Dodge Ram Air Suspension Problems [4 Common Issues]
The Dodge Ram is one of the most powerful trucks equipped with air suspension today. But despite its ruggedness, the Dodge Ram may develop suspension problems sometimes.
In this post, I have highlighted some suspension issues your Dodge Ram may develop and how to go about theses issues.
Dodge Ram Air Suspension Problems
1. Bouncy and Noise Rear Suspension
When you feel your Dodge Ram bouncing abnormally and noisily while in motion, it is a clear indication something is wrong with your suspension. Ignoring this warning sign will eventually cost you a lot more money than if you fixed it as soon as you notice this worrisome sign.
Nevertheless, your truck will bounce relentlessly due to insufficient damping in the rear suspension.
When you notice this development, upgrade your Dodge Ram’s rear suspension and minimize the weight. This will considerably help alleviate the bounce rate and unnecessary noise of your Dodge Ram.
2. Difficulty When Steering
Do you experience unnatural difficulty when steering your Dodge Ram? A faulty suspension could be the culprit.
One major reason behind this issue is the low power steering fluid level and the leaking power steering rack. Worn control arm bushings and a failing power steering pump can also cause difficulty when steering your Dodge Ram.
When you find it difficult to steer your vehicle, check the power steering fluid and fill it up adequately if the level is low.
3. Nosediving
Nosediving is a condition or situation you experience when your Dodge Ram is in motion. Your truck leans in any direction whenever you’re driving.
In addition, when your Dodge Ram bears excess weight, it moves sideways when you make turns, speeds up backward, and still moves forward even after applying the brakes.
You may need to upgrade your air suspension and minimize the load your truck carries from time to time. This helps alleviate the air suspension issues in your Dodge Ram.
4. Sagging Rear
When the rear suspension starts sagging, it strongly indicates that you have a faulty one. When your vehicle’s rear sags, it is due to the weak weight-absorbing attribute of your Dodge Ram, which has been severely compromised. This often results in an excessive roll.
You can solve this issue by trying the customary bounce check. Afterward, tighten every single shock bottom bolt. But you have to be 100 percent sure that your Dodge Ram is stable at its standard ride height.
Tightening the bushing at other ride heights beside the standard height significantly shortens bushing service life. This is why it is crucial to ensure all these corrections are applied when your Dodge Ram is at its ideal ride height.
Can You Drive a Dodge Ram with a Bad Air Suspension?
It is never advisable to drive any vehicle with flared springs, struts, or shocks, as this is hazardous. In the same vein, you should not drive your Dodge Ram with a failed air suspension, since it can lead to severe physical damage and major accidents.
So, you should locate the nearest auto mechanic shop as soon as you get to know about any air suspension issue based on the signs of a failing air suspension discussed earlier.
Some airbag issues cost a few bucks, but driving your Dodge Ram with a failed air suspension or delaying repairs can easily result in permanent compressor failure and many other related issues.
This will probably cost you thousands of dollars, the money you could have saved if you had heeded the warnings signs and fixed them immediately.
Therefore, even if your Dodge Ram has a broken shock absorber or coil spring, you should not drive that truck since it has an element or two of a bad suspension.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Dodge Ram Air Suspension?
According to RepairPal, the average Dodge Ram active air spring replacement cost ranges from $3,002 to $3,063. In addition, average labor costs range from $233 to $294, while components are priced at $2,768.
These price ranges do not include fees and taxes. It does not factor in your unique location as well as the particular model year of your Dodge Ram. Related repairs may also be required; the cost is not factored in either. Moreover, the price ranges are based on the age and number of Dodge Rams on the road.
Which of the Dodge Ram Model Years Have the Highest Suspension Issues?
The Dodge Ram model year with the highest suspension problems are the 2014 and the 2015 Dodge Ram model years. According to several surveys, the 2014 Dodge Ram air suspension issues or complications were mostly noted during frigid weather.
Dodge Ram airbags have performed impressively well in initial road inspection and high cab assistant checks.
However, using the 2014 Dodge Ram in specific conditions or situations resulted in stressful jerks and unreliable driving. An internal report even states that these Dodge Ram air suspension issues were, more often than not, recorded after a working span or period of over 53,000 miles.
An efficient air compressor replacement is the best solution for fixing a Dodge Ram’s failed air suspension issues. This will significantly boost the riding heights of your automobile, though this replacement may set you back a few thousand dollars.
The 2015 Dodge Ram model also had several complaints of unsupportive air suspensions and blown-out engines. Several major accidents were also reported within the same year for engine blockage and cylinder explosions.
Analysts have reportedly seen unreasonable leakage from air suspension bags as well as cracks, which many attributed as the telltale reasons for these automobile accidents.
Dodge Ram manufacturers are still working hard to fix these issues, as they find it pretty challenging to find complications or valid reasons for these leakages and cracks. Some of the minor issues plaguing the 2015 Dodge Ram model include unsupportive sensors and inconvenient fuel injectors.
However, the complications of the 2015 Dodge Ram model were recorded between periods ranging from 53,000 miles to 55,000 miles. You may need to replace the blown-out engine of your 2015 Dodge Ram, which will cost you a few thousand dollars.
Which Dodge Ram Models Have the Least Suspension Problems?
According to reviews from Car.com, some users have stated that the 2010 Dodge Ram model has the least suspension issues.
Does the Front or Rear Suspension of a Dodge Ram Last Longer?
The front or rear suspension of a Dodge Ram can have a long lifespan. However, excellent maintenance practice should be involved if you want your Dodge Ram’s rear suspension to last longer.
Tests and real-life applications have shown that the Dodge Ram suspension can last more than 35,000 miles.
Has Dodge Ever Recalled Any Ram Model Years for Suspension Problems?
According to information from CoPilot, General Motors (GM) recalled 2014, 2015, and 2016 Dodge Ram models. The recalls were linked to issues such as airbag problems, shifter linkage, cruise control, and a faulty rear tailgate latch with power locks.
How Does a Bad Dodge Ram’s Suspension Affect Handling and Steering?
A defective suspension significantly affects the handling and steering of a Dodge Ram vehicle. It reduces stopping performance, vehicle stability, as well as steering precision.
Unlike shock absorbers, the front struts of a Dodge Ram are crucial aspects of the handling and steering system. Therefore, when your Dodge Ram’s front struts are bad, the handling and steering system becomes vulnerable. This significantly boosts the chances of road accidents.
Tips to Make Your Dodge Ram’s Suspension Last Longer
When you tune up the suspension of your Dodge Ram, it lasts a little longer than it usually should. But if you want to ensure a 100 percent long-lasting suspension, follow these tips below:
- Regularly check the bearings, joints, linkages, and bushings for wear
- Examine your vehicle’s shock absorbers from time to time
- Inspect your truck’s steering system and the power steering fluid. Remember to check the belt of your vehicle.
- Check the air pressure in your tires, including the tread on these tires
- Examine your vehicle’s wheel alignment to ensure they are in perfect arrangement.
You may also like to see how to spot and fix suspension issues in Toyota 4Runner and Ram Rebel.
Wrapping Up
As you can see, the Dodge Ram has several suspension issues that must always be addressed when they rear their ugly heads.
However, you can nip these suspension issues in the bud by taking note of the signs of a failing suspension. The signs highlighted above make it easier to identify your Dodge Ram’s suspension and take steps to fix them.
Moreover, you need to develop an excellent maintenance culture if you want your Dodge Ram to last long. This also prevents suspension problems, especially if you examine your Dodge Ram after over 35,000 miles.