Wheel Bearing Replacement

[Capocaccia]

Have you guys had your wheel bearings replaced? When I was getting my rims put on they said my front right bearing is goin out and about 2 weeks before that this very high pitched subtle squeel is coming out of that area but its also the same area I had the boot replaced so I couldnt decide if it was jus the boot or the wheel bearing. So if you got yours replaced, at what mileage do they typically go out at and can this be done by yourself?

 

[cruiserdan]

What "boot"?

No "boots" on an 80.

 

[Capocaccia]

Sorry I should have said Steering Knuckle. My dad likes to refer to it as the boot.

 

[flintknapper]

What "boot"?

No "boots" on an 80.

I think some of the "Texas" versions had them.


Naw, no boots.

 

[Capocaccia]

Still need help!

 

[BURGER]

Wheel squeal and a tire guy saying the bearing has play. Time for a repack and inspection.

 

[NorCalSam]

I just got done rebuilding the front axle. I did this because I thought that the trunin bearing was bad on the drivers side and it was my truck has almost 200,000 on it. I also had very bad sounds coming from the drivers side front wheel. It was a blown wheel bearing and the blown bearing also damaged the spindle so I got a new spindle from CDan too at about $250 each. This was all do to taking on water and the wheel bearing rusted up and came apart. It has nothing to do with age.

 

[NorCalSam]

It seems that sometimes they take on water and sometimes not.
So after every 4x4 trip that you were in water or crossed a creek repack the wheel bearing. If like us you cant do that because your in water a lot more than a few times a year then you must setup a bearing repack schedule like say every mounth or two. If you don't you will pay trust me I know.

 

[Rookie2]

Still need help!

Most here replace their bearings when doing the front axle service. It really depends on the condition of the bearings. Wheel bearings are really stout, but if the area hasn't been properly maintained, they will be subject to wear and potential grenading. You need to remove them and inspect for pitting, wear and excessive play. At around $26 a side, it's cheap money to just replace them, especially if you've got over 125k on the clock.


Rookie2

 

[landtank]

I still have my original rears in place and only swapped out my fronts in an attempt to isolate a problem.

Well maintained bearings will last a life time.