2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Brake Job from Hell

[DHawthorne]

Hope this helps someone. Got a price on doing my front brakes from Dodge $ 350. 00. My local guy was $ 175. 00 which included turning the rotors and pads. He pulled them down and found both front SEALED WHEEL BEARINGS leaking on the inside of the wheels. First time I knew I had Sealed Wheel Bearings. My man checked prices from Dodge. $ 146. 00 to him and I called $ 251. 00 to me. This was to replace both front wheel hubs. He they was told the Spindle Nut was not reusable. Needed two more of them and the clips and retainers for the pads. No one in Florida had them and were air shipped out of Detroit. Truck was in the shop for three days before I got it back.



The Squeeling noise was the antin rattle clips riding on the inside of the rim. My bill was $ 568. 50 from my guy. That same job at dodge would have been in the $ 900. 00 catagory. (for front brakes!)



Part numbers Hubs 5015228AA Spindle Nut 6505007AA Torque to 260lbs one time $ 6. 50 each Anti rattle Clips and Retainer

5015255AA and 5015256AA $16. 40 total



Good Idea to check those seals on the inboard side when your tear down for front brakes.



I have kept the old hubs. They have Timken Bearings. I am going to check price and then check a machine shop and see if they can be removed and new the new ones installed.



Dave

 

[MikeR]

Hard to tell since you didn't include it in your signature... but your truck is a 2wd,right? That's alot for new bearings. I take it Napa didn't have a listing for them yet?

 

[DHawthorne]

Truck is a 2WD.

 

[RCotte]

It happened to me with the rear axle at the Chrysler dealer. They charged me more than $350. 00 for a "brake kit" which included the shoes and the springs. Then with labor and other stuff the invoice came close to $750. 00. When I asked, they did not turn the drums because they did not find anyone to do it outside. After complaining I got a lower invoice for $500. 00 something.



Last time.



I get better price and service at the local Pep Boys store. I got the front rotors replaced with new ones & new pads for something close to $360. 00. And my truck is 4 x 4 which is nastier to work on.

 

[Bob Cochran]

Gotta be a better way and cheaper too!! That kind of bucks I exepct for a 4X not a 2X

 

[Gray Ghost]

Got mine done at Sear's a couple a weeks ago. They put on new rotors, bearing and seals with heavy duty pads Flushed the brakes and put in new brake fluid. Then Cleaned up the rear. Also got a super alignment. Told service mgr that I wanted every adj dead center. This was after DC had put in a new steering gear and pitman arm the week before under warranty. Drives and stops like a dream and all for $644. I'll go back to the Woodland Sears next time for work.

 

[redram]

Originally posted by MikeR

Hard to tell since you didn't include it in your signature... but your truck is a 2wd,right? That's alot for new bearings. I take it Napa didn't have a listing for them yet?

I recently (within the last 6 months) replaced the front rotor / hub assbly on my 1996 2wd 3500. It has replaceable inner and outer bearings. The rotor is integral to the hub so when it becomes under size due to miles or turning, the whole hub has to be replaced. (unlike the 2500 or 4 wheel drive which has a replaceable rotor disc)



When did DC change the 2WD 3500 to a "sealed bearing" assbly rather than a repackable one?



I may just have to keep my 96 and update to a new motor if DC keeps making the trucks harder to maintain with 'non repairable / replacement only parts!!!

 

[JConley]

My brake job cost about $550. 00 for new Bendix Fleet pads, both rear wheel cylinders replaced with 1 ton cylinders, rear drums turned, system flushed, and I got to watch and stand by the guy doing the work. They could not turn the front rotors since they were too close to the discard point to turn. I will replace these later when I get a chance. This thing stops better than when I drove it home!!

 

[Timinator]

I have trouble believing DC is using sealed bearings, however, there is a grease seal inboard on my '95 2wd. Is that what they meant?

I just replaced my seals and bearings (all four) with Timkens for less than $40. The seals had gone on both sides, and the grease was contaminated, but all else was OK. I just replaced the bearings because they were cheap.

 

[TowPro]

Shame you did not see this TSB first

TSB02-06-99 It explanes how that seal leak is normal.



I also saw a TSB about those brake rattle clips, but I did not read it

Originally posted by DHawthorne

Hope this helps someone. Got a price on doing my front brakes from Dodge $ 350. 00. My local guy was $ 175. 00 which included turning the rotors and pads. He pulled them down and found both front SEALED WHEEL BEARINGS leaking on the inside of the wheels.



Dave

 

[mikel]

So, can anyone verify this rumor about sealed bearing being used on the front of these newer trucks?



I had a '99 and it did not have sealed bearings, but I haven't recieved my sevice manual for the '01 yet, so I can't look it up.





Thanks,

Mike

 

[DHawthorne]

Hey Mr. Tow Pro:



Thanks for the info. I was not around when that was published. I do very much appriciate your input. I have printed a copy of the link you provided. Will pass it around.



Thanks Again.



Dave

 

[jwinnie]

mikel,

Not sure what year DC went to sealed Hub/bearings on the 2wd 2500's but your '01 WILL have them. Getting ready to replace one on mine.



John

 

[catoiler]

Yep!! my 02 3500 2wd had sealed bearings,and the nuts are not supposed to be reused!I think they were about $8. 00. Not a real good design when you look at them . If the bearing were to break or something the only thing holding the wheel on is the caliper bracket!

 

[AKAMAC]

Do yo think he waited two years for the answer?

 

[BudW]

'94 to '99 2*4's, have repackable front wheel bgns.



'00 and up, have sealed front wheel bgns.

 

[daveshoe]

sealed bearings are greasable

Not all would agree, but a fellow TDR member told me how to take them apart & do it . He has put 180 K on a set without failure. Good news is , that once you do this, you use anti seize and the next service is easier. Not all trucks have one time use nut -- My 02 4wd has castle nut & cotter key. I used paint to mark it to repeat torque value.

Basically ,the trucks with separate rotors can be pulled with heavy pullers and those with one piece rotor/hub call for a BIG slide hammer. If your truck is like mine, PM me for how to service the rotor.

 

[jwinnie]

My post should be a lesson to all... ... ... . DO NOT consume large amounts of alcohol while searching and posting on the TDR



John