2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 97 Ram 2500 hub assembly failures

[Sicpup34]

I have a 97 Ram 2500 4x4 (8800lb) 5.9 cummins. The front hub bearing assemblies keep wearing out. Im on my 4th set in about 6 years. I run stock chrome wheels and the tires are only a size or two taller than stock. The truck is only highway driven. I buy replacement hub assemblies from Auto Zone or Advanced. It seems that the new ones just dont hold up. The assembly has a pressed on ring on the back side to hold the unit tight and over time it looses up causing a lot of slack in the assembly. My question(s) are, why do they keep failing is it just an inferior product? Are there any sources to get better quality hubs? Also in there a problem to look for that may be causing this continued failure? Any advice would be greatly apreciated.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I would bet they are made in China.

Go to RockAuto.com they have factory original Timkin brand. I replaced mine at 300K on my 98 because I had a bad ball joint and figured I would just freshen up the front since it was apart.

 

[Regcabguy]

Get a freespin and be done with it and the CAD system. No amount of hubs will delete that.

 

[Cosmo]

You can buy a lot of hub bearings for the cost of a free spin kit, and it'll take decades for the average joe to recoup the cost based on fuel economy alone.

Make sure either the product or the box says made in USA, Germany, or Japan. Don't buy the cheap crap made in Korea or China. Just because it's a "Timken" doesn't mean it's not made in China. Timken (and Moog, and just about everyone else) will sell garbage with their name on it if they don't make their own product for the application.

 

[Cummins12V98]

You can buy a lot of hub bearings for the cost of a free spin kit, and it'll take decades for the average joe to recoup the cost based on fuel economy alone.

Make sure either the product or the box says made in USA, Germany, or Japan. Don't buy the cheap crap made in Korea or China. Just because it's a "Timken" doesn't mean it's not made in China. Timken (and Moog, and just about everyone else) will sell garbage with their name on it if they don't make their own product for the application.

Very true! They sell a "Professional" grade.

 

[JMcCoy]

Though Spicer is generally thought of as quality parts, you want to stay away from their SVL (Spicer Value Line) parts. It may not be the most financially feasable option, but I'm happy to be a free spinner! Come to think of it, I'm due for a repack.