98 Ram 1500... there is a loud scrubbing noise from the rear... sounds more left side than right... noticed a clicking noise the other day when I had the window down....making a right hand turn.
Jacked itup... able to move rear tire up and down about a 1/4"... pulled hub, very small amount of fluid around hub assembly. So, I guess I know the answer - bearings. Now the question, is this very difficult or can I do it myself? I think it is the 9.25 rear. Are these bearing pressed? What do I need to do in the Hog head to release the axle? Is there a bearing inside the hog head that needs to be replaced to that would support the axle? Always worked on engines... first for a rear end problem.


Thanks
Michael

 

Hog head?

After you remove the diff cover you can pull out the diff pin and release the axles by removing a 'C' clip on each side.
Then you can pull out the axles.
You will need a slide hammer to remove the axle bearings from the tubes.

Are you sure your noise isn't just rust build up in the brake drum?

 

There is no significant rust build up in the brake drums...

 

Any other Ideas? or am I on my own here guys?

 

Do you have limited slip? When's the last time you changed the fluid?

 

wheel/tire moving up and down 1/4" is a lot... are you sure its that much. maybe 1/32 might be livable, but 1/4 is huge.

differential oil leaking out is bad, if bearing is worn that much, its probably eating up the seal, which might be where the noise is coming from.

just make sure the noise is from inside and not something in/around the brakes or u-joints.

hog head = pumpkin/3rd member/differential/chunk. i've never heard it called hog head before.

you can do it. rabbler is right on. axle bearings are out in the end of the tube, seals too. you would not need to remove/disassemble anything inside the differential except the pin and c-clips. you should download the 2001 service manual in the diy. maybe buy a haynes manual. if the noise is inside the hoghead, then its probably not a simple diy.

 

been away for a while,

it has limited slip, but was changed about a year ago and added to slip fluid too.

movement is more than a 1/32, changed the U's about a year or so ago and they look good.

Nothing seems to be dragging insided the brake drum. I dont think the diff. is the problem.

Hoghead, learned that when Bully was a calf some 40 years ago... just always called it that...since.

Checked out the bearings at Napa the other day... willl try to work on it next weekend if the weather cooperates.

Thanks for all the help.