1997 Dodge Ram Left front bearing problems

DEADOWEYN

MEMBER
1997 DODGE RAM
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
179,000 MILES

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

6 Replies

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

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

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Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 AT 12:23 PM

DEADOWEYN

MEMBER
1 POST

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

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Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 AT 4:30 PM

DOCFIXIT

MECHANIC
18,828 POSTS

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

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Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 AT 4:44 PM

MERLIN2021