So, I was driving my 2001 ram1500, 2wd. When suddenly the front driver side bearing let loose, and the wheel came off my truck. Fortunatley I had just pulled into a parking lot, so it happened at about 5mph. However, I'm trying to fix it, since I'm stuck at my house without a second car. I had it towed to my place and ordered the parts for delivery. It looks like the brake caliper is fine ( I tested the brake and the caliper still depressed, plus no leaking brake fluid.), but the caliper bracket broke off. So, I ordered a new front hub bearing assembly, and a brake caliper bracket. Is there more I need to be worried about? do I have to redo the alignment? etc?

However, here's the big issue I discovered. I got a 1 11/16 axel nut socket, but it's way too big to remove the axel nut, it just spins freely. I measured with my tape measuere and the bolt actually looks like it's 1 1/2 inches... I got the truck used, could someone have replaced the axel before with a non standard one? Am I missing something huge here? My skills are generously called "shade tree", and I'm hoping I'm not in over my head.

Also, If I need to just get a new axel nut socket, how do I remove it when there's no rotor or anything attached anymore to prevent spin?

 

its a 2wd so it doesn't have a front axle so the nut that holds the bearing on is smaller than a 4wd ! Let me guess it just started making noise today ? lol

 

Yeah, As I was driving, the abs light came on, the wheel made a crunch sound, so I pulled over, and as I pulled over the wheel fell off and the truck smashed into the ground...

SO, is there a standard size for that front bolt? I'm trying google university to figure this out.

 

The 2wd nut is on the spindle. Don't know the size off the top of my head but you can use a pair of channel locks or pliers to get it off. It only holds the pre load on the bearings so it's not on there tight. You may want to inspect the other side also.

 

He has a unit-bearing on there. Not the nice re-packable bearings everyone loves, so, the spindle nut is torqued to around 180 ft. lbs..... Gonna need the right size socket for that.

 

Still not finding a good guide to what size that nut is. I guess I need to order several sockets. Here's a picture update of the part I'm trying to get off.

 

Ok, update. It's a 35mm socket I need, plus a new locking axel nut, these are non reusable on the 2wd. Also, they sent me the 4wd only front hub assembly, so I need to get the 2wd one in.. I guess I'm stuck for another week or so at the house. Since I'm waiting anyone have any ideas if I'll need to do anything else to get this back on the road? Probably an alignment job at some point.

 

bearing and bracket and you should be golden.

Why down so long? Local parts stores should have everything you need right on the shelf.

 

I live in the boonies. My local parts store can't get a replacement part until thursday, and amazon will deliver to me by tuesday..

 

You must be more out in the boonies than I am. I can usually get parts the next day though......