Topic: Front wheel bearing replacement (Read 6454 times)

Brynjaminjones · « **on:** August 08, 2014, 07:28:59 AM »

I've pretty definitely got a bad front right wheel bearing on the XJ. It's been making noise at speed for a while now, and recently I've noticed it getting louder when I go around left-hand corners.

Where should I get a bearing? I've not actually looked yet, but are there any that are worth avoiding etc.?
How hard is it to replace? I'm sure I could do it with my mechanic's assistance, but he can only do weekends and I'm not sure if I'm going to have one free for a while. Would this be doable at home, or are there any special tools needed?

donk498 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 08, 2014, 08:33:46 AM »

Easy to do at home. Strip brakes off as you have done before. Remove split pin from hub nut and undo nut (36mm socket required. Undo before jacking up\removing brakes unless you have impact tools.) Remove 3 bolts holding hub to knuckle (13mm\1\2" 12point socket or spanner req) Tap hub out of knuckle. About an hour taking your time.

Doc Mike used to have hubs available, he still may have.

JamesH · « **Reply #2 on:** August 08, 2014, 10:53:09 AM »

If the hub bearing assembly hasn't been off before it's harder. The 36mm nut is done up to 110 ft/lb ish but add years of rust and it will take a big breaker bar to undo it. A couple of days of wd40 soaking will help. It is easiest to undo with a wheel fitted back on and the jeep back on the ground. Access to the bolt through the hole in the centre of the wheel but I've only done this with steel wheels so am not sure if the hole in the alloys is big enough. A tap on the end of the driveshaft after the nut is off will help release the shat splines from the hub splines.

Undo the 3 13mm head (12/13 point socket needed) then use this tip to help get the hub off the knuckle cos it will probably be rusted in. http://www.stu-offroad.com/axle/unitbearing/unitbearing-1.htm.

First thing worth doing is jack the wheel up and check for play in the bearing just to see if it is really the bearing.

MOCAJ · « **Reply #3 on:** August 08, 2014, 07:39:08 PM »

as James says, Jack it up.
Grasp the wheel at 12 and 6 o clock, rock it, if there is movement then its wheel bearing
The Xj uses a uni hub, if it don't come off try this always worked for me
http://www.stu-offroad.com/axle/unitbearing/unitbearing-1.htm

Jonny Jeep · « **Reply #4 on:** August 08, 2014, 08:07:51 PM »

The 36mm nut torque is 175 ft.lbs. Ball joints will also cause movement when rocking at 12/6 o'clock.

The hole in the wheel is the same size on the alloys I've had so removing cap. Refitting wheel and undoing/tightening the nut can be done with wheel on the ground. I got my last set of unit bearings through a work supplier. Forget how much they were but I went for the more expensive ones. The first time I changed them on my TJ the splines were seized and I had to pull the axle shafts too, then hold the shaft in the air and knock the unit bearing off with a BFH.

Arno · « **Reply #5 on:** August 09, 2014, 08:44:16 AM »

I swapped my TJ's hub bearing a few months back.. Easy job really, just follow the steps as describe above

Also, as mention, rock he wheel, holding it at 12 and 6 oclock, if any movement, then bearing is gone!!

You may have some movement when you rock it at lets say 3 and 9 oclock, as steering,balljoints etc will cause that, so not a true test

I got my replacement bearing from www.jeepchryslerparts.co.uk , think it was something like £65 delivered..

Dave69 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 09, 2014, 10:15:31 AM »

as said the bearing isnt changed just the hub housing as a unit.

If your unsure give me a bell and well sort something out

JamesH · « **Reply #7 on:** August 09, 2014, 11:46:08 AM »

Jeepchryslerparts are ok, about £50-75 is where the cheap ones seem to come in at. I usually test by holding and rocking the wheel at all different angles. It helps to have someone looking too - they can watch ball joint areas when you rock at 12 / 6.

Mike2909 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 09, 2014, 12:10:46 PM »

Quote from: Jonny Jeep on August 08, 2014, 08:07:51 PM

The 36mm nut torque is 175 ft.lbs. Ball joints will also cause movement when rocking at 12/6 o'clock.

The hole in the wheel is the same size on the alloys I've had so removing cap. Refitting wheel and undoing/tightening the nut can be done with wheel on the ground. I got my last set of unit bearings through a work supplier. Forget how much they were but I went for the more expensive ones. The first time I changed them on my TJ the splines were seized and I had to pull the axle shafts too, then hold the shaft in the air and knock the unit bearing off with a BFH.

I couldn't find a BFH so I had to make do with a FBH

Brynjaminjones · « **Reply #9 on:** August 11, 2014, 06:52:37 PM »

I've bought a cheap one for £55 on eBay. I know that you get what you pay for, but I'm poor and anything will be better than the one on there at the moment.

Dave, assistance could well be very useful with this. Don't worry if not, but in exchange for a few beverages of your choice, could you be interested in lending a hand?

Dave69 · « **Reply #10 on:** August 12, 2014, 06:29:55 AM »

yep no problem in helping let me know when you plan to do it.

Brynjaminjones · « **Reply #11 on:** August 12, 2014, 12:32:54 PM »

Awesome, much appreciated.
The bearing should arrive soon, so then it'll be whenever's best for you, as I'm free most days

Brynjaminjones · « **Reply #12 on:** August 12, 2014, 04:30:58 PM »

The bearing has just arrived - when might be good for you Dave?

Dave69 · « **Reply #13 on:** August 12, 2014, 06:33:18 PM »

this weekend is good for me. If you could get to me then it save me bringing the garage

Brynjaminjones · « **Reply #14 on:** August 12, 2014, 06:34:56 PM »

That should be good - how's Sunday?
Coming your way is fine, my Jeep uses half the fuel of yours anyway!

Dave69 · « **Reply #15 on:** August 12, 2014, 09:22:03 PM »

No problem with sunday

Brynjaminjones · « **Reply #16 on:** August 13, 2014, 12:55:30 AM »

Awesome - name a time and I'll be there for then

Dave69 · « **Reply #17 on:** August 13, 2014, 08:25:41 PM »

10 onwards and we'll see how it goes

Brynjaminjones · « **Reply #18 on:** August 14, 2014, 03:58:43 PM »

Awesome, see you then. What's your beverage of choice?

Dave69 · « **Reply #19 on:** August 14, 2014, 05:21:15 PM »

no need your the taxi for cheapfest

Brynjaminjones · « **Reply #20 on:** August 14, 2014, 05:45:18 PM »

This is true

Brynjaminjones · « **Reply #21 on:** August 17, 2014, 01:00:30 PM »

A big thanks to Dave for sorting my wheel bearing for me!
I now have a very happy, quiet Jeep!

Dave69 · « **Reply #22 on:** August 17, 2014, 01:17:34 PM »

Nice to see a satisfied customer

bigjeepzj · « **Reply #23 on:** August 17, 2014, 01:22:11 PM »

good man Dave

Dave69 · « **Reply #24 on:** August 17, 2014, 08:48:00 PM »

it did occur some collateral damage in the process

Author Topic: Front wheel bearing replacement (Read 6454 times)

donk498

Arno

Mike2909