2003 Dodge Ram

ERFRETTE

MEMBER
2003 DODGE RAM
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
105,000 MILES

My truck runs fine at in town speeds. However, at around 55 mph, it suddenly acts like it's pulling a heavy trailer. It doesn't want to accelerate through it, and the front end gets a rapid, but small vibration. I was thinking it was the bearings, but don't want to replace those if it's not. Also, since this started happening, my mpg has dropped dramatically. This started shortly after having a new water pump installed.

Saturday, March 20th, 2010 AT 6:28 PM

1 Reply

ERFRETTE

MEMBER
2 POSTS

So, the wheel shake test doesn't seem that the front bearings are shot yet. Today, however, I noticed a faint whine at very very slow speeds. Only from about 0-5 mph. Having someone else drive, I walked around the truck to try to pin point the location, and it appears to be coming from the rear. And, since it's not any louder on either side, I'm guessing it's coming from the middle, so now I'm wondering driveshaft, U-joints, or maybe differential.

Also, I went and tested it in several different gears, though it is an automatic. The vibration and "heavy" feeling to the truck always comes at the same speed, regardless of gear. Regardless of RPM. Just wondering if any of these drive train issues would lead to a dramatic reduction in MPG.

Thanks, could really use some help with this one.

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Sunday, March 21st, 2010 AT 6:27 PM