Front Hub Seals - Grease Purge Explanation

NUMBER: 02-06-99 Rev. A

GROUP: Suspension

DATE: Dec. 17, 1999

THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN 02-06-99, DATED JUNE 11, 1999, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. ALL REVISIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH **ASTERISKS** AND INCLUDE THE ADDITION OF 4X2 MODELS AND ADDITIONAL MODEL YEARS.

SUBJECT:
Front Wheel Bearing Grease Is Evident On The Bearing Seal Area.

MODELS:
1997 - **2000** (AN) Dakota
1994 - **2000** (BR/BE) Ram Truck
1998 - **2000** (DN) Durango

DISCUSSION:
Front wheel bearings may be incorrectly diagnosed as faulty due to the evidence of wheel bearing grease on the bearing seal areas. This grease purge is a normal design condition. The factory fill of the bearings includes a slightly greater amount of grease than is required for the bearing lifetime lubricant. A portion of the grease purges through the self-venting seal in the initial few thousand miles to form an additional barrier in the area of the seal and the stamped slinger. This barrier aids in the prevention of contaminants passing through the seal and into the bearing. Do not remove or clean the purged grease as part of normal maintenance due to the fact that it provides additional protection and once removed, damage to the seal and bearing could result.

NOTE:
UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, THERE MAY BE A SPLATTERING OF GREASE RADIALLY OUTWARD ON THE STEERING KNUCKLE FROM THE GREASE BARRIER AREA THAT CAN BE AS THICK AS 4 MM (0.125 IN.).

Front wheel bearings should be replaced only if:

^ The seal shows visible damage

^ The bearing endplay is greater than 0.13 mm (0.005 in.)

^ The bearing was operated without the proper clamping force from the spindle nut

^ The bearing has a rough, sticky feel when rotated

POLICY: Information Only