I know there is someone out there who had this same issue and can point me in the right direction, so here goes. My 2005, 2500 RAM Diesel - 5.9l has a small squeak in the front end.If I turn slightly left or right at low speeds I hear a slight 'squeak', intermitten. I wonder if it can be something in the linkage or from the brakes? The shocks might also be another consideration, but I don't know. Driving straight forward - I hear nothing, even when I brake. What could it be?:h

U-joint's starting to go? I had mine replaced when it all of sudden started to clunk when I turned at slow speeds.

First thing I'd check is the unit hub bearings. They are a weak point on our vehicles. I converted mine to standard locking hubs. You can read about it on my web page www.rvbprecision.com

That sounds like a wheel bearing starting to go. Go to an empty parking lot and steer hard left and right while going 10 to 15 mph. You may hear it growl when putting on a sideload.

Look at the axle outer end u-joints for rust dust appearing from the cups on the rubber seals. If yes it is time to plan to change them. Our Dodge dealer has a Jeep part number that is greaseable. The OEM part for 06 is not.

I'll go with Brakes... been there done that. My 2005 had over 275,000 never had issues with the hub units, my buddy I sold it to still running it hard and on original hub... says the truck is at 315,000.

2005, Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel with a slight squeak?

11 Replies

Rbertalotto
Explorer
Aug 13, 2014
And Oh what a fun time it is getting these unit bearing out! There are many articles on the internet on the trials and tribulations of getting these bearing removed...in one piece!
noteven
Explorer III
Aug 13, 2014
Not sure how wheel bearings the size of these would "squeak"...

They have to come out to service the axle u-joints, and can be inspected then.
Fisherman
Explorer
Aug 12, 2014
U joints, just had mine done, stopped the squeek.
AH64ID
Explorer
Aug 12, 2014
As others have said its probably wheel bearings or u-joints, and could possibly be the ball joints. All 3 of which are common wear items.
camping_man
Explorer
Aug 12, 2014
My 05 made a loud binding sound since the first day I bought it, going slow crawling speed, then turn the wheel sharp either way. Still did 8 yrs. later when I sold it too.lol
ScottG
Nomad
Aug 12, 2014
To check the front u-joints, turn sharply one direction at low speed and then slowly straighten back out. If the steering wheel oscillated back and forth while doing this then the UJ is bad - even if it "appears" good.
DirtyOil
Explorer
Aug 12, 2014
I'll go with Brakes... been there done that. My 2005 had over 275,000 never had issues with the hub units, my buddy I sold it to still running it hard and on original hub... says the truck is at 315,000.
noteven
Explorer III
Aug 12, 2014
Look at the axle outer end u-joints for rust dust appearing from the cups on the rubber seals. If yes it is time to plan to change them. Our Dodge dealer has a Jeep part number that is greaseable. The OEM part for 06 is not.
powderman426
Explorer
Aug 12, 2014
That sounds like a wheel bearing starting to go. Go to an empty parking lot and steer hard left and right while going 10 to 15 mph. You may hear it growl when putting on a sideload.
Rbertalotto
Explorer
Aug 12, 2014
First thing I'd check is the unit hub bearings. They are a weak point on our vehicles. I converted mine to standard locking hubs. You can read about it on my web page www.rvbprecision.com