2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission "Clunking" when braking

[Flying_gage]

Title says it all. Can't tell which side? It is coming from the front though. I have looked things over and see nothing and it is not getting worse.



Me thinks a control arm bushing gone bad... Any idea's?

 

[EBung]

You probably got it right w/control arm bushings.

 

[JFought]

my powered seat clunks when braking. fyi

 

[Flying_gage]

Hmmmm. I lifted the truck and wiggled the tire. The whole hub assembly is loose. I then pulled the tire and the hub/disk assembly is wobbling. The cotter pin/nut is still in place. It almost looks as though something is loose inside the hub that I cannot see. The control arms are good.



The fly in the ointment is that I just had the front brakes replaced about 4 months ago at a shop that we have used for years. They have been good to us but the last couple times we have taken stuff there, we have had some issues with the work.



I wish I had a manual to see what is inside the hub, if anything, that can be loose. I am going to call and explain the problem and see when they can get it in. I am worried though that they are going to try and pass it off as something else other than their work? You guys see where I am going?



Any input would be appreciated!

 

[RSimmons]

Sounds like bad wheel bearings. I don't know for sure about the 96 but I think it is just like my 2000 in that you have to replace the entire unit bearing (hub) assembly. The 2000 is not serviceable... . just replace.

 

[CumminsPower98]

No doubt you have a bad bearing. Did the shop replace the rotors also? If so maybe they damaged the bearing while removing it. These bearings are usually rusted in pretty badly and can pull apart when using a puller. Or maybe it was just its time to die. Regardless you need to get that fixed ASAP. They are easy to change if they have been off recently and or anti-seize was used. All you have to do is remove the axle nut, caliper and 4 hub bolts and it will come right off. The bearing and hub comes as a unit. What you have are two bearings facing one another inside a housing with the hub/spindle pressed inside them. The stub axle then slides through the inside of the hub. There are some pictures of mine with the rotor removed at the very bottom of this page: Ram Modifications That should help give you some idea of what things look like.

 

[NavyDoc]

Find an authorized dealer for dynatrac in your area and get their free spin hub kit - eliminates the unit bearing and are unbreakable, plus you'll probably pick up about 2-3 MPG. I have these on my 01 and am very very happy with them. It is worth travelling a little to find a good reputable axle/off road shop that knows these parts well, not learning on your truck... It is worth the extra headache on the front end to spend the time getting to a good shop. Dynatrac is top shelf parts and their dealers are usually first rate because the buy-in isn't cheap so they will have invested a good chunk of their money and time in the process to get the rubber stamp from Dynatrac.

My two cents...

 

[Flying_gage]

Wow I am ******! Took the truck back to the shop that I mentioned above. I specifically told them to take a look at it and let me know what they found and we would go from there.



No call or anything. They just fixed it. A part I could get online for $210 now cost me $386. Wow, I am steamed!



#@$%!

 

[Flying_gage]

Good thing I didn't order the EMS hub conversion.....