Well... I did a quick search in the 3rd gen forum, didn't see too many posts on the topic and figured I would vent... what else are forums for?

Early last week I was driving along and heard a buzzing noise like an aggressive trail tire noise. In any case, I pull off to have a look and everything seems to be in fine working order (visually). I continue on my way and the noise continues. Since I'm near my dealership I cruised on in. The verdict after 20 minutes and one of the techs taking it out and throwing it up on the hoist was that both front wheel bearings were done and needed to be replaced. Both have been ordered and are due in on the 9th of April (back ordered).

I figure it's pretty unusual to have both go at the same time... but here's where it gets REALLY weird... my truck is an '07 bought late last year off the lot brand new and I've personally put on all 7000 km (4375 mi). What's up with that?! I'll have as many wheel bearings replaced as oil changes done on the truck! On top of all that I've gotta wait over 3 weeks for two wheel bearings?! They're kinda critical to the operation of the vehicle. This is my first Dodge product after being a Chevy guy for years... should I expect more of this?

Thanks for letting me rant. I won't pass judgement on the truck until I've got a few years with it. Maybe it's just a fluke... here's hoping.

 

i am close to 70000 miles on my 05 dak and have no issues at all. i am bringing it in for brakes. first time for this. does the truck sit for a very long time? there could be condensation getting inside and rusting them out. in the winter, do you clean out the sand and salt from the roads every now and then? if both are shot, i would say it is a manufacturing error

 

probably just bad luck or a fluke bc i dont recall hearing too many people with that problem

 

Thanks guys... just ranting really. Like I said I searched it up and didn't find too much.

In response the truck is driven daily to and from work with no excessive salt, water, sand, etc. build up. However, it was on the lot a while before I purchased the truck so that may be a factor.

In any case thanks for lettin' me vent. Also sometimes it helps to find postings with symptoms in the forum (read: buzzing noise = potential wheel bearing issue).

 

I had to have one of the front wheel bearings replaced on my '06 at 15-20k miles. Had the buzzing noise just like you're describing. No issues yet on my '08 after 4k miles. Dealer wound up replacing both the wheel hub and bearing, but like you I had to wait a couple weeks because they were on backorder. You might wanna request that they replace the hubs at the same time as the wheel bearings.

 

The bearings are integrated into the hub.
Been that way on the Dakota forever.

 

Does the buzzing noise change pitch with speed? My truck picked up a little buzz after a tire rotation, but I attribute it to the tread, since my tires are fairly aggressive. It's also the first time the tires installed on the rear have been up front.

The noise becomes audible around 15 MPH and increases pitch with speed. Sometimes I can feel it in the steering wheel too as a vibration while turning.

Warranty is up in 3,000 miles. Definitely want them fixed for free if they're worn out.

 

The buzz does change with speed. However, with that said aggressive tires would do the same thing. The only way I could describe the sound was if I was running mudders on my truck (as opposed to the standard radials). Since your truck's still under warranty I would bring it in and see what they say. No harm in that.

 

I crawled under yesterday to have a look at the wheel bearings. I can't tell if anything's wrong. I'm sure you have to get the wheel off the ground and wiggle it to see if it's worn out.

I also noticed some sort of moisture on the passenger side tie rod boot, so I'll have them check for a PS leak at the same time.

I also took the truck for a spin and I really believe the tires are to blame, but I'll have a dealer look at it. Can't hurt.