Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) What are some symptoms of a bad wheel bearing

[Smokin Dodge]

I was wandering if anyone has had a front wheel bearing go bad and what the symptoms where its a 4wd 98 12v. Thanks

 

[Andy Redmond]

Not personally, but I've changed some.



Your 4wd uses a unit bearing design. It requires a hub bearing assy, rather than new bearings, as I'm not aware of Timken selling just the bearings.



Some symptoms are play/movement if the truck is supported and the tire is moved. Also when the tire is spun while suspended bearing growl (not to be confused with u-joint noise, brake drag or diff. noise) while the wheel is spun/spinning.



I've seen them in pretty far shape with 200K and shot after 70K. I suggest how much off-road, road salt/beach driving, etc. vs. smooth interstate use probably plays a comensurate part in there life span.



Good luck

Andy

 

[Jschafer]

My wheel bearing went out at about 280k a lot of the time they sound like a siren, mine had a growl noise that I could just hardly hear (noisy engine ) it only went another day or two and it set up. Had to change it in a motel parking lot in NY state.

 

[Forrest]

Mine went out @ about 115k. About the only way to hear it was if I was running next to a concrete divider ... window down.



Another thing was the truck "slid" going around a corner. Was @ hwy speeds too . It stayed in the lane, barely.

 

[rholcom2]

My second one went out last week. I noticed a noise similar to brakes when they get down low. But, when I applied my brakes it went away. I also noted that when turning different radius's as going around corners the "squeek" would go away or worsen depending on the corner. So, I finally took some time to look at it. I jacked up the truck, and could not spin the tire. Took to my buddies shop and took it apart, was definately the baring. This was my second, the first was like Forrest mentioned, about the "slide" you think "man I havnt noticed that before, there is something wrong with this beast... ... ... oh well, its just an old dodge" ha-ha.



But, yea, thats what I experienced with my wheel hub assemblys - BTW, they are somewhere around $325, I am sure you could find them cheaper though, but thats what I had to pay, didnt have time to "shop"



Good luck

 

[ndurbin]

Mine would "squeel" when turning to the left on a gentle turn. When I took the mechanic for a ride so he could hear it he thought it was the turbo whistle, but when we got back to the shop he jacked it up and the bearing was toast.



Nathan

 

[Nick2]

my experience matched the other guys', when turning it was most noticable.



paid about 235 per side (no ABS)



Nick

 

[holmanrd]

I had to change mine at about 100K but I attribute that to 33,12. 5 tires and alot of sand and off road use. I first noticed a little squeel when turning different angles and that drew my attention to how the steering felt a little funny. It would sometimes track a bit more (more than normal) It just didn't feel as tight as when I first got the truck. Of course I let it go for a couple of weeks and I am glad I changed them when I did because there was way more slop in them than I felt comfortable transporting kids at highway speeds. You might not even be able to feel a lot of play when checking them with the tires on, but if you suspect they are bad it is good insurance to just go ahead and purchase the peace of mind.

 

[Smokin Dodge]

Where exactly is the bearing located and would there be grease on my rims or is that some other problem I need to deal with.

 

[Jschafer]

The bearing is the complet hub assembly mine was $200 auto chain store. They are a sealed bearing but if it got hot and melted the seal it may throw some grease, but I would look at U-joints for that. Aspecialy if you just did a oil change grease job.

The wheel studs are part of the hub assembly.