Hello guys, I just aquired a problem with my 97 Dodge Ram 4x4. Thought this might be one of the better places to ask this. When I go into a curve to the right I hear a grinding sound on the front right,but it's not constant meaning that it sounds like it's grinding on something as the wheel rotates (wobble, wobble). I'm thinking wheel bearing and possibly bad brake rotor. I have drove in four wheel drive also and the sound is still there. Only happens when I turn to the right at a speed say over 20 mph. I know that it's just a guess because your not actually here to hear it, but any suggestions? Thanks

 

Bad bearing and the right cornering makes the sound more prevalent?

 

This is what I was thinking. I need to price the bearings and find out if they are bolt-on or pressed in before I make a decision on keeping it or selling it. The truck has 255,000 miles on it and starts and runs like new with a small rear main seal leak. I've had it for two trouble free years and think it's time for it to go since I have a new truck now to do my work.

 

yah sounds like a bearing and or hub assembly
-Patrick

 

Just got a price one these. You have to get the whole hub assembly. Each side was 180.00 each from one place and 340.00 each from another. Looks like the truck will be on the market soon.

 

You might want to look into it further before you sell the truck. Jack it up, if the bearing is loose you will be able to wiggle the wheel back and forth. Even when the bearings and front suspension parts are tight the wheel, hub and rotor will deflect a little bit when cornering. Usually what i see is a build up of rust on the inside edge of the rotor rubbing against the backing plate and causing noise. If thats the case you can live with it till it needs brakes, replace the rotor, bend the backing plate back further, or grind the rust off.

-Jon

 

Just jacked the tires up one at a time. The passenger side moved a little bit when wiggled back and forth but not bad. When I spun the tire I heard a clicking sound at about the same spot when the tire was spinning.

The drivers side is a different story. It wiggled a good bit, like it was a little loose. When I spun it I heard a metal grinding sound and a whistling noise. Looks like the left side needs a new hub assembly.