loose wheel bearings

[Irishcream]

Been hearing some squealing lately out of the front end of my truck. Jacked it up and found the wheel/axle bearings are loose. Or rather the hubs were loose. May even have been that way since I did the U-joints in the front axles. It's been a long time since I did that so I'm wondering if the bearings are gonna be shot? The wheels aren't sloppy loose just a bit too much free play in the bearings. I think I will pick up the bearings and races just in case they are toast and take em back if the bearings are still good.

 

[ezzyke]

If they are noisy I would almost bet money the bearings are shot.

 

[Irishcream]

that's what I figured. Oh well, lesson learned.

 

[Irishcream]

Just looking for some prices on bearings. Is this a full hub replacement? I can't remember exactly what it looked like when I did the u-joints but how would the bearings be loose if they are in the hub? I thought I remembered packing the bearings. I'm so confused.

 

[Biggreen96]

no they are not a full hub replacement. Just bearing and races, you need to set the preload with the two outer spindle nuts.

 

[Irishcream]

do you know the nut size?
I got some new brake pads for the front so I'm gonna change em while I got the hub off. Since it's not a spindle what does the inside bearing sit on?

 

[Tom S]

The spindle

 

[Tom S]

You might find that style of nuts to be easier for getting bearings setup correctly.

 

[Irishcream]

I recognize those. that's what's on there.

 

[Irishcream]

I guess I gotta buy the socket?

 

[Tom S]

Yes but that is a tool worth having. I would be surprised if you had those but you might. The factory setup is two nuts with the slots in them.

 

[Irishcream]

I remember having to back off that oddball nut with a screwdriver. it was pretty loose.

 

[Tom S]

OK I have an instant concern that you have the auto hub nuts on there not the manual hub ones.

 

[Irishcream]

I thought there were two nuts.

 

[Tom S]

Two nuts and your OK.

 

[Irishcream]

but back to the bearings...

 

[Tom S]

It all depends on how loose they are and how the look. Just a wee bit of play and I would simply adjust them. Quite a bit of play and I would order up a fresh set.

 

[Irishcream]

the right side rolled pretty good and made no noise but the left was looser and squealed a bit. Didn't roll very good at all.

 

[MossBack]

IMO if its questionable change it. When they finally go for good its usually in the middle of nowhere and 3 am Sunday. Just saying better spend a little now then pay for a tow and bearings later.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

 

[Irishcream]

I agree, that's why I'm gonna get the bearings and races before I tackle the job. My buddy lets me run an account at his parts store so I can return em if everything is good.I wish it was an oil bath seal and bearing. Then I know there isn't any dirt sitting on the bearings.