2005 Dodge Ram 1500 - V8 5.7 Hemi Quad-Cab Short Bed.

Problem ; Severe shuddering when coming to a stop, particularly from high speeds. Never felt unsafe, just uncomfortable, and embarrassed if I had passengers (ie client's in the truck).

Outside of replacing warped front rotors every 10,000 miles, loved this truck right up until I traded it last month. Truck had 49,000 on it when I traded, and was on it's 5th set of rotors since I'd bought it new (with 2 miles on it). I'm a 41 year old professional, didn't hotrod, run the truck hard, tow, or haul more than a few sheets of drywall or bags of mulch for weekend home improvement projects.

So if I traded, why am I writing this post - because as I researched a problem with my new toyota truck (see those specifics below), I saw this all too familiar frustrating story. Have a little better understanding & solution than the ones I saw posted so thought I'd share.

Like other posts my ever so astute Dodge dealer was 'astonished' that I was having a problem. They asked if I was hard-braking, riding the brakes, or towing. My response to their ridiculous accusations ; I'm a 41 year old professional, been driving for 25 years and certain don't ride, slam, run the truck hard, and pointed out that the truck didn't even have a hitch.

Anyway, they readily replaced the first set of rotors at 6,000 miles with smiles & apologies, then again at 12,000, but after that .... even despite me proving there was an extraordinary issue (as with other users) .... I was flatly on my own. My Einstein tech stated 'dude, what do you expect us to replace the rotors every 20 Every 10-12k afterward ... my response ; uh 'dude', that's what you're telling me to do genius.

I did however stop shoveling cash to the greedy and thankless Dodge dealer & instead took to my neighborhood service station. He replaced the front rotors for about $180 versus $400 for 'geniune' (or as I call it junkuine) dodge mopar parts.

He installed the heaviest duty version in aftermarket, they eventually run into the same problem, but seemed to get 15k-20k out of the aftermarket rotors. He's owned his station & been a trustworthy mechanic for 40 years .... said his opinion is that the brakes are simply undersized for the weight & size of the vehicle.

It's a better assessment than I ever got from the dealer and frankly I believe him.

Solutions. Either move to an aftermarket rotor and cheaper mechanic or get rid of the truck.

So I'm off to the boards to share my new Toyota Truck problem (just google rumble strip transmission problem on the Tundra). Sigh, when will I learn to read these boards BEFORE I purchase rather than after :(

Keep it real - Double G

EVERYONE NEEDS TO WRITE A LETTER TO CHRYSLER! THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL!!!!

CERTIFIED MAIL

Chrysler Customer Assistance Center PO Box 21 � 8004 Auburn Hills, MI 48321

To whom it may concern:

I am writing in to express my dissatisfaction with the performance of the factory rotors on my 2005 Dodge Ram 1500, and my frustration with both dealers� service departments that have been addressing these ongoing issues.

Please find the attached service receipts detailing the significant amount of work done on the rotors and pads. This problem has been ongoing for a prolonged period of time. The mileage on each receipt does not accurately represent when the braking system started to show symptoms of warped rotors (i.e. vibrations from steering throughout the cab). The receipt mileage does, however, represent the time at which I was able to take off from work, get the vehicle to the dealer, and be without a car. At 20,000 miles the dealer turned (resurfaced) the original set of all four rotors costing $300. This was covered under warranty. At 27,000 miles the dealer had to turn first set of rotors a second time. This was covered by the dealer who poorley did the work. At this point I know the rotors are significantly thinner and inevitably are soon going to warp. At 35,389 miles the receipt states diagnostics found the front rotors are at the minimum thickness and rear rotors are within 7mm of minimum, but severely warped. They replace all rotors and pads with �make it new kit� costing me $587.81. The last receipt at 48,000 miles is when the dealer finds all rotors warped again for the 3rd time! The service consultant recommends I install high performance after market ceramic rotors costing me $1,400.

Why didn�t the dealer recommend ceramic brakes the first time I replaced the rotors? Why are other customers reporting the same rotor warping problems with this truck? Please see attached complaints from other customers. Are the larger 20 inch wheels producing heavier loads and increased friction on the rotors and pads producing more heat and causing them to warp? Are the factory rotors cheap and poorly engineered? Do I have defective calipers that need to be replaced?

In regards to the service department at Palmer Dodge in Roswell, GA I am deeply disturbed. After they install the $1,400 ceramic rotors and pads, I didn�t even make it out of the parking lot before I notice the uneven and random scuffing (rubbing sounds) coming from the brand new ceramic brakes. I question the entire job performed. The technician reports to me that the noise in normal. He also states that the rotors can ship brand new warped. He stated that he has turned brand new rotors out of the box before putting them on! He states that the noise is uneven because the pads are rubbing at different intervals on separate wheels and assures me this is normal. He expresses the ceramic pads have a �coating� that needs to be rubbed off and the drilled holes for venting the heat are creating the uneven surface (unbelievable).

