Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 97 4x4 wheel bearing

[erempel]

I have a wheel bearing on my 97 1 ton 4x4 that is getting loose. So I figured I would replace them, only to find out that the part stores can't get them. They can get them for a 3/4 ton for any year and a 1 ton up to 93. The Dodge dealer says I will have to buy the whole hub assembly for $285ea. Is this true? I looked at a 98 heavy 3/4 ton and it looked exactly like mine.



I have had one of the spindles off already, but that was to put in a ball joint and didn't pay much attention to the wheel bearings and whether or not they were replaceable.



This seems mighty pricey for a couple $20 bearings.

 

[BWilson]

The 3/4 tons are the same. I think even the 1/2 tons have a similiar assembly. The two pieces of the hub are pressed together and Bosch determined that it make sit unservicable (how convenient). I've got a couple of bad ones here I have been wanting to see if I can come up with a fix but until then, you have to buy the entire assy.



Be happy, they have come down in price almost $200 since our trucks came out.



Also, I checked to see if I could get the bearing directly from Timken, and they have a contract with Bosch only to sell the bearings to them.



Sorry.

 

[dseabaugh]

Been there, done that at 58K miles. right front. couldn't believe dealer had to order it.

 

[BNH4221]

Hey guys,

Slightly off topic but lately I have been hearing a squealing sound from the right front wheel assy when I leave work.

Truck is cold then, and it squeals for a little while when I first leave. Making those little steering wheel corrections makes it squeal - you know when there is a little pressure on the wheel either left or right. When there is no turning pressure on the steering wheel there is no squeal.

It goes away in a mile or so.

Do you think it might be the wheel bearing or perhaps a universal joint?



Just curious. I suppose I will know for sure when the wheel falls off at highway speed



Thanks,

Steve

98 QC 12V 4x4

 

[dseabaugh]

could be either. just below 60 K the left universal went out on mine (they turn all the time) and the right wheel bearing went out. you can see the universal. for the bearing jack it up and shake the wheel.

 

[Gifford]

ujoint

Sounds like the ujoints, mine did exactly the same thing (squak,squeal when turning)

 

[BWilson]

Sounds to me like the bearing. Real easy to tell prior to it falling off at highway speeds (which seems pretty common) though.



Just take a quick look at the U joints. Everytime mine go bad, you can wiggle them and see rust and dust around the seals.



Last time my bearing went, everytime I turned the wheel I heard a screeching scrapin noise. Jacked the truck up and wiggled the entire tire. Yup, bearing for sure!!



The good news is, I can change one in about 1/2 hour now.

 

[erempel]

I hope I don't get good enough at these wheel bearings to do one in a 1/2 hour, I don't think my check book could stand it.



I broke down and bought the bearing from Dodge today, should have it done before noon tomorrow.



BNH4221 Do you have any uneven tire wear on that wheel? On mine the edges of the tread were rounded and slightly starting to cup on the RF only (the one with the bad bearing) and the LF had square edges and was nice and smooth all the way across the tire tread. That was when I started checking things out. Jacked it up and sure enough there was a slight amount of play in the wheel. Ran it for 5K more miles checking it periodically and now it is time to fix it.



If the tire wear is fine it may not be the wheel bearing.

 

[Blakers]

I bought a new hub assembly for mine from our dealer for $210. NAPA has them in stock for a little more.



Blake

 

[BNH4221]

Hi guys,

Sorry I didn't post earlier, had an unplanned trip to PA this weekend. Now getting slaughtered with snow. Stop the insanity!

erempel: I don't have any cupping or uneven wear on the tires yet. About 30k on them. I had u-joints go on my 95 and this is a different type of squeal - real steady and constant until the wheel warms up.

I have a feeling it meets the parameters for a wheel bearing so if and when the snow stops I will jack up the front end and give the wheel a shake. Maybe a trip to Mass Diesel for some magic? Time will tell.



Thanks all for the assist.



Steve

98 QC 4x4 12 valve

126,000 happy miles

 

[Matt42]

Originally posted by erempel

-snip-

BNH4221 Do you have any uneven tire wear on that wheel? On mine the edges of the tread were rounded and slightly starting to cup on the RF only (the one with the bad bearing) and the LF had square edges and was nice and smooth all the way across the tire tread. That was when I started checking things out. Jacked it up and sure enough there was a slight amount of play in the wheel. Ran it for 5K more miles checking it periodically and now it is time to fix it.



If the tire wear is fine it may not be the wheel bearing.

That sounds like the kind of problem that was caused by a loose track bar on mine. is yours a 4x4? If not, then it's something else.