Hi all, tying to get my #2 2001 Ram 1500 road worthy for the winter and what I presumed was my rear brakes needing adjustment and causing my rear end to lock up doesn't look like it's that's simple now. After removing both of the drums the binding was still there. I removed the diff cover, drained the gear oil and cleaned it out hoping to find a foreign object but zip. Sealed it back up and refilled the case. I am now thinking it may be one of the rear wheel bearings because when it binds it breaks free if I turn the axle shaft back a bit. Before I start down this path, does anyone have any past experience with something like this? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks

 

No direct experience, but it does present as a bearing issue.
Any associated noise?

 

Actually, inspecting your bearings is cake, just pull the axle out, and then the hub nuts are right there. (need the right socket for them, which I don't recall what it is..)

 

Over the past 14 years I have had more 2nd gen Rams than I can count on one hand and never have I had one with a dust cap that was this difficult to get off! I believe that the problem is my rear passenger side wheel bearing based on the up and down shake I have on the wheel when lifted of the ground. Time to get the old air chisel, torch, and sledge hammer out. Must admit though all the wheel bearings I've needed to change which I blame on the oversize tires I typically run (35" Nitto Mudders currently), the front ones have always been the issue not the rear. Time to get familiarized with changing them out now, I guess. thanks for all the feedback guys! I'll keep ya posted.

 

Okay, I'm a dumbass, no dust caps on the rear axle. Figured that one out pretty quick though.
.

 

Does your truck have a limited slip?
Maybe it's just limited slip clutches are faulty.
Anyways would be a good idea to inspect everything.
Pull the cross pin from the ring carrier, slide axles inwards, remove C clip, pull out the axles. Inspect axles for wear where they are supported on bearings.
Outer bearings are easy to replace - use right tools.
If the problem are your inner bearings, problem might be bigger.
Start checking off one thing at a time.
Good luck