When I dropped the truck off, Ken, the service consultant, convinced me that the viscosity of my brake fluid was bad and there was also dirt found in the system. He recommends flushing the entire system front to back with new fluid. He was even willing to perform the service free of charge to help with my frustration. I ask the technician if the �flush� was really necessary, and he states that he did not flush the system. He only replaced the fluid in the reservoir, even though the flush brake system was listed on the service report! No wonder I was given the service �free of charge�!

I was also concerned about the alignment, caliper functionality, and rack and pinion steering. Ken assured me he would check everything. When I picked up the truck Ken states that there was nothing found to be wrong with the truck, and that the alignment performed was also going to be �free of charge�. When I asked the technician if he had the specifications on the on the alignment, he stated that he did not perform an alignment. This item is also listed as performed on the service report. Are you starting to sense my frustration?

At this point I get the service manager, Megan, involved and she states the only action I can take is to contact the 1-800-992-1997 service number and express my concerns. At this point I have missed my 2:00 PM appointment with my customer and have wasted valuable time trying to get the bottom of this problem. I am given a rental car and my trick goes back into service. Keep in mind they have already had the truck for 3 days!

I call the service number and file the complaints against the dealership and the crappy factory rotors. I also wanted to obtain copies of this documentation for my records, but was told it is outside of policy to release this information. I am asking for full refund of the parts and service that have been performed on the vehicle. I am also asking for a detailed copy of the summary of the call into the service hotline. I am also requesting a copy to be sent to the dealership.

Regards,

Stephen Doiron

rotors warped ok. so i went and got them turned did the work myself. i knew that it was odd because i don't tow and what the hell its a half ton. second time a few months later i was VERY upset. it had to be the calipers sticking and it was. the dealer replaced BOTH calipers and has been good since. However they wanted to charge me to turn the rotors,I should have threw a fit but did the work myself.for now on im going to be an a** i spent too much money and extended warranties to deal with that crap ! So get new calipers

I bought what I called my "Big Boy Truck" because I needed something with four doors that was safe and reliable the wife and I had our little girl the year before and only having one vehicle we could carry her around in with both of us in the military wasn't cutting it. Then after about 10,000 miles the damn thing will vibrate me to death every time I come to a stop. Let me ask a question to anyone who is reading this..... Does that sound like a safe reliable vehicle that you would want to put your one year old child in? I can't even get my wife to drive the thing because she is scared of it. I just haven't had the money or the time to fix it.

Bought a brand new Ram 1500 SLT in December 2005. After driving it for 3000 miles, the front rotors warped causing extreme shaking and vibration during braking. Brought the vehicle to the dealer and they cut the front rotors and re-installed the original brake pads (ughhhh). At 9000 miles, the same problem returned. Brought it back to the same dealer, this time they replaced the front rotors and once again re-installed the original brake pads (idiots!). Truck was fine til it reached 17,000 miles..... once again shaking all over while braking. Returned to the same dealer again to repair the problem. They had the truck the entire day... and never called. I went to the dealer at the end of the day and they said they did not repair anything..... the brakes were no longer covered under the warranty because it had more than 12K miles on it now. They said it was the front rotors again... After much resistance, I had the service manager drive the truck. He now thought it was the rear rotors.... so he put the truck on a lift and pulled off the back wheels. What he found was rear rotors that were warped and brake pads that were already completely worn. Of course, the outcome was "over 12,000 miles..... NO LONGER COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. Unbelievable.... ughhh! They came up with ever possible excuse... IE: each time the front warped... they said I must have braked hard while going through a puddle..., I must use the truck for towing..... All lame excuses! Bottom line.... they would not repair or replace any parts under the warranty. Hmmmm..... next truck I'll probably have to go with something other than a Dodge.... maybe the other manufacturers will stand behind their products more than Dodge does!!

At about 11,500 miles, I noticed moderate to severe pulsating in the brake pedal and steering wheel when stopping. I consulted dealer about situation and they indicated that it was just a wear and tear item. I had the front rotors turned and pads replaced at local repair shop, and now at 23,000 miles, I'm experiencing the exact same issues as before. I guess these piece of crap rotors need to be replaced or resurfaced every 12,000 miles? New brakes should last at least 40,000 under the harshest of driving conditions.

Dodge should take into consideration that when putting on those 20" tires that they needed to beef up the front rotors and brake pads. I had one rear rotor turned now I have to replace it and replace all my brakes. If they were not going to beef up the rotors then they should have atleast spent the money and put slotted rotors on the truck if they are going to charge the customer 800 dollars on the MSRP for the over size tires just because they are crome and they are 20". Only having 30,000 miles on my truck and I'm already doing brakes on it. What a load of crap! I should have bought a chevy!

After just 5,400 miles the rotors on my 2005 Dodge RAM 1500 warped. The vibration when applying the brakes at any speed was just terrible. Dealed replaced (too badly warped to be resurfaced!) at no cost since rotors covered for first 12K miles. I never did any towing and the heaviest haul was 900lbs. Found history of complaints for this problem on the internet. Obviously, Dodge/Chrysler does not want to admit they have a problem here! If the rotors warp again soon, I'm definitely going to purchase aftermarket rotors and brakes.