Two problems related to front suspension wheel bearing have been reported for the 2001 Dodge Ram 1500. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Wheels bearing going out at 39,000 miles. No off road use, abuse, no wet conditions. Warranty 3/36 expired back in August of 2004. Bought the extended warranty and to my suprise the front wheel bearings were not covered under the plan. These wheel bearings are sealed units. These bearings are not made to be serviced. This is a dealer item and dealer cost is $322 for for both sealed bearings and hub assembly. Total cost of parts and shop labor and turnpike Dodge was going to be $524.
The front left wheel bearing retaining nut backed off. The nut is the plastic insert self locking type and it did not stay locked. There is no cotter pin installed for safety.