I have been hearing a couple of new noises on my 2004. For one if i let off the throttle quickly i hear a litle clunk. I'm assuming a Ujoint. As well i am hearing a low speed clicking which almost sounds like i have a rock caught in the tire (which i don't). I just put new 315's on my truck. Could it be a wheel bearing ? Now if i need a ujoint which one is most likely in need of being replaced. Do i replace with factory for 100 buck deductible, or is there a better (maybe greasable - Precision) that i should buy.

 

u joints. front axle, and rear drive shaft dude. just did mine 2 weeks ago. same noises.

 

I had my drive shaft out to have it checked for balance and being true. I took it in to Inland Truck. Had all 3 rear u-joints replaced for like $23 each. They now have a grease fitting so they can be serviced.

 

What brand and part numbers for the greasable type ? What are the best ?

 

that's the pits auto mfg are leaving off grease fittings. they don't want parts to last too long...

 

Yeah it looks like the front right u-joint is shot. Anyone do these themselves or better off taking it to the ******* ? I was reading through the service manual and it seems like the hub bearing is the hardest thing to pull apart. Can someone recomend better joints than the stockers ? I still have warranty left and it would only cost me 100 bucks for the deductible. The only thing i'm worried about is the rest of the u-joints tanking once they replave the couple that need doing. Ideas ?

 

they are covered under warrantyif you are under 100k

 

Well i finally took it in today and they are replacing the front U-joints. I got the old song and dance that they weren't covered under waranty. I politely bit my tongue and told them to check with Dodge. They phoned up and said i needed to change my front dif fluid and transfer case fluid. I said no thanks and they insisted. I then had to tell them i follow their maint schedule and do the work myself. What a bunch of crack heads ! I can't stand dealers. Did i mention i can't stand dealers ! Long story short everything is covered other than the 100 Deductible.

 

The way it was explained to me was, that most people don't have the proper services done, or don't do it themselves. The permanently sealed bearings last longer the the serviceable bearings that never get serviced.

 

Just as a addition to noises and things. I have had a rear u joint make it seem like a tire is out of balance, but it was the u joint. I got under truck and tried to feel some play, nothing, but when replaced, the vibration went away.

 

Many times folks think the sign of a bad u-joint is it being loose when being torqued. A u-joint can also get dry and freeze up and get to the point only the power of the engine will turn it. These are much more difficult to determine, but when you have the shaft out and try to rotate the joint it becomes obvious.