Expert: Kevin - 4/29/2009

Question
how do I change the front wheel bearings on a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 4x4?

Answer
WHEEL BEARINGS
REMOVAL
Raise and support the vehicle.
Remove the wheel and tire assembly.
Remove disc brake caliper from steering knuckle. Refer torakes.
Remove the dust cap, cotter pin, and hub nut from spindle.
Carefully slide the hub/rotor from spindle.
Remove the seal and inner wheel bearing from the hub/rotor.
Remove inner bearing races from hub/rotor with a pin punch if bearings are going to be replaced.
INSTALLATION
Install the new bearing cup(s) with an appropriate installation tool.
Apply a coating of MOPAR Wheel Bearing Grease or equivalent lubricant to inner surface area of hub/rotor. Install inner wheel bearing and seal in the hub/rotor.
Inspect bearing and seal contact surfaces on spindle for burrs and/or roughness.
Remove all rough contact surfaces from spindle. Apply a coating of lubricant.
Carefully slide the hub/rotor onto spindle. Install outer wheel bearing, washer and retaining nut
NOTE: Use care to prevent inner wheel bearing and seal from contacting spindle threads during installation.

Tighten the nut to 41-54 N·m (30-40 ft. lbs.) torque to preload bearing while rotating the hub/rotor. Stop hub/rotor and loosen nut to completely release bearing preload torque. Tighten the nut finger-tight and install the nut lock. Install a new cotter pin.
The adjustment (above) should have 0.001 to 0.003 inch (0.254 to 0.0762 mm) end play.
Clean the dust cap and apply a coating lubricant to the internal surface. Do not fill the dust cap with lubricant. Install the cap.
Install disc brake caliper, Refer torakes.
Install the wheel and tire assembly.