I have an 03 Hemi Ram 1500 and it recently started making a squealing noise with some vibration when turning at low speed. I suspect that the wheel bearings may be bad. Do you think it could be something else? Any of you replaced the rear wheel bearings? Is there a difference between a rear wheel bearing and an axleshaft bearing? Thanks for your help.

Bryan

 

Sounds like your Power steering pump is going.

 

Welcome to the forum.
Are you sure that the noise is coming from the rear? I have heard u-joints squeal at low speeds.

 

I had this issue about a month ago. Check your fluids. Mine wasn't even showing up on the dipstick. I added some and the whining and vibrations went away. just my

 

Squealing noise is probably either the serpentine belt or the ps pump. Make sure your belt tensioner is providing good tension (spring not broken/worn) and has some travel left between the scribe marks. Get ps fluid to proper level. If all of this checks good then it's probably the ps pump. When you get vibrations, are you feeling it in the steering wheel, or somewhere else?

 

Your rearend could be going out. After driving reach under truck and feel if differential is hot. Hope thats not it. Not cheap to fix.

 

Thanks everyone from your responses. The vibration is definitely coming from the rear. It doesn't happen when I am going straight regardless of my speed. I thought it was the power steering as well but I moved away from that conclusion when I tried turning the wheels when the car is stationary. I didn't get any sound of vibration at all. I am pretty sure its coming from the rear end.

Has anyone replaced the rear wheel bearings?