Wheel Bearing??

[MuddFlapp]

I have discovered a low pitch hum from the left front wheel. I can only hear it at an idle. When I pick the wheel up and spin it there is no hum but a clicking noise that sounds like it is coming from the differential housing just where the axel shaft enters. I suspect a bearing. May be a wheel bearing that is telegraphing down the axle. Is there a bearing on the axle inside the housing? How much of a job to replace. Lets hear it, I need lots of advice on diagnostics and repair. I’ve done lots of wheel bearings and brakes and the like but not on a 4wd. I just don’t want to get in over my head.



Thanks in advance,



Gene Earl.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

I had a similar noise on my truck... . I immediately thought it was the axle shaft u-joint on the driver's side.



Come to find out... it was the backing plate/splash shield that is situated behind the rotor towards the center of the truck... . it was rubbing against a little tiny high spot on the rotor.

10-seconds with a screwdriver fixed that.



On the front axle assy. :

BTW, there are no bearings inside the axle tube as far as the shafts are concerned... just a seal. The outer hub/bearing assy. keeps the axle shaft centered in the tube with help from the differential carrier assy. where the axle shaft goes into.



Matt

 

[MuddFlapp]

Thanks Matt, I don't think it's the splash plate as the hum stops when the weight is removed from the wheel but I will have my head in there checking it this evening.



Looking at the service manual, removing the hub bearing doesn't look to hard. What's anyones take one that.



Gene Earl

 

[Extreme1]

2 problems (usually) with removing the hub from a truck with a few years on it.



1) The hub is rusted tight into the knuckle.



2) The axle is rusted into the bearing.



I would suspect a U-joint.

 

[Bill Littlefield]

Instructions

MuddFlapp,



If you decide to tear into it, there have been good instructions posted on just how to take it apart. Search on U-Joint or Ball Joint (not sure) to see how to take the thing apart. Should be within the last 4 months.



Bill

 

[Alaskaskiff]

front wheel clicking

Had the same clicking noise. Was changing out brake rotors and accidentally pulled apart sealed bearing during disassembly. Bearing was real dry. Added a little high temp grease and put back together. No more clicking noise. Did this 20K miles ago.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

I have been under the impression that the sealed bearings could not be repacked with grease... . interesting.



Matt

 

[ray1933]

Repair Webpages

Here is a site with tons of info.

http://dodgeram.org/tech/repair/index.html#engine





Also sounds like U-Joints to me also.

 

[Extreme1]

Originally posted by HoleshotHolset

I have been under the impression that the sealed bearings could not be repacked with grease... .

They can't. Unless you use a puller and the axle is rusted to the ID of the bearing. Then the bearing will seperate. Normally that is bad but I did the same thing 2 or 3 years ago and it seems fine. NOT RECOMMENDED!!!

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Extreme1: Normally that is bad but I did the same thing 2 or 3 years ago and it seems fine. NOT RECOMMENDED!!!

`Kinda like how I changed out 2 exhaust manifold gaskets without taking the exhaust manifold off or disturbing #4, 5, 6 exhaust manifold bolts... ..... take off #1, 2, 3 bolts and get in there with a pry bar to make room for new gaskets!!

Do NOT try this at home... . if I broke my manifold or wrecked my cylinder head... I'd have to buy 'replacement items' that would of course help me make more power... .



Thanks for the info!

Matt

 

[Blakers]

Does anyone know if the wheel bearings on a 4x4 can be bought without the hub? Part numbers? I have a small rumble noise when I spin the wheel and it sounds like a dry bearing. No play at all. I don't want to pay NAPA $238 for a new hub assembly.



Thanks,



Blake