it or at least not promote a lift for that truck.
Has anyone else seen this in their Tundra with a lift or not?
Sean – Lift kits can cause some growling noises – specifically in the drive shaft. The noise might not be a wear issue, but I can understand your concern.
I also agree that the dealer should be working on a fix for you if they’re selling trucks with these kits…have you talked to the dealerships GM? See this link: https://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/2007/04/30/toyota-customer-service-tips-for-getting-your-problem-solved/
Is it a sound that if I had A/T tires on? It makes that tire whrrrr sound? If so I may have it and will try the TSB.
Mickey – That’s a good point – could be tire noise. If there’s any doubt, however, it’s always best to have it looked at next time you do your regular maintenance.
It started after the tranny was replaced. The tires been on since 63,000 miles so the noise wouldn’t start all of a sudden.
Mickey – Not sure what it could be.
Yes, I do sometimes get groans from the front end with the lift but nothing that has been constant or of concern. I’ll even get popping sounds but I think it’s all normal. If the dealer did the lift (had it done), they should be responsible for any problems that come from the kit under a warranty.
I have been towing my travel trailer without problems for three years. The last couple of trips, I have experienced a metal rubbing sound from my rear brakes. This only occurs when I am turning enough to sway the back end slightly while at low speed. When I took it in to the dealer they took me back and showed me where the brake backing plate was rubbing against the rotor. They bent it and everything was fine. The next trip out, the other side started doing the same thing. I took it to a friend’s garage and had him inspect it this time for a second opinion. He said it was the same thing…backing plate rubbing the rotor. He also did some prying and said the bearings looked fine.
Strange thing is that this has happened on two trips on the left and now the right rear brakes and has not been a problem for 3 years.
I think that I am well within the tow ratings as I only travel with the wife on short trips and am not over loaded with gear. Here are my trailer / truck specs:
2008 Tundra D-Cab (37,000 miles)
4X4
5.7L with tow package
According to the owner’s manual, the truck is rated at 10,300 lbs. towing cap.
My trailer is a 27RLS Puma
Total Dry Weight is 5680 lbs.
Dry Hitch Weight is 590 Lbs.
I do have a Husky brand weight distribution hitch rated 501-800 lbs
I guess I have a couple of questions.
1. I feel quite certain that I did not run anything over to bend the backing plate, especially the left and right side on two trips. What would cause the backing plate to get bent and rub the rotor besides road debris?
2. Since the rubbing only occurs when turning sharply enough (at low speed) to cause some sway in the back end…is there that much “flex” in the rotor, axle, or spindle to cause the rub? Rubbing does continue when turning sharply even after trailer is unhooked until backing plate is bent slightly away from rotor.
3. I try not to do heavy braking and do have trailer brakes with a prodigy brake controller…could the rear rotors be heating and warp enough to rub the backing plate? I find this unlikely because I don’t have any trouble stopping and have not noticed any vibration when braking.
3. Truck is past the 36,000 warranty but is still under 60,000 drive train warranty. Could this be a differential or drive train issue that could be a warranty issue?
Thanks as always!
[…] This one caught my eye too at tundraheadquaters. http://www.tundraheadquarters.com/bl…earing-recall/ Basically i'm just curious if toyota wised up and the tsb is to replace the ball bearings with […]
catfanatic – Those are all good questions, but the bottom line for me is that I don’t understand how this could happen. Metal doesn’t just bend for no reason…it’s got to be heat causing expansion and perhaps bending, or someone is pulling a prank on you.
As for long-term damage, I don’t know. Don’t imagine it’s a concern, however.
I have the same problem, think it was tire noise. As it turns out the Toyota Dealership I took it to stated that the whirring sound (between 30 mph and 50 mph) was the cause by the left rear wheel bearing. I’ve been told that there is no recall on this item. Rats!
Enjoy the comments on this website. I have an 07 Tundra 5.7 2-wheel drive pulling a 1500 Durango by KZ 5th wheel. It weighs out pretty good but I am over on the rear axle of the truck by about 200 pounds. I wonder if anyone has experienced this and is there any wiggle room or something I should be concerned about.
My tundra have 70000 mile and the rear pasanger side whell bearing makes noise at behing I though was the tires but noooooooooooooo was tha bearing it cost 780.00 to do tha repair that sucks on a new truck a this is thalast time I purchase a toyota.I have 2008 sequia only problems toyota need to by more responsible and they cars there name is going downnnnnnnnnnnnn
just had my tundra rear axle replaced and it only has 25,000 miles on it…but got if fixed and now after about 2,000 miles it makes this lil funny noise when i press on the gas very lightly around 60 to 70 miles…and when i let off the gas….
ANY 1 NO WHAT IT COULD BE???
My 2010 Tundra with only 42000 kms on it has had all wheel bearings replaced because of roaring noises, and two weeks ago they replaced the rear diff due to loud roaring noise…and now its coming from the front end…AGAIN! Toyota quality is a myth.
i have 2008 tundra,worst truck i have owned.iI have owned all different types.I have had nothing but problems with this truck,rear end,driveshaft,transmission,coumputer,engine knocking.toyota rep-redflagged the truck now they do not fix it they say it is normal. he did say it is not broken we wont fix it. I asked why do we bring it for service,or have a warranty if you dont honor it. I had a problem with a dodge truck they fixed it,ford truck they fixed it,but toyota a joke. They are very nice on the phone when you file a complaint but thats all you get. they say bring it to another dealer let him look at it.Goog luck as soon as they look at it and all of them including the techs say this is not normal. BUT when they go into the computer the red flag goes up,toyota rep says no,even with the techs saying not normal.Once off warranty they will fix it. I am bringing the truck to a toyota speacialist in another state and let them determan what the problem is and get a print out sheet give the dealer a chance to fix.If they dont honor the warranty and fix,I will have a lawyer take the case. I will also file a complaint with the state of maine. All i want is my truck fixed and run the way it is supposed to. One thing is funny they are willing to put me into another vehicle for more money. After this truck i will stick with american made only.
my 2008 tundra with 30,000 has a rear end howl as well, and this truck has been babied.