Known for its rugged build, refined ride and towing prowess, the RAM 1500 is consistently one of the best-selling pickup trucks on the market. Even the toughest and hardest-working trucks require attention over time, however, as even these trucks have components that can wear out with use. One of the most important systems to monitor in a truck like the RAM 1500 is its suspension, as it’s constantly in use whether you’re cruising the highway or hauling heavy loads to and from the jobsite. Today we’re going to give you the rundown on some of the most notable warning signs to look out for that might signify it’s time to get your RAM 1500’s suspension system looked at.
Uneven Tire Wear
Your suspension system ensures that all four tires are in contact with the ground evenly, so one of the earliest warning signs to heed is if you notice uneven tire wear. Any unusual tire wear, like cupping or balding on one sign, can signal trouble in your suspension system — such as misalignment or worn components like ball joints and control arms. Catching this issue early can prevent cascading suspension issues down the line, but will also protect your tires from worsening uneven wear.
Bouncy or Rough Ride
You shouldn’t typically notice bumps when driving your RAM 1500, thanks to solid engineering. So, if your daily drive suddenly feels jarring or excessively bouncy, you might have worn shocks or struts. Other examples of this issue include when you hit an obvious bump but the truck continues to bounce after going over it, or if your truck leans more than normal when cornering.
Nosediving During Braking
Something else you might notice from worn front struts is your RAM 1500 dipping sharply forward when braking. This is often referred to as “nosediving” and it can compromise stopping distance and steering control in addition to the reduced comfort of the actual motion.
Leaning or Sagging Stance
Every once in a while when you’re parked on flat ground, take a moment to look at your RAM from the sides and rear. If it appears as though your truck is leaning or sagging to one side, you might have weakened or even broken springs. This also happens if you have an uneven load distribution, so it’s best to check this with an empty truck bed and cabin. If you do have a lopsided stance, you want to address it as soon as possible or it could accelerate wear and tear on other parts of the suspension system and even the drivetrain.
Steering Feels Loose or Wanders
Despite the size of your RAM 1500, modern models offer precision handling that give you a sense of total control over your truck. If you start to notice that your steering feels loose or delayed, or if you notice the truck drifting even when your hands are steady on the wheel, you might have worn tie rods, bushings or a failing steering linkage. The degradation of these components can significantly impact safety and handling, so be sure to address them quickly.
Unusual Noises Over Bumps
Lastly, unusual sounds are always a telltale sign of something going on with your vehicle. Sounds that reflect issues with the suspension system in particular include clunking, creaking or rattling noises when driving over bumps. These sounds are often caused by deteriorated suspension joints, failing sway bar links or dry bushings.
We hope that these warning signs help you keep a better eye on the health of your vehicle, but if you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us here at Jim Glover CDJRF. You should especially reach out if you’ve already noticed one or more of these signs, as we’d be happy to take a look for you.