TSBs

Neglected Ram U-Joints

Sept. 21, 2021

Due to a lack of proper maintenance, failures of the U-joints have occurred on some heavy-duty Ram front driveshaft double cardan universal joints.

Information courtesy of Mitchell 1

Mike Mavrigian

Due to a lack of proper maintenance, failures of the U-joints have occurred on some heavy-duty Ram front driveshaft double cardan universal joints. This applies to 2011-2018 RAM trucks equipped with four-wheel drive.

The joint must be lubricated with a needle-nose grease gun adapter during scheduled maintenance every 8,000 miles (gas engine) or every 7,500 miles (diesel engine). Lube the double cardan joint using Mopar type MS-6560 lithium-based grease or equivalent. There is an underhood reminder sticker on the left front fender. The long needle point adapter is available from Matco as P/N MCOGGA3A/GGA3A or Snap-on P/N YA761 or YA801.

Double cardan joint location.

A service reminder sticker should be present underhood on the left front fender.

Note the location of the double cardan joint grease fitting. This shows why you need the extended needlepoint adapter.

About the Author

Information courtesy of Mitchell 1

Information for Technical Service Bulletins comes from ProDemand, Mitchell 1's auto repair information software for domestic and import vehicles. Headquartered in San Diego, Mitchell 1 has provided quality repair information solutions to the automotive industry since 1918.

About the Author

Mike Mavrigian | Motor Age Editor

Mike Mavrigian has written thousands of automotive technical magazine articles involving a variety of specialties, from engine building to wheel alignment, and has authored more than a dozen books that crisscross the automotive spectrum. Mike operates Birchwood Automotive, an Ohio shop that builds custom engines and performs vintage vehicle restorations. The shop also features a professional photo studio to document projects and to create images for articles and books.