Speaking of hubs and bearings

From: Jason Bleazard (dml@bleazard.net)
Date: Thu Dec 07 2006 - 06:19:31 EST


Tom wrote:
> In your attempts to track down the noise, do *not* attempt to drive ANY
> four wheel drive Dodge Dakota with one or both of the CV axles removed.
> The spindle nuts keep the wheel bearing and hub units together.
> Driving with a CV shaft out *will* cause hub failure.

Thanks for reminding me Tom, there's something I've been wanting to ask. Last
oil change, the dealership informed me that they felt my front bearings need
replacement, for the nominal fee of $1050. I declined, thinking that seemed
like a lot of money for a couple of wheel bearings. After reading the
archives, I understand that the whole hub assembly needs to be replaced. I
found the parts on AutoZone's web site for $106 each, and from the FSM it
doesn't seem too difficult to replace them.

Is there any way to confirm that these really need to be replaced?
Dealerships have been known to invent work for themselves. Ideally I'd like
to be sure before I get on the road to head down to Jon's barn. I do have
*something* in the front end making a bit of a scraping noise when moving,
which gets worse when it's cold or wet. I haven't been able to figure out
exactly where it's coming from though.

Oh, and this is the '95. Thanks.

-- 
Jason Bleazard  http://drazaelb.blogspot.com  Burlington, Ontario
his:  '95 Dakota Sport 4x4, 3.9 V6, 5spd, Reg. Cab, white
hers: '01 Dakota Sport 4x4, 4.7 V8, Auto, Quad Cab, black



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