1997 Dodge Ram Left front bearing problems

1997 DODGE RAM
179,000 MILES • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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DEADOWEYN
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Have you heard of any overall design problems with the left front bearings of '97 Ram 1500 pickups? I've had to
replace the left front bearing 6 times in the last 85K miles.
The mechanics I've taken it to don't seem to be able to find anything wrong that would account for it. What, (outside of a sale) would your opinion be on how to find and fix this problem?

Thank you,
Steve
Jun 25, 2008 at 12:07 PM
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DOCFIXIT
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Do not no of any problems but I'll see if I can help.
Has the spindle been chceked for race diameter if a bearing spun at one time it could have damaged ?
Do they both go bad ? and do they pit, flake, turn blue? Let me know
Jun 25, 2008 at 12:23 PM
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DEADOWEYN
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I don't think there's been a problem with the spindle, no mechanic has ever mention it, so I don't think that's been checked. I don't think they would have thought to check if there wasn't some visible damage would they?
(I haven't taken it to a dealership, too expensive, I've been using smaller neighborhood garages 2 to 6 bays, in business for 10 to 20 years, kind of places)

I've only replaced the right front once at about 117K. The left has been replaced at 94K, 120K, 132K, 142K, 154K and now again at 179K miles.

No flaking or pitting or blueing. I'll mention checking the race diameter to my mechanic (tactfully).

Thanks for the quick response.
Steve
Jun 25, 2008 at 4:30 PM
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DOCFIXIT
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There is a rash of China and Japan bearings out there.
Make sure they put in Timkin USA and packed well with grease and DO NOT over tighten.
Good luck
Jun 25, 2008 at 4:44 PM
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MERLIN2021
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Your truck has a hub bearing assembly, if not properly torqued the bearings WILL fail. Torque the hub axle nut to 160-200 FT-LBS.
Jun 25, 2008 at 5:04 PM
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DOCFIXIT
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Thanks for the help merlin.
Jun 25, 2008 at 5:11 PM
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MERLIN2021
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This is the part with 4 wheel abs.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/62217_Hub_bearing_1.jpg

Glad to assist Doc!
Jun 25, 2008 at 5:14 PM