How to Replace a Front Axle in a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500
The front axle in your Dodge 2500 helps to transfer power from the engine to the drive wheels. The axle itself has two joints, called constant velocity joints or "CV" joints. These joints help to provide flexibility in the axle and allow the 2500 to turn left and right. When the axle fails, it's usually because the CV joints fail. The joints fail because the protective boot around the joint rips, allowing dirt and debris to dry out the joint. When this happens, the joint grinds on itself and then, eventually, sheers off. Replacement axles can be purchased from most auto parts stores.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Jack
- 2 jack stands
- Hammer
- Zip-ties
- Pliers
- Impact wrench with air compressor
- Ball joint removal tool
- Flat head screwdriver
Instructions
-
-
1
Jack up the front of the Dodge 2500, on the front crossmember, using a floor jack.
-
2
Place jack stands underneath the front crossmember.
-
-
3
Lower the Dodge onto the jack stands.
-
4
Remove the lug nuts with an impact wrench.
-
5
Pull the wheel up and off of the wheel hub assembly.
-
6
Unbolt the center hub nut on the wheel hub, using an impact wrench.
-
7
Unbolt the upper and lower caliper mounting bolts using a socket wrench, slide the caliper off the brake rotor and secure it to the coil springs using zip-ties.
-
8
Slide the brake rotor off the wheel hub.
-
9
Pull the cotter pin out of the lower control arm to steering knuckle nut with a pair of pliers.
-
10
Unbolt the lower control arm to steering knuckle bolt.
-
11
Place the teeth of the ball joint separator tool between the knuckle and the control arm.
-
12
Hit the end of the ball joint tool with a hammer to separate the control arm from the knuckle.
-
13
Swing the steering knuckle and wheel hub assembly away from the control arm and pull the axle out of the wheel hub.
-
14
Pull the axle out of the transmission.
-
15
Insert the new axle into the transmission with the snap ring going into the transmission housing. The rest of the installation is the reverse of removal.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit roue image by Jacques PALUT from Fotolia.com
More Like This
Comments
-
Philip Madison no its the nut on the hub bearring 14mm is way to small its gotta be close to a 40mm or bigger
-
iam doing a 01 ram 2500 right now i used 12 pt 16 mm to remove caliper
-
its a 12 point 14 mm
-
ok does anybody know what size the nut is so I can take it off the truck its the nut to take off rotor so I can get into replaceing on a 97 dodge ram 2500 4x4 8 cyl gas.
