'97 Dakota Front Wheel Bearing

[dbudworth]

Is it very difficult to replace a front wheel bearing on a '97 Dakota 4X4. Do you have to replace the bearing itself, or is it the whole hub assembly that you have to replace. I checked on autozone web site and the only thing coming up is the whole hub assembly for a part to replace. A bit pricey.

I'm hearing a grinding noice when I take a left hand turn, thinking it is the wheel bearing. Only does this when taking a left hand turn, its fine going striaght or taking a right hand turn.

Thanks in advance.
DB

[Michael Shatto]

You should have sealed bearings. Be sure you set things up to specs. My Dakota has 500,000 miles on the bearings with no problems. Maybe check the brakes.

[dbudworth]

Nope, It was the wheel bearing. I jacked the truck up, grabbed the wheel at the 12 and 6 o'clock position and could rock it back and forth. I replaced the wheel hub assembly and the problem was fixed. Almost exactly one month later, the driver side wheel bearing when out. Kind of strange, there really was no warning sign of that one starting to fail. But I replaced that one as well, all is good now. But one would think the wheel bearings should last longer than 90,000 miles.