[fxdrider]

It appears the CV joint on the front drive shaft (rear part of shaft, entering transfer case) is going bad. Clicking noise when I turn the front wheels by hand, and a "whirring" sound that varies with vehicle speed when I'm actually driving the truck. I've seen the repair kits (Auto-zone calls it a Driveshaft CV joint and Napa calls it a Propeller shaft repair kit), and was wondering how difficult a job is this? I'm comfortable changing u-joints, wheel hub assembly, etc. Would this be something that's doable? I can't find any directions for it online, not even You-tube. Anyone know?

Thanks.

 

[fxdrider]

Anybody have any idea?

 

[fxdrider]

Seriously? No one with a 3rd Generation Ram has experienced this problem with their front drive shaft?

 

[fxdrider]

Can ANYONE help me?

 

[dakotaracer47]

Not me, I'm getting a squeaking sound from the left front but think its a wheel bearing, started to squeak faster last week on the highway...Sorry!

 

[fxdrider]

UPDATE: When I push up on the rear of the front drive shaft where it enters the transfer case, there's a bit of play - probably about 1/8". Seems to me that might indicate the front bearing in the transfer case is bad.

I called my dealership for a quote on replacing the bearing, and the service rep told me it would make more sense to replace the entire transfer case, as Parts & Labor on both jobs were withing $200 of each other, and the case replacement would come with a 3 yr/36,000 mile warranty - whereas the bearing replacement alone would only come with a one year/12000 mile warranty. The price for the transfer case replacement, by the way, was $2300.00. Man, these are expensive toys.
:doh:

 

[fireman21]

well all bearings are allowed a certain amount of play. you need to determine exactly what is moving and making noise. hold the side of the cv join that goes into the t case and move the ds up and down. if there is play then it may only be that u joint and you would be good to go. if there is no play then its only the bearing. check with a place like aamco or something for a better price. shop around at reputable places. most good shops will give you a warranty also. but a bearing replacement is definitely something i dont suggest you do yourself.

 

[Spectre]

If the CV boot has been torn for a significant amount of time, it may be best to go ahead and replace the whole thing. Was your CV boot torn? If it was, was the cv joint dry? I wouldn't do it myself unless I had something very sturdy to raise the truck with.

 

[dead2fall]

My cv boot is torn and joint is dry. Get a whole new shaft or??

 

[Bigkatt]

U can do the cv axle buy yourself I had my wheel bearing go bad which put stress on the axle and caused it to rip.... its not hard to change a buddy and I did it on the side of the highway in a couple hours.... there is a YouTube video which was very helpful just look up cv axle replacement tells u everything u need should change it in a shop doing it on the highway is not safe but I did what I had to do