wheel bearings

rathr-b-cruisin · Dec 11, 2014

I started getting a sound when turning. a whump whump whump sound. so i'm thinking wheel bearings. I have not done a 4x4 wheel bearing before, i've done lots of 4x2 though. they look similar and easy, but i do have a few questions. this is on a 94 4x4 with manual hubs. so i know i need a tool to take of the spindle nut. are the inner and outer wheel bearings the same size? I'll probably put on new rotors while i'm at it. the pads are new. Is there anything else i should look at doing while i have this apart? like new front shaft u-joints or something? I know the transfer case oil seal is leaking, how much more has to come out to change that?

97RangerXLT · Dec 11, 2014

Inner and outer are the same bearing. you will need the hub socket for the Manual Hubs (it is different than the one for the auto hubs) and it is basically a barrel with four tabs on it to fit into the hub nut slots.

Check out the tech library, there is likely a picture of it and a walk through/ how to to do the bearings. the 4wd bearings aren't much different than the 2wd other than you will have to deal with the hubs. you do about a 35 ft/lb pre load on the bearing and and then back it off and tighten the first nut to 16 INCH lbs. then put the washers on and the outer lock nut and tighten it down to 80 or 90 FOOT lbs. (double check that number in the tech library)

While you have it all apart, you might want to do the needle bearing that is in the spindle itself and supports the drive shaft. it is often neglected. and don't forget to order new dust caps for the inside bearings on your wheel bearings.

this is also a good time to take a part and thoroughly clean your hubs and lube them properly.

Again, check the Tech library, there are some good write ups on how to do all of this.

good luck and have fun

AJ

97RangerXLT · Dec 11, 2014

Oh P dot Ess...

get the Timken bearings... they are a little more costly but are better than the china made ones.

AJ

scotts90ranger · Dec 11, 2014

As with 4x2 bearings the torques are more of a guideline... I do the inner nut by feel, and tighten the outer nut until I can't anymore with a 25" breaker bar... this method has worked well for like 9 years and I've only had 1 failed bearing that got rusty from sitting or a bad inner seal...

alwaysFlOoReD · Dec 11, 2014

The book value for the outer bearing is ~150 lbs/ft. Knowledgeable members recommend ~225-250 lbs/ft.

97RangerXLT · Dec 11, 2014

I have no idea what orifice I pulled 90 foot pounds out of..lol

AJ

alwaysFlOoReD · Dec 11, 2014

@ 97RangerXLT
Sorry, I wasn't thinking of you when I posted that, tho now when I look back it does seem to be pointed at you. My bad.

97RangerXLT · Dec 12, 2014

No worries man. I am still trying to figure out where I came up with 90 tho...

AJ

Kona · Dec 12, 2014

250 ft/lbs is a bitch to lay down, I just do 150 .... 250 is if you are running 35's or bigger on a Dana 35/28

rathr-b-cruisin · Dec 13, 2014

thanks for all the info and suggestions. is the axle suppose to have that much play in it where it comes through the spindle? it slides in and out which is ok to me, but is it supposed to be able to move up and down?

rfl · Dec 13, 2014

The inner and outer bearings are lose until you torque the nuts. So with that being the case, you will have play until they are tight. You have a problem if the axles have play after proper torque.

rathr-b-cruisin · Dec 13, 2014

I think i see how this works now. thanks for the responses, the axle shaft goes through the spindle, the tightness of the bearings do not affect the play in the axle. the end of the axle must be carried by the hub. this is a pretty simple job, easier than a lot of 4x2 wheel bearings i've done. no need to remove the caliper bracket. I put new rotors, bearings, oil seals, bought a 4x4 axle nut tool, a new caliper. all for 100 bucks at advanced auto. ordered online, used a 35% off coupon, and picked it up in the store. I have the passenger side done, and the wife came out with beer so that ended the process for tonight. :beer:

+ jack =

97RangerXLT · Dec 13, 2014

Yep. sounds like you got a good handle on it, but why let a beer slow you down

the play in the axle could be from the needle bearing that supports the axle inside of the spindle. that requires you to remove the spindle, which is a bit of a pain, but if I recall nothing else needs to be taken off that you already haven't removed.

AJ

rathr-b-cruisin · Dec 13, 2014

97RangerXLT said:
but why let a beer slow you down

AJ

the problem here is, they always seem to multiply around me.

97RangerXLT · Dec 13, 2014

rathr-b-cruisin said:
the problem here is, they always seem to multiply around me.

aah yes, the strength in numbers. good planning ahead if that solitary beer has reinforcements :beer:

AJ

wheel bearings

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