Loud Squeal at slow speeds?

Tiny
MGOBLUE78
  • MEMBER
  • 2021 RAM 1500
  • 5.7L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 53,000 MILES
Hi, I have a 2021 Ram 1500 4x4 with the 5.7. I have been hearing a very loud squeal at slower speeds, typically under 30mph. My tire hum taker over around 30mph so I’m not sure if it’s still there or not lol. I’m not totally where it comes from but braking doesn’t stop the sound. I found where oil sprayed the underside of my truck right where the driveshaft connects to the transfer case. Please see pictures and video I’ve included. Also, I could not feel fluid in the fill hole on t-case. Freakin Dodge uses/recommends Mobilfluid LT which isn’t readily available anywhere ugh. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Images & Video (Click to make bigger)
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Saturday, January 10th, 2026 AT 5:21 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,986 POSTS
Wow, that is a good one, thanks for the video, I want to say it is a front bearing hub but can you tell if the noise is coming from under the truck? The images look normal to me, you will see a slight amount of grease/oil from the driveshaft which is normal unless you see it dripping on the ground where you park the truck. I would raise the front of the truck off of the ground, (flat ground) and spin the front tires to see if the noise is there. This video can help

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLFn_bMkZc0

If not, again on level ground raise the rear of the truck up, (in neutral) and spin the rear wheels and then the rear drive shaft. Once we see where the noise is coming from we can fix it. It could be a dry seal or dust seal on the transfer case that need WD40. Thanks for the images and video it helps :) Ken

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Sunday, January 11th, 2026 AT 10:32 AM
Tiny
MGOBLUE78
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
Hi Ken, just wanted to give you an update on truck. It clearly sounds like the noise is coming from under truck around the middle like in between front and rear axles. I didn’t feel or hear anything from front wheels. Haven’t been able to check the rear yet. I don’t feel any vibration when driving in my seat or steering wheel. There’s no change in the sound when turning in either direction.
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Thursday, January 29th, 2026 AT 4:17 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,986 POSTS
Yep, I would jack up the front end and spin each wheel, my guess is the bearing hubs which when bad make this kind of noise. Please watch this video to show you how to replace it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5Sq-HBe3Gg

Please let us know what happens.
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Friday, January 30th, 2026 AT 8:25 AM

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