Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Driveshaft carrier bearing

[BWilson]

Does anyone know of a good place in SE Michigan that I can get the carrier bearing replaced, OR is it too hard to do yourself? I don't have a press. What is involved in chaning it?



Any help would be great.

 

[redram]

On my 96 3500 2WD, it is pressed onto the driveshaft. Any competent heavy duty driveshaft repair shop should beable to make this repair in an afternoon.

Find a Dana Spicer shop - should be plenty in SE Michigan.



(Off course Dodge had to make a non standard bearing specific to the Dodge instead of using an off the shelf carrier bearing)

 

[Philip]

Check with your local auto parts stores. If they have a machine shop they can do it.



Pressing on a bearing is one way of doing it. The other way is to heat the inner race up for about 30 seconds with a propane torch. Then it will drop into place without force. The bearings rides against a step ledge. So you won't go past where it belongs.



A lot of mfg's use this method to install bearings. Less chance for something going wrong from the brute force of a press. Plus it is faster also.

 

[C Schomer]

I always had a cutting torch around. Cut the outer race and ball cage, then heat the inner race. If that isn't enough, lay it on an anvil, heat a red spot on the race and smack the hot spot with a BFH! Redram, doesn't the bearing have a number that a bearing store can cross over? That must be why they're so expensive. Craig

 

[redram]

I'll have to dig through my box of old parts to find the number.

It was a non standard bearing having that step flange as pointed out above. How's the hopped up truck Craig?



Mine failed several years ago and could not find a bearing easily. finally found a Dana Spicer Driveline shop that was able to order one from Dallas.



I would imagine that this bearing is now a more commonly stocked item. I would recommend looking outside of the DC dealers as their price was quite high, several hundred dollars and it still had to be installed. I seem to remember I got a new bearing, rubber doughnut and installation for less than 100.



If you're having trouble finding a replacement, I believe that I could find the part number if needed.