NHTSA Complaint #11286400 — 2013 RAM 3500

THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN FOR A FRONT END ALIGNMENT. WHEN THE TECHNICIAN LOOSENED THE TUBE RETAINING CLAMP TO ADJUST THE OUTER TIE ROD, ONE SIDE OF THE THREADED PORTION OF THE ADJUSTER TUBE, SOCKET, TIE ROD END (68369910AC) FELL ON THE GROUND. THE METAL WALL SHEARED AT THE START OF THE ADJUSTMENT THREADS AND SHOWED SIGNS OF METAL FATIGUE. THE OPPOSITE SIDE WAS FULLY CRACKED IN THE SAME LOCATION BUT HAD NOT SHEARED OFF THE ADJUSTER TUBE, SOCKET, TIE ROD END YET. IT TOOK VERY LITTLE EFFORT TO BREAK THE PIECE OFF BY HAND. FAILURE WOULD HAVE BEEN IMMINENT IF LEFT UNTOUCHED. FAILURE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT AN ALIGNMENT SHOP. THE ADJUSTER TUBE, SOCKET, TIE ROD END IS IDENTIFIED AS PART (1) IN THE ATTACHED DRAWING. FAILURE POINT IS AT THE END WHERE ADJUSTER TUBE (2) IS THREADED IN AND TUBE RETAINING CLAMPS (15) AND (16). PICTURES OF THE FAILED COMPONENT ARE ATTACHED.