Broken Manifold Bolts? [VIDEO]

bryce88 · Mar 28, 2019

OK, I've done some reading and from what I've read, I think my problem is a broken manifold bolt(s). (Which is different from the Hemi tick correct?)

Here's a video at startup, if you listen carefully the ticking gradually decreases as it heats up.
Should I expect a broken manifold bolt?

My truck is still under the powertrain warranty of 100,000 miles (2015 w/ 70,000 miles)
I've read that it should be covered. I've never taken a vehicle to a dealer for service.
What should tell them/ look out for?

Burla · Mar 28, 2019

Yeah, 99% that is exhaust.

Fitz-0518 · Mar 28, 2019

OP I agree that is most likely a exhaust leak. Couple things to understand with the dealer. We must demonstrate the problem. Some dealers will accept the video. Others you need to drop off in the evening and meet the tech in morning "BEFORE THEY START YOUR TRUCK" and have the tech listen while the hood is up. Once they agree/accept that you have an exhaust leak, they immediately look for broker bolts. (been thru this) Keep in mind that while this is known problem with the 5.7 and some 6.4, it is not common enough to raise a recall (yet) Most important that you make sure your complaint is documented correctly on the WO and the results are documented as stated to you.

bryce88 · Mar 28, 2019

Fitz87gn said:
OP I agree that is most likely a exhaust leak. Couple things to understand with the dealer. We must demonstrate the problem. Some dealers will accept the video. Others you need to drop off in the evening and meet the tech in morning "BEFORE THEY START YOUR TRUCK" and have the tech listen while the hood is up. Once they agree/accept that you have an exhaust leak, they immediately look for broker bolts. (been thru this) Keep in mind that while this is known problem with the 5.7 and some 6.4, it is not common enough to raise a recall (yet) Most important that you make sure your complaint is documented correctly on the WO and the results are documented as stated to you.

Good to know, Thanks! Those are some good tips.
What fix are they likely to do? Just new bolts? (same OEM bolts that are likely to break again?)
New manifold if it's warped?

Johnsram · Mar 28, 2019

If just one bolt is loose, it is highly unlikely your manifold is warped...especially if it just occurred. I would install ss bolts. The key is proper sequence and torque tightening.

Fitz-0518 · Mar 28, 2019

bryce88 said:
Good to know, Thanks! Those are some good tips.
What fix are they likely to do? Just new bolts? (same OEM bolts that are likely to break again?)
New manifold if it's warped?

Unfortunately it is the rare dealer who corrects this issue well. Broken bolts are replaced with OEM MOPAR bolts. Manifolds are not checked for warp. Hope your dealer try's to get it right.

HammerHead · Mar 28, 2019

bryce88 said:
OK, I've done some reading and from what I've read, I think my problem is a broken manifold bolt(s). (Which is different from the Hemi tick correct?)

Here's a video at startup, if you listen carefully the ticking gradually decreases as it heats up.
Should I expect a broken manifold bolt?

My truck is still under the powertrain warranty of 100,000 miles (2015 w/ 70,000 miles)
I've read that it should be covered. I've never taken a vehicle to a dealer for service.
What should tell them/ look out for?

Yup manifold bolts, been there bud. Take it to the dealership and show them the video.

Jrod · Mar 29, 2019

Sounds just like the exhaust leak I had last year. Mine would go away after it warmed up, 60 seconds or so. I took it to the dealer with my video. It ended up being 2 broken bolts. They knocked it out under power-train warranty. They even gave me an overnight loaner.

Joshua Cass · Mar 29, 2019

I recently have discovered the same exact sound, and as of my drive this morning have a rattle when on bumpy roads, etc coming from the passenger side...service scheduled for tomorrow morning.

Casper · Mar 29, 2019

OP: you have the classic exhaust leak due to either warped manifold, or broken bolt(s).

My dealer made no issues. Took vehicle (under warranty) and replaced the manifold. 50K miles since, no exhaust tick....(knocking on wood).

lagerstout · Mar 29, 2019

Does this exhaust manifold bolt issue affect all model years? Or was it rectified after a certain point?

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HammerHead · Mar 29, 2019

lagerstout said:
Does this exhaust manifold bolt issue affect all model years? Or was it rectified after a certain point?

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My 1999 dodge 5.9 gasser never had broken manifold bolts. But after that all my newer rams have this issue.

lagerstout · Mar 29, 2019

HammerHead said:
My 1999 dodge 5.9 gasser never had broken manifold bolts. But after that all my newer rams have this issue.

Alright, so it’s just a matter of time for my 2017.

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bryce88 · Mar 30, 2019

Service scheduled for Tuesday. We'll see how it goes.

So is it possible for the bolts to be broken and the manifold to NOT be warped? Doesn't the warping manifold break the bolts? Or can the manifold warp, break the bolts and return back to shape?

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Jrod · Mar 30, 2019

lagerstout said:
Alright, so it’s just a matter of time for my 2017.

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Not necessarily, the amount of people announcing problems on the forums only make a tiny fraction compared to the amount of trucks out there. Granted there are more people who encounter problems and don’t share their experiences as well. In short, the number of owners that don’t have problems far exceed those that do. So you have a far greater chance of not encountering the manifold tick than you might imagine.

DustanT · Mar 31, 2019

My 2011 a few months back did this at 70k, passenger side back bolt broke. Was pretty easy to pull the manifolds, check for flatness and reinstall with new studs and gaskets. It took 2 hours total.

RamCares · Apr 1, 2019

Joshua Cass said:
I recently have discovered the same exact sound, and as of my drive this morning have a rattle when on bumpy roads, etc coming from the passenger side...service scheduled for tomorrow morning.

Hi Joshua,

How did your service appointment go? If an additional layer of assistance is needed, don't hesitate to send us a private message.

Jasmine
Ram Social Care Specialist

Tim Garceau · Apr 1, 2019

Driver's side too, have fun!

They're pretty accessible with the factory logs after getting the steering knuckle out of the way. Rear heat shield bolts on both sides are prone.

bryce88 · Apr 2, 2019

Ok, the dealer is doing the work right now. They called and said two studs were broken on the driver's side, So they're replacing those. They gave me free rental for the day, a Charger, so I'm happy with that. (BTW, feels a little under powered compared to my Ram, but I digress)

Anyway, when they called they also suggested some other maintenance. Two things:
1 - Differential fluid flush for all three diffs. $389
2 - Throttle body cleanout. - $199

Anyone have experience? Are these decent prices?

I don't disagree that these things would be a good idea but I figure they're things I can reasonably do by myself. I'll be doing some searching on the forum for threads regarding these.
(Not to mention, for $389 I'm half way there to the price of a whole new limited slip diff, which I kind of want anyway)

So far my experience with the dealer has been positive. We'll see how everything goes tonight when I go pick it up.

heefageLA · Apr 2, 2019

Theres so many other things I could do with that $500+, other than pay someone else's labor. The Diff fluid change can be done in a day, easily, and while your waiting on your fluid to drain you can pull the throttle body and clean it with a $5 can of CRC Throttle Body Cleaner.

Broken Manifold Bolts? [VIDEO]

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