TSB 23-58-98

Wind Noise Around grille Area And/Or Dimples On The Grille Painted Surface

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Models: 1999 BR/BE Ram trucks

THIS TSB APPLIES TO RAM TRUCKS WITH SPORT PACKAGE(sales code AGG+MFN)

Symptoms:

Condition #1 vehicle may exhibit a condition where windnoise occurs in the front of the vehicle at speeds between 45 and 65 or slower driving into a headwind.  (Bob's note: this has been dealt with at much length in previous TSB's but not in the Sport option format and '99's...IMO a waste of CC time.)

Condition #2 vehicle may exhibit a condition where "torque dimples" may occur in the leading edge of the grille opposite of the grille fasteners. (this is the frontside of where the fastener goes through the grille in the painted part-Sport option, remember?  It appears as a dimple in the painted {colored} surface.)  Remedy? replace the grille.

Diagnosis:

Condition #1 Attempt to slide a 3X5 index card between the  grille and the hood. If the index card slides freely without contacting the hood or foam seal that is placed between the hood and grille,  perform the repair procedure.
NOTE:  If the 3x5 index card does not meet the criteria above ns the customer identifies a windnoise from the front grille area, a road test may be required. If it can be determined that the noise is caused by the gap between the grille and hood, perform the repair.

Condition #2 Inspect the grille for small dimples located on the painted side of the grille opposite the grille attachment points. If dimples can be seen, perform the repair along the leading edge of the grille opposite the fasteners.

Parts:

5'   0488273530'   roll of 1/4" thick by 3/8" wide closed cell PVC Foam Tape
2    06102101AA   Nut
1                             Grille - use part number for proper color match
1   55295240          Plate, name, medallion insert

Repair: The procedure is to place closed cell foam tape between the grille and the hood, and replacing two push nuts and vinyl caps, adjusting the grille to hood flange and/or replacing the grille.

1. Open hood.
2. Remove the bolts holding the bottom of the grille to the grille bracket.
3. Remove the four nuts, black vinyl caps, and two push-nuts holding the grille to the hood (Fig 2).
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4. Separate the grille from vehicle (do not remove grille bracket assembly).
5. With the grille removed, inspect the grille for small dimples on the painted side of the grille opposite the grill attachment points. Replace the grille if small dimples are visible with the grille removed.
• NOTE: If the existing foam bead on the upper lip of the grille is damaged or peeling from the grille, completely remove the foam bead from the grille before proceeding.
6. Clean the inside top edge of the grille with isopropyl alcohol to ensure proper adhesion of the PVC foam.
• CAUTION: BE CAREFUL TO KEEP THE ALCOHOL FROM CONTACTING THE HEADLAMP MODULES.
7. Apply approximately 5' of the closed cell PVC foam tape on the inside top edge of the grille as shown in Fig 3 and Fig 4. Be sure to align the edge of the foam with the inside edge of the grille.
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8. Trim excess foam strip from the grille.
9. Install the grille onto the grille bracket.
10. Install the four nuts holding the grille to the hood. Replace all push-nuts/vinyl caps with new nuts. Tighten the nuts to 30 in-lbs (3.4 Nm).
11. Inspect the grille for dimples at the attachment points. Carefully bend the hood flange forward to eliminate any dimples in the grille.
• CAUTION:  Bending the hood too far forward can result in causing the the wind noise/whistle  to re-occur around the grille.

notes:

Policy:    Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty

This page was edited on: May 3, 2004