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Front wheel unit bearings- warranty???

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My drivers side failed (and it happened quick) at 68,600 miles. It went from a barely audible intermittent noise ( I had a customer with me so I was driving without tunes so we could talk), not making any heat to making plenty of heat in 40 miles. Limped home another 10 miles. It was late, so the next day I jacked the corner and the top of the tire could be wiggled about 1/2" either way (no it wasn't the balljoints, which amaxingly enough still seem really great)



So my warranty book clearly lists things covered in my front axle 7/70 including axle bearings. The Dealer/system kicked back the p/n as a non covered item. The dealer gave me an 800# to appeal. The nice lady explained that what I was reading in the manual was not relevant... ... .



"Because you don't have a 4 wheel drive truck, you have a rear wheel drive truck with 4 wheel drive capability" That was funny. So I asked who I could appeal to- put to another lady, after 45 minutes- mostly on hold. She said, sorry, not covered- no further person to appeal to, except your dealer. I kindly thanked her for her help:)



My dealer has a call in to the zone rep, has a copy of my page in the warranty book and is armed with the info that I bought 5 Dodge trucks/Jeeps in the last 10 yrs.



So after searching a bunch of these threads- I found one guy- I think in the Carolinas who got warranty coverage at 60k+ miles- any one else???



I hate to say it, but I'm seriously considering small claims court (never done it before) if they don't handle it. The truck was bought new, with a 7/70 and the book describes a host of parts in the drivetrain, wet, dry, in and out of the axle housings, ujoints, carrier bearings and AXLE BEARINGS. These bearings are on the front axle ASSY, the front axle shaft runs right through the middle of them (As it does the inner brgs on the carrier). I don't see how they can now say that "axle bearings" refers only to the inner brgs and does not include the outer brgs, if that were the case they were obligated to make that distinction. Where I come from drivetrain starts at the engine and goes to the tire/wheel, cause if any of it fails, you're not driving:)



I understand someone attemting to say "we did not mean those" but the only legally relevant document is what they gave me when I bought the truck. It is illegal to add further definition after the fact. There is legal history that if there is "ambiguity" in the original agreement that the court automatically awards in favor of the person who DID NOT write the agreement.



So, thanks for letting me vent and share my saga- who has scoop on these units being covered or any other helpful info?



I'll be checking into the Dynatrac kit Monday- I plan to keep this one a while and it's probably worth it. In the mean time I have a unit brg on the way from mopar4less. I'll fix the truck regardless next week and settle with whoever later. Dealer still has the truck (brought it to him on a trailer) and will keep it a few days to give the zone rep a chance. It's a 3rd vehicle so I'm good with transportation.
 
Axel bearings in the rear are covered and in the front on 4x4s under 7/70 powertrain, same as seals and u/joints and have allways been covered under powertrain. etc. The FRONT bearings on a two wheel drive are NOT covered there NOT part of powertrain.
 
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DPKetchum said:
Axel bearings in the rear are covered and in the front on 4x4s under 7/70 powertrain, same as seals and u/joints and have allways been covered under powertrain. etc. The FRONT bearings on a two wheel drive are NOT covered there NOT part of powertrain.



While I'm glad you see it that way, have anything in writing (more than I have) that will help my friends at Chrysler see it that way??



... . and I just realized my sig does not indicate my truck is a 4x4
 
If it was the REAR it would be covered. Their reading in that FRONT bearings aren't covered on a 2wd and thats how their looking it up for coverage. Service Manager at that store most be bad GREEN. The fronts and rears on the 4x4 are a NON servicable item. The front HUBS are covererd etc. It will probably take the DSM to correct them. YOU might want to use another dealer or go talk to a EXPERIENCED Service manager or service writer etc. Yes I know the fronts are non servicable on a 2wd but their NOT connected to DRIVETRAIN
 
Well, I hope you are right. They claim (two different dealers) that the p/n is kicking back- do you think the 2wd uses the same p/n and that could be the issue??? I guess I'll be checking out the 2wd p/n for 2 and 4wd to see, and I've got 3 other dealers to talk with yet, the one where I bought it and two where I know some tech's pretty well.



I have not been in the rear but I'm thinking it would be std issue full float with wheelbearing grease and tapered roller brgs, easily servicable- am I all wet?
 
Well, Rockcrawler, I agree with you. I also agree with DPKetchum that everyone is looking up the 2wd stuff and applying it to your vehicle. As usual, it's up to you to teach the dealership and DC to use their own computer system (I had to do that when I ordered my truck!). :rolleyes:



I do have 1 request: when you change hub bearings could you take some pics? I know I'll have to do it one day and pics are always useful. Also, remember that the hub/bearings will likely be WELDED onto the axle flanges. There are some threads in here about clever ways of removing them.



-Ryan
 
I'll be more than happy to give scoop on how it's done- does anyone have names of service mgrs at dealers who've been down this road?- sometimes it helps if one of their own can walk them thru.
 
Just so I'm straight on this wheel bearing thing, my 03 4X4 has 60K and the front bearings are covered? I know my drivers side ball joint is loose and both axle joints have some play. Just need to know before the big 70K mark.



Thanks Rbattelle and DPKetchum

Subby
 
Subby said:
Just so I'm straight on this wheel bearing thing, my 03 4X4 has 60K and the front bearings are covered? I know my drivers side ball joint is loose and both axle joints have some play. Just need to know before the big 70K mark.



