RAM 1500 Truck 4WD V8-5.9L VIN Z (2002)
Companion Flange: All Technical Service Bulletins
Wheels/Tires/Driveline - Highway Speed Vibration
NUMBER: 22-003-03
GROUP: Tires & Wheels
DATE: June 27, 2003
SUBJECT:
Vibration at Highway Speeds
OVERVIEW:
This bulletin involves diagnosis and corrective information for vehicles with a smooth road shake condition.
MODELS:
2002
(DR)
Ram Truck
SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
Some vehicles may exhibit a vibration at highway speeds on smooth roads. The following is a diagnostic and repair procedure recommended for vehicles
with this condition.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
Wheel Balancer Capable of Static and Dynamic Balancing
DIAGNOSIS/REPAIR:
Visual Inspection of the vehicle is recommended prior to the initial test drive. Raise vehicle on a suitable hoist and inspect the following items: Verify
correct (original equipment) wheels and tires. Inspect tires and wheels for damage, mud packing and unusual wear; correct as necessary. Check and
adjust tire pressure to the recommended pressure. If vehicle is in pre-delivery condition, do not remove the matchmount stickers from the wheel and tire.
Road Test on a smooth road (preferably asphalt) for at least 5 miles to warm tires and remove flat spots. Lightly place hands on steering wheel at the
10:00 and 2:00 positions while slowly speeding up and down from 55 to 70 MPH (where speed limit permits). Note amount of shake and at what speed it
occurs in: steering wheel, seat, floor, etc.. Shake occurring between 65 and 70 m.p.h. is typically caused by wheel and tire issues. Shake in other speed
ranges is likely caused by other components. Rule out vibrations due to powertrain or brakes by: lightly apply brakes; if vibration occurs or is enhanced,
vibration is likely due to causes other than tire/wheel assemblies. Shift transmission into neutral while vibration is occurring; if eliminated, vibration is
likely due to causes other than tire/wheel assemblies.
Check rear driveshaft for proper matching.
1.
The rear driveshaft should have a yellow paint mark near the rear U-joint. The companion flange on the rear axle should be marked in blue or
yellow paint. Ensure that the paint marks on the driveshaft and companion flange are aligned. If the paint marks on the driveshaft and companion
flange are not aligned, remove the U-joint from the companion flange and install it with the paint marks lined up.
Check for wheel to hub pilot error
2.
If match mounting stickers are not on the wheels and/or tires, proceed to Balancing. If match mounting stickers are still on the wheels and/or tires,
do the following:
Raise vehicle off ground. Rotate wheel/tire assemblies so that the match mount stickers are at the top center (12:00) position Loosen, but do not
remove the lug nuts. Break the wheel free from the hub. While keeping the match mount stickers at 12:00, tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to
120 ft. lbs.
Balance Wheel/Tire Assemblies
NOTE:
Balance equipment must be calibrated and maintained per equipment manufacturer's specifications.
3.
Using a conventional balancer (no road force measurement): Before removing assemblies from the vehicle, mark each tire with a "V" or triangle at
the valve stem location. Mark each tire with the position (LF, RF, LR, RR) For each wheel position, remove the two lug nuts on either side of the
valve stem first, and paint mark the ends of these studs, so the wheel can be installed in the same position.
4.
Record the original balance weight amounts and clock positions with the valve stem at 12:00. Balance assemblies dynamically and statically to
within 0.25 ounce.
