Hi all,

So my front left wheel bearing is on it's way out. I can hear it grinding, and there is about 1/8" to 1/4" play in the bearing.

My question is, do you recommend a complete new bearing and hub unit, or just the bearings themselves? I can get a Timken bearing for $80, a Duralast hub unit for $103, or a Timken hub unit for $170.

Thoughts and suggestions? Thanks!

 

Get a timken or national bearing. If you're strapped for cash there's a seller on eBay called detroit axle that sells hub bearings pretty cheap and they're not a bad quality, I put a set on my jeep for like 70 bucks. They've got a 1 year warranty and at that price I figured I could afford to change them a couple times.

 

At my work, we will always replace the whole hub unit with either a timken (recommended) or a national.

 

Thanks for the input guys. This brings up another question: what more is required to change out the bearing only? I have the service manual, can do the whole hub unit easily. Do I need a special tool to pull and install the bearings only?

Thanks!

 

2wd you can replace just inner and outer bearings and races. 4wd is different and you have to replace hub and bearings as one assembly. You may need a new rotor if the race doesn't come out easily and and inside surface is not smooth from driving to long with a lot of play in bearings. They also sell a inner/outer bearing that is all one piece for the 2wd. Need hammer and small punch to knock the old races out once you pull the rotor off. Don't forget new wheel seal.

 

Not on the 01 Ram.... it has a unit bearing up front, with a separate rotor.

You can replace just the bearings though, but, you need a press to get them out, and put the new ones back in.

 

+1 for Detroit Axle on eBay. Bought a pair of hub bearings for my Ram 2500 4x4 from them. Great price, good quality and quick delivery.

 

Thought that's what i just said. 2wd bearings and rotor are separate units, unlike 4wd. Are you saying the 01 front wheel bearing set up is different than 2000 and older 2wd? You can use the old race over top of the new one and tap in with a hammer.

 

I don't have access to a press...this will be a "in the college dorm parking lot" fix...so will most likely just replace the whole bearing/hub unit. My main concern has not been how to do the job, just if there is a general preference towards only doing the bearings or replacing the complete unit.

And ReadRam: I think the '01 2WD front bearing units are actually somewhat similar to the 4WD units. For both you pull the tire, caliper assembly, then remove the rotor. From there things are different, as the 4WD hub unit is not mounted on a spindle, but rather connects through the knuckle to allow a powered connection to the axle shaft.

 

Yeah, 2000 and up have the same style unit bearing/hub that the 4x4s do. Not simply replaceable bearings. That would be too easy.