New to DF but not to the Dodge product line. I have owned two Dodge Rams, one (2004 Quad Cab 4WD Hemi) which I'm still driving and the other was a 1996 Dodge Ram 4WD. Drove the '96 for over 250,000 miles and it is still on the road...minimal maintenance I may add. Once a Mopar lover always a Mopar lover.

I'm currently looking for some technical information on replacing the front bearing hub assembly on my 2004. I'm experiencing a problem with accessing the three bolts that affix this assembly to the axle. Can these be accessed without removing the steering components? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Kevin,
Sebewaing, Michigan

 

Welcome to DF! I am also a long time MOPAR lover, drove a 84 Ramcharger 4x4 for 15 years. As far as the hub assembly I recently had one of mine replaced, I usually do things like that myself but due to time restraints I had a mechanic buddy of mine do it. I don't remember them taking any steering components loose but I do remember them taking the bolts out from the back. Hope this helps, maybe somebody else will chime in with more help.

 

When I pulled mine it was because I was changing out the spindles but if i remember correctly you do not have to pull anything steering-wise and only the caliper and dust shield.

 

I replaced my hub acouple weeks ago. it was pretty easy. just take the caliper and dust shield. and the axle nut. then pound the axle back into the hub, I had to beat mine pretty hard with a rubber mallet in order to fit a socket onto the bolts. you would think they would leave you enough room to work in there. but its tight as hell. and if you have 4wheel ABS then you will have to disconnect the wire too. its up in the fender wall.


and welcome to DF!

 

As noted by johnnymag...there isn't much room for access. I have one other question regarding the bearings. I noticed in other posts that one way to determine which side is bad is to make a series of "S" turns to determine if it is on one side or the other. When I turn right the during this exercise the noise is eliminated and remains if I turn left. Is the "loaded" side the defective side or is it the opposite?

 

I just jacked the front end of my truck and pulled on the tire. my drivers side could move a good 1/4" lol mine didnt make any noise at all. well atleast not louder then my old 35's lol

 

I lifted the front end and can't feel any play in the wheels. I had just put on new tires and they (tire dealer) told me that I had a bearing going out. There is front end whirring noises when traveling in a straight line but when I turn sharp to the right it is eliminated. This noise was present prior to replacing the tires.

 

did you try spinning the tires while you had it lifted up? maybe you could hear the whine. I woulda asked the dealer what wheel bearing was going.