I noticed my passenger front tire was losing air so I dropped by the tire store and guy checked it out and sure enough air was coming from the rim. Does my factory warranty cover the replacement of the aluminum rims? Has anyone else had this problem? Thanks

 

They should cover it. I'd be pretty ticked off if they didn't. That's a major saftey concern.

 

I believe there is a recall or tsb about cracked aluminum rims on 03,s. Do a search Im sure you'll find it.

 

Date: June 2003

Models: 2003 (DR) Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Pick-up Trucks

NOTE: This recall applies only to the above trucks equipped with aluminum wheels (Sales Code WD3) built at the Saltillo Assembly Plant (“G” in the 11th VIN Position) from March 24, 2003 through April 7, 2003 (MDH 0324XX through 040717).

IMPORTANT: Many of the vehicles within the above build period have already been inspected or repaired and, therefore, have been excluded from this recall.

IMPORTANT: Some of the involved vehicles may be in dealer new vehicle inventory. Federal law requires you to stop sale and complete this recall service on these vehicles before retail delivery. Dealers should also consider this requirement to apply to used vehicle inventory and should perform this recall on vehicles in for service. Involved vehicles can be determined by using the VIP inquiry process.

Subject:

The aluminum wheels on about 1,000 of the above trucks may have excessive porosity in the center hub area which can cause a wheel to crack. This could cause a loss of vehicle control and result in an accident without warning.

Repair:

The aluminum wheel build codes must be inspected. Wheels that were cast in the affected mold during the suspect period must be replaced.

Alternate Transportation:

Dealers should attempt to minimize customer inconvenience by placing the owner in a loaner vehicle if inspection determines that wheel replacement(s) is required and the vehicle must be held overnight.

Parts Information:

Part Number Description
5JG15PAKAB Aluminum Wheel Assembly

Due to the small number of involved vehicles expected to require wheel replacement, no parts will be distributed initially. Wheel assemblies should be ordered only after inspection determines that replacement is required. Very few vehicles are expected to require wheel replacement.

Service Procedure:

A. Inspect Wheel Build Codes

1. Raise the vehicle on an appropriate hoist.

2. Rotate the left front wheel until the valve stem is in the 12 o’clock position.

3. Looking at the back side of the wheel, locate the mold cavity identification code on the inside of the lower front wheel spoke (Figure 1).

If the mold cavity code is a number “1”, continue with Step 4.
If the mold cavity code is any number other than a “1”, the wheel does NOT require replacement. Continue with Step 6.

 

I suppose this is why the 05 aluminum wheels are forged aluminum instead of cast aluminum. They are the same design, but have a higher gloss and do not have the close up grainy finish like cast.