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View Full Version : Help. Front wheel bearing ?'s.

DCWrangler
11-13-2003, 08:35 PM
I went to get new inner/outer bearings and seals to replace up front. At the 1st shop, they tell me I have to buy the whole "front hub assembly" which is $130. Also told me the only place to find the individual bearings is at the dealer, and then I wouldn't be able to do the service without a press.

The 2nd shop had the individual bearings, a single needle bearing by itself, or the "bearing/oil seal kit", which had the same needle bearing with a couple of plastic seals to go with it. They also had the entire hub assembly contraption for $130, but didn't know if the replacement could be down by a do-it-yourselfer.

Please gimme some headsup, what am I in for. Can I pull the indiviual bearings for replacement with your basic automotive handtools, or do I need to swap the entire hub?

TIA
RatherBeJeeping
11-13-2003, 08:47 PM
99% of people just swap the unit hub assembly as a whole.
I've only known one person to go to the trouble of doing the bearings themselves, and it took a good sized press.
zocchi97
11-13-2003, 09:41 PM
I didn't think you could replace the bearings. Even if you can $130 is a cheap headache saver.

As far as replacing the hub assembly it is relatively easy with moderate mechanical skill. Here is the unofficial, been awhile, info still lurking in the back of my brain procedure.

Take off tire/wheel (ofcourse) followed by brake caliper/rotor. What you are now looking at is the face of the hub assy. There are three bolts that hold the hub in place on the inside of the outer steering knuckle. Back these out about 1/2 way. Leave a socket on the end of them as to not booger the bolt heads up. Pound on them alternately with a BFH until the hub assy. comes loose from the outer knuckle, this will more than likely be a bitch of a process. PB blaster is your friend here along with strong fore arms. Replace everything the way it came apart and I coated the hub assy. with anti-seize when I went back together with it for future ease.

Clear as mud?

Really pretty easy once ya dig in and do it.

Hope this helps