I have good news and bad news about the infamous Ram 1500 HEMI tick. The bad news is that if you hear your exhaust ticking, then you have a problem. But the good news is that the issue can be affordably repaired at home with the right tools. 

How to fix the Ram 1500 HEMI tick 

A seasoned mechanic and TikTok user, @aaronsgarage is here to help with the Ram 1500 HEMI tick. He starts by showing a Ram truck with a ticking sound under the hood that can be heard between the tire and fender on both sides. 

To no surprise, the 2015 Ram truck has a 5.7-liter V8 HEMI engine. Aaron shared that all vehicles with this engine have the ticking problem. 

It’s related to the exhaust manifolds because they will warp, crack, and break heads off of bolts and create that concerning sound. The fix involves replacing the manifold and all the nuts and bolts. 

The manifolds, hardware, and everything you need for this repair are found at the hardware store because it’s a common issue. You’ll spend under $400 in parts. 

It’s harder to replace the manifold on the driver’s side because of the oil dipstick and steering shaft that are in the way. Disconnect that stuff to get it out of the way, then be gentle with the remaining bolts. 

They have locktight, making them hard to get out. You may need a little heat. Use hand tools, as power tools will easily snap bolts. 

With hand tools and a little heat from your torch, be careful not to catch your truck on fire. A miniductor is safer to use than a torch. Then you get to put everything back together. 

What causes the HEMI tick? 

One cause of the HEMI tick is related to the broken manifold bolts that allow exhaust gases to escape. This is when the problem is solved by replacing the manifold. Broken manifold bolts cause the same issue. 

However, the ticking noise can come from the lifters that wear down over time. According to Noble Quote, the lifter tick is more common when the engine is cold and may decrease as it warms up. It can cause extensive engine problems if left unchecked. 

Rocker arm wear can also cause a tick if it’s worn out or damaged. They need to be replaced as soon as possible to prevent engine problems. 

Treat your truck right by avoiding low quality oil that can lead to insufficient lubrication. Otherwise, metal parts like the lifters and rockers will tick. 

Also, the 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter engines have fuel injectors that tick as they operate. It’s typically harmless, though. 

How to prevent the Ram 1500 HEMI tick 

Avoid the HEMI tick by using high-performance oils designed for HEMI engines. They provide better lubrication to reduce friction and wear. 

Provide regular maintenance and checkups. Change your oil and replace filters on time to prevent issues and catch problems early. 

Don’t let your truck idle for too long. If the oil pressure drops during extended idling, then you’ll get that annoying tick. 

Also, if the problem is related to the lifters instead of the manifold, then the solution involves adjusting or replacing the lifters. I’ve reached out to aaronsgarage to see if he has any advice about this. 

What do the comments say? 

Folks in the comment section shared that the manifold doesn’t cause the same tick that other drivers experience. That’s correct, it could be related to the lifters instead. 

Someone shared that they were doing the same repair, but with a Dodge Durango. It seems to be a MOPAR thing. 

Another commenter recommends avoiding the OEM manifolds, as they will break again. He suggests using BD diesel manifolds or shorty headers. 

One person asked if the HEMI tick should have a recall. But Stellantis reportedly claims that the tick is normal and it’s not a safety issue.  Typically, to meet the criteria of a recall, there needs to be a safety or emissions-related problem. 

But drivers disagree, and have filed a class-action lawsuit. The plaintiffs claim that the problem can cause a loss of power that increases the risk of crashing, especially at highway speeds. 

Also, this issue is present in trucks made between 2014 – 2022, so it’s massive. The plaintiffs claim that the tick decreases vehicle value and leads to expensive repairs and significant out-of-pocket costs.