Thanks Rbattelle and DPKetchum

Subby



That seems to be the consensus... ... here at least. Sounds like dealers are confused on the issue which I'm trying to rectify- you might want to see where this thread goes and start talking with your dealer before hand so you don't have downtime educating them- assuming logic prevails :rolleyes:
 
Rockcrawler,



Thanks for the reply. I have loved my truck but am not real impressed by the early wear of the ujoints/ball joints. I don't know if my bearings are bad but was planning on going through my front end this spring. Would rather have DC pay than me. The axle seems to be pretty tough cause my truck spends quite alot of time in deep mud and snow. Not bad for being . 5" smaller than the Dana 60.



Subby
 
an update from my friends at DMC- the service mgr met with the zone rep and service administrator yesterday armed with a friendly but informative one page letter and several pages from my warranty manual.



This morning I was informed that "my front axle does not have axle brgs it has wheel bearings. My rear axle has axle bearings that are pressed on at the wheels"



I'm going to get the truck, a written estimate, fix it my self and go to small claims to collect, I never dealt with a more clueless bunch of bureaucrats.



Here's the letter I gave them.....



Dear friends,

I’m writing this in an attempt to try to clear the confusion regarding the 7/70 powertrain warranty on my four wheel drive 2003 Dodge 3500 ram truck.



It has been confirmed to have a failed brg/hub assy on the left side of the front axle. I’m told that at first attempt the “System” kicked back the p/n as a non covered item. I looked at my warranty book (Copies attached) and it clearly identifies this component as a covered item.



I was given an 800 number, the people I spoke with claimed the paragraph I was reading was not applicable because it was in the 4 wheel drive section, my truck was said to be “not 4 wheel drive but rear wheel drive with 4 wheel drive capabilities”. They informed me that their decision was final and there was no appeal process except to contact my dealer. I was less than impressed with this “Helpline” experience.



Here’s my logic…. . I bought the truck new at Fletcher Dodge (My fourth new Dodge in 10 yrs), knowing it had a 7/70 powertrain warranty. The book provided at the time of sale goes on to describe the coverage and what is included with four wheel drive vehicles (If this section was not written for my truck then there is no Ram 3500 to which it would apply). It makes no reference to “Additional information dictated by the system at the time of the failure/claim”- that’s my phrase. The front axle is referred to as just that in other DC supplied documents- the owner’s manual and the door sticker referring to gross axle weight ratings. The brg assy that failed is part of the front axle assembly, it has the axle shaft passing directly directly through it and fastened directly to the brg assy. The documented warranty coverage specifically states that axle brgs are covered.



Gentleman, there should be no confusion here. I’ve been told “The warranty applies only to internally lubricated parts” suggesting only those items wet from the gear oil. Well, this brg is internally lubricated by the grease installed at manufacture. Furthermore, the powertrain warranty goes on to name a host of other parts such as u-joints, driveshafts and carrier/center bearings, all external to the gear oil system of the front axle.



I can understand that sometimes we work for the system more than it works for us, I suspect this is the case here. I kindly request that you review this situation and honor the original warranty agreed upon at the time of purchase. Additionally, I towed the vehicle to the dealer at my own expense and have spent considerable man-hours rectifying the hiccups in the DC warranty claim system. When this component failed, my brake pads on that wheel were severely worn- collateral damage if you will. I believe it is reasonable to ask that in light of the circumstances you consider a “good will” front brake job while the warranty work is being performed.



I appreciate your help in review of this matter and look forward to timely resolution.
 
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Rockcrawler said:
... fix it my self and go to small claims to collect...



First of all, We all hope you are successful with this. Sounds like a bunch of BS to me. That is a well written letter BTW.



About your small claims action; did you sign a document when you bought the vehicle requiring you to use binding arbitration? That is typically included in the "package" these days.



Please keep us posted and good luck!



100 Proof
 
100 Proof said:
First of all, We all hope you are successful with this. Sounds like a bunch of BS to me. That is a well written letter BTW.



About your small claims action; did you sign a document when you bought the vehicle requiring you to use binding arbitration? That is typically included in the "package" these days.



Please keep us posted and good luck!



100 Proof



I was going to look that up today before I head to the dealer where I bought the truck.



Ken
 
I would NEVER had thought that any part of the FRONT drive system that was incased within would be considered a normal type wheel bearing! I could see a u/joint or a midshaft support bearing being NOT covered quicker then I could a beariing/hub assy.
 
This is absolutely ridiculous. Give me a break, they're trying to nail you on semantics. You know, I don't hate the people who work for DC, but I sure do hate the corporate entity they created!



GO GET 'EM, KEN!



-Ryan
 
I had mine done at about 60k. The dealer did the hub bearing assymblys under the 7/70 but said the ball joints were not covered. That was at Hendrix Dodge in Cary, NC.



I'd ask them to define "powertrain". Do the front wheels not recieve power from the engine? (Or for them you may have to say "recieve power through the hub brg assym. from the axle through the front diff from the front drive shaft through the xfer case from the trans. through the clutch/torque converter from the engine?") Are the front hub brg. assymblys not an intragal part of the delivery of power to the front wheels?



Your point about if not this truck what 1500/2500/3500 does it apply to. I'd like to hear how they squirm outa that one.



I think you have them by the short hairs but it's got to be a maddenly frustrating pia.
 
RWood said:
Where did you get your replacement wheel bearing?

Thanks



I've got a new one in the box that I'm sending back this week- unless you want it. Bought it from Mopar4less.com.



I'm in the middle of installing my Dynatrac kit now (full float).



I filed arbitrataion paperwork last week and spoke with the AR Attourney general- I'll do small claims if the arbitaration does not work- but from everything I hear DC should get slammed- can't wait to see their face when i pull the failed unit out of a bag with the axle shaft running through it and bolted to it.
 
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