I own a 97 ram 1500 4x4 with a 360 5.9 liter. It has 130k miles on it.

I recentlty changed the ujoint on the front passenger wheel. Now everytime I turn the wheel even the slightest bit to the right at low speeds im getting a growling noise. It does
it when the wheel hits a certain point in the rotation. Ive jacked it up and spun the wheel but cant pin point the sound. Sounds like it coming from the axle or hub.

Has anyone had this issue before or know what it could be? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

I'd suspect the hub bearing if it has not been replaced before. If the U-joint was installed correctly and has no play in it, definitely check the hub bearing. Also, when the U-joint was replaced, was the center nut torqued to spec?

 

Im no mechanic first off. I learn as I go. Ive heard that you check the bearing by jacking up the truck and trying to see if theres play from trying to shift the tire. I have done that and theres no play.

As for the center nut, I didnt remove it. I was able to remove the 3 12 point bolts on the back & pull the axle & hub assembly out together.

Ive only owned the truck about a month now. So Im not sure what has been replaced. I only payed $2200 for it so I knew it would need some work. Hell the ujoint had a whole drilled in it where the guy had packed grease in it to keep it quiet rather than replacing

My mechanic buddy is coming over tommorow to help me out with it but any input can still be helpful. Thanks for your advice.

 

Wonder if there was supposed to be a zerk fitting in that hole.

You already have it apart, which is more than half the battle.