Just this morning as I was getting to work all of a sudden started hearing a grinding noise coming from what appears to be my rear driver wheel. It sounds like a wheel bearing. I have 07 1500 4x4 quad cab big horn with 4.7. Does anybody have some insight and possible tricks or and idea of how hard it is to change.

 

Rear bearings are much more difficult to chance than the front. My first suggestion would be to jack up and support the rear end, put it in neutral and turn the wheel(s) by hand and see if you can pin point the issue.

 

Do I have to take the axle to change them if they are bad

 

Yep, and to take the axle out you have to take the differential out but to be honest, I doubt that it is the bearings. They rarely go bad in the rear. It is more likely the brakes.

But only one way to find out

 

The noise doesn't go away when brakes are applied, I really hope it's only the brakes. So just jack it up pull tire off and rotate it and try and see what's grinding right.

 

I thought you just needed to pop out the center pin in the diff, then remove the C clips to pull the axles Weed.
I'm sure that's the case.
And BTW....your probably right, in that it's his brakes.
Al.

 

I appreciate the help guys. I find this sight to be extremely handy when it comes down to trying to do things yourself and save a few bucks.

 

Youre right. My fault. You know I recently did my rear end and I pulled my axles and diff of so many times I forgot and thought that's how it had to get done..... LoL

 

Do yourself a favor and click on the links below in my signature to the Service and Parts Manuals. They are free and certainly will help.

 

So I pulled my wheel off and my dust cover looks a little oily. Does that most likely mean my seal and bearing are worn out or could the noise still be my brakes. I turn by hand and don't hear much.