Attention: TDR Forum Junkies :--) I just purchased a 2002 cab & chassis 6 spd HO and am fitting it with tool boxes . A truck mechanic friend stopped by and invited me to stop by his shop to look at a 1998 3500 that had experienced a front end failure that had nearly caused an accident. The 4WD front bearings both failed at the same time and ate the rotors from the inside . This snowballed into other parts failing and an immediate loss of steering and destroyed the bearing races,rotors, calipers, and final drive shafts . The owner maintains the truck well , but did not expect this to happen. She said the only warning she got was a squeal seconds before the front end lost steering at highway speed .
I examined the bearing assy and found this unit had been dry for some time. This is a sealed unit and had enough rust inside that it was obvious there is some problems that need attention with the part. Has anyone thought about installing a grease fitting in the bearing assy. to keep the bearing lubricated ?
I also will add that this truck had 80K miles and that this repair shop has seen two other trucks with the same problems. Both are 3500 and one was 2WD.
Any reply or direction to a thread that adresses this issue would be appreciated
I examined the bearing assy and found this unit had been dry for some time. This is a sealed unit and had enough rust inside that it was obvious there is some problems that need attention with the part. Has anyone thought about installing a grease fitting in the bearing assy. to keep the bearing lubricated ?
I also will add that this truck had 80K miles and that this repair shop has seen two other trucks with the same problems. Both are 3500 and one was 2WD.
Any reply or direction to a thread that adresses this issue would be appreciated
