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Home/Cars/Ram/1500/DT (2019-Present)/how to tell if my Ram 1500 DT (2019-Present) struts are worn out?

how to tell if my Ram 1500 DT (2019-Present) struts are worn out?

Ram 1500 DT (2019-Present)

Error Codes
Severity: mediumDifficulty: medium2-4 hours
4 min read
630 words

Problem Statement

Learn how to diagnose and replace worn struts on a 2019 Ram 1500 DT. Step-by-step guide with symptoms, diagnostic steps, and repair instructions.

Component
Suspension
Repair Time
2-4 hours

Safety Warnings

  • ⚠Always use jack stands when working under a vehicle.
  • ⚠Disconnect the battery if working on electronic components to prevent shorts.

Symptoms

  • •Vehicle exhibits excessive bouncing after hitting bumps or potholes
  • •Uneven tire wear, particularly on the inner or outer edges
  • •Poor handling or increased body roll during turns
  • •Noise such as clunking or knocking when driving over rough surfaces
  • •Vehicle squats or dives during acceleration or braking
  • •Visible leakage of hydraulic fluid from the strut assembly

Diagnostic Steps

  1. 1Visual Inspection: Examine the struts for signs of physical damage or oil leakage.
  2. 2Bounce Test: Push down on the front or rear of the vehicle and release; the vehicle should rebound once and settle back.
  3. 3Tire Inspection: Check for uneven tire wear patterns that may indicate strut issues.
  4. 4Road Test: Drive the vehicle over bumps and listen for unusual noises or feel for excessive bouncing.
  5. 5Alignment Check: Perform a wheel alignment to see if misalignment could be affecting strut performance.
  6. 6Look for Warning Signs: Check for dashboard warning lights that may indicate suspension issues.

Solution

Solution

1. Preparation

  • Gather Tools and Parts:
    • Tools: Socket set, torque wrench, jack stands, floor jack, impact wrench.
    • Parts: New strut assemblies (if replacement is needed), strut mounts, and any additional hardware.
  • Safety Precautions:
    • Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat surface.
    • Set the parking brake and wear safety glasses.

2. Jack Up the Vehicle

  • Use the floor jack to lift the vehicle and secure it with jack stands for safety.
  • Ensure the vehicle is stable before proceeding.

3. Remove the Old Struts

  • Front Struts:

    • Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
    • Disconnect the brake line bracket from the strut.
    • Remove the bolts securing the strut to the steering knuckle.
    • Remove the top strut mounting nuts from the engine bay.
    • Carefully pull out the strut assembly.
  • Rear Struts:

    • Remove the rear wheel and tire assembly.
    • Disconnect the sway bar link (if applicable).
    • Remove the lower strut bolts.
    • Remove the top mounting nuts from the trunk area and extract the strut.

4. Install New Struts

  • Front Struts:

    • Position the new strut into place and secure the top mount with nuts.
    • Attach the strut to the steering knuckle and torque the bolts to manufacturer specifications.
    • Reconnect the brake line bracket.
  • Rear Struts:

    • Insert the new strut into position and secure the top mount with nuts.
    • Attach the lower strut bolts and torque them to specifications.
    • Reconnect the sway bar link.

5. Reassemble and Lower Vehicle

  • Reinstall the wheel and tire assemblies.
  • Lower the vehicle from the jack stands.
  • Torque the wheel lug nuts to the appropriate specification.

6. Final Checks

  • Perform a wheel alignment to ensure proper handling.
  • Test drive the vehicle to confirm strut performance.

Verification

After completing the repair, verify that the issue has been resolved:

  • Test the affected component to ensure it functions correctly
  • Check for any error codes or warning lights
  • Monitor the vehicle for a few days to ensure the issue does not recur

Prevention Tips

To prevent this issue from occurring again:

  • •Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule
  • •Address warning signs early before they develop into major issues
  • •Use quality parts and fluids recommended for your vehicle
  • •Keep detailed records of all repairs and maintenance

Tools & Equipment Required

  • Socket set
  • Torque wrench
  • Jack stands
  • Floor jack
  • Impact wrench

Parts Required

  • New strut assemblies
  • Strut mounts
  • Additional hardware

Additional Information

Component

Suspension

Repair Time

2-4 hours

Difficulty

medium

Severity

medium

Tools

5 items

Parts

3 items

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