01 Dodge Ram 2500 360 V8 4WD 4 wheel ABS

So today on the way back from fixing a friends car my passenger side wheel bearing let go. I limped it home less than 1/8th of a mile. Putting a new one on seems pretty straightforward.

Ironically, I have the correct size 1 11/16 socket to take the axle nut off, but I don't have a 3/4 drive ratchet or adapter to use with the socket at the moment. So I have to wait a few days before I can pull the axle out.

There is gear oil leaking out of the axle tube because the axle pulled out. I'm wondering if there is an oil seal or anything inside the differential or axle tube that would be damaged because of this, or if I should be able to just put the axle back in and drive it safely. I have to order the parts, and I'd like to put the order in ASAP. Thanks in advance for any help!

 

Yes, there is a seal on the passenger side. You will need to remove the CAD inspection plate to install a new seal. I believe 4 small bolts hold the plate in place. Most folks rig up a jig with some threaded rod to pull that new seal into place.

For me, the main trick to changing that wheel bearing is having a good 12 point 14MM socket to remove those 4 bolts. I wanted to remove them with my impact wrench and didn't have a 14MM 12 point impact grade socket, so I had to pick one up. Check out YouTube for videos to see how the job is done if you are unfamiliar with doing it.

As for the 3/4" drive ratchet and adapter, head over to Harbor Freight and pick them up cheap.

 

I broke the hub bolts free with a breaker bar already. I was surprised how easy they let go. Maybe because it got so hot when I limped it home lol.

I've done a hub bearing before so I'm pretty familiar with the process. My main concern is the seal. What is the likelihood that the seal was damaged when the axle was spinning around in the pipe? Do you think I could get away without replacing it?

I suppose the only way to really know is to push that axle back in there, put it all back together, fill er up and see if she leaks.

 

That truck is now 15+ years old. The seal is likely beat up pretty good with a failure like that. Personally, I'd replace the seal and ensure the U-joint at the end of the axle is still in good shape, too.

 

I agree with the Dog. It isn't going to get any easier than it is right now, and no point in putting it all together, and then discovering you get to do it all again..... Change the seal.

 

It might be easier when it's not December/January in Pennsylvania, in the driveway on jack stands with no garage! Lol!

I knew the answer but was hoping you'd all say "Nah, that seal will be fine."

LOL

 

Well, I'm in central VA and its supposed to be warmer tomorrow and Tuesday (above 50 degrees both days). Hopefully, it will be the similar there. If so, hopefully you can carve out the time to fix things up properly. Here is a link to a video that shows the replacement process: