According to my '98 FSM, they break down front axle noises into two
categories, namely Gear Noise and Bearing Noise.
It goes on to say that Gear Noise generally occurs in a specific speed
range (the example is 30-40mph) and can be caused by insufficient
lubricant, incorrect ring gear backlash or gear damage.
Ya got pinion gear bearings, differential bearings and axle shaft bearings.
It says that pinion and differential bearing noise (meaning there shot)
changes pitch with vehicle speed. The axle bearings produce noise and
vibration when worn or damaged... This last one sounds pretty close to
what you describe. To diagnose, the FSM says to load the bearings while
road testing the vehicle --this means turn the vehicle sharply from left
to right (at reasonable speed!!) and listen for noises.
I'm not surprised they didn't find anything wrong... The above sounds like
a bitch to diagnose and repair! With that in mind, I think you're really
gonna' have to stay on the service dept. to get it done.
Good Luck!
Tom
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: DML: Re: Front axle gear clank
Author: <dakota-truck@buffnet.net> at smtpout
Date: 2/24/99 7:12 PM
I haven't brought mine in yet but my 98 does the same thing.
-----Original Message-----
From: Kevin Rankin <Krrankin@earthlink.net>
To: dakota-truck@buffnet.net <dakota-truck@buffnet.net>
Date: Wednesday, February 24, 1999 7:14 PM
Subject: DML: Front axle gear clank
>I need to know if anyone has experienced this before. I own a 96 Dak CC V8
>4x4 (auto). I hear a slight gear clanking from 5-40 mph while driving from
>the front right wheel area (after that, wind noise drowns it out). It
>changes pitch with vehicle speed, but is not engine dependant. It kinda
>sounds like someone sticking a metal rod into a spoked bicycle wheel while
>it's spinning. In fact, If I shut off the engine while in neutral (I know,
>not good for trans, but it was just for a second) the noise remains. 2wd
>or 4wd doesn't change the noise at all. I took it to the local dodge
>dealer, and they verified the noise but couldn't find it (time for a new
>dodge dealer). They pulled the wheel, brakes and hub, but found nothing
>out of the ordinary.
>I'm thinking that its in the front axle or gear assembly, but am not sure.
>Gonna take it to another dodge dealer a little further away for 2nd opinion
>(it under extended warranty). Anybody have any ideas?
>
>
>Kevin Rankin
>KRRankin@earthlink.net
>
>"Out of the modem, through the server,
>past the router, around the firewall,
>NOTHIN' BUT NET!!"
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