Front wheel bearings...

[Ostego]

Alright, so my '93 project Cherokee needs some new bearings in the front.
I've done them for other trucks and cars but was told for my Cherokee I have to take it in because the bearings are incorporated into a one piece hub assembly which takes special tools to take apart....

I'm more a fan of doing it myself rather then spending the extra cash (which I don't have atm) and was told by my good friend who happens to be a mechanic that if I was so inclined I could do it myself at home...but it would require replacing the entire hub assembly and lots of swearing.

So I'm wondering what would two front hub assembly's cost?
I've called Part Source and a few other places but they don't even have them in stock....and it was suggested I go to a wreckers and find them, I don't see that happening as I rather have new parts and not some worn old ones. 


Once that's done, all I need is some non-bald tires, muffler and the Cherokee is good to go!
 

[The Machinist]

Ahhhhh, don't put in used unit bearings.  They're not too bad to change, you can do it yourself in a few hours.

[BlackYJ]

From recent numbers I have heard the unit bearing range between $110-160 a piece.  They are not that hard to replace, just 1 x 36 mm nut, 2 caliper bolts and 3 hub bolts, then you just need to pry the hub off the knuckle.  The only thing special required is the 36 mm socket and a good breaker bar or impact gun.

Most part stores should have these in stock or at their warehouse.

[h0tr0d18]

On a Cherokee, as Black YJ said, there's not alot to it.  You may need a hammer to get the old ones out but likely they won't be to bad.  On my Dodge 1 ton mechanics told me I was in for a nightmare of a job so I was sceptical of doing it but now I have done it on my own a few times for various repairs.  When you do reassemble the front end make sure you throw some copperkote on the surface the unit bearing secures into, this will help out next time it comes apart and will possibly save you the cost of another bearing as they can be damaged trying to get them out if they are seized in the knuckle.

[RckyMtnTJ]

The worst part is separating the hub bearing from the knuckle. There are a few tricks that help. Pure force will get the job done too. They range from $45(on Ebay) - $300(dealer). My Ebay ones have lasted better than anything else I've boughten. On a scale of 1-10, this job is about a 3 for difficult. Really fairly easy and good for a Jeeper to know. Consider doing your ujoints while you are in there. Just a note, the hub bolts are 12 point.

[JackstandJohnny]

if you haven't done them for a while rust will be holding stuff on.  if the hub is stuck to the knuckle a BFH will help, but i just use a three pronged bearing puller.  throw it around the hub and centre it on the axle shaft and tighten.  most times its not stuck on by much.  just needs some 'encouragement' to come off. this way if the axleshaft is rusted into the hub you can pull it apart without having to smack the axleshaft with a hammer or some other means of prying the axleshaft out of the hub. 

again, this is fairly easy job. we did noels in under two hours the other night, had a couple smokes and I had 4 beers.  its not that bad (specially with air tools)

[esi]

my two bits, use silver anti sieze. It lasts longer than the copper kind.

[2grand4u]

i`ve done 3 sets and i learned a littl trick that will save you hours if you don`t have an air hammer, take a BFH and if you dont plan or using the bearing again just hit where the lug nut flang is it will pop write out. unbolt every thing first if they are realy rusted the axle will get siezed in the hub so you need a three finger puller.

not sure if this has already been said beacuse i didn`t read everything

[mike s]

If the hub is really rusted on, put the bolts back in that hold on the hub but leave em backed off alittle. Put a socket on the head with an extension that reaches to a solid part, like a spring perch and use the power steering to push the bolt through. Get what I mean? Works really well. Done dozens that way.

[JackstandJohnny]

2grand4u, said the exact same thing one post above;  you should read;) it works wonders

that axle nut is going to be a PITA most likely if these haven't been changed in a long time. WD40 does work wonders.  air tools are almost a must, and/or a very strong breaker bar. i've snapped 1/2" wratchets before. air tools are delightful

[esi]

replaced one last night 20 min, no air tools. Use anti sieze

[jeepjones]

As everyone else has stated it is a simple job you can do yourself.

[2grand4u]

if you can change breaks you can change a wheel bearing

[WagoneerXJ]

"If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball!"

[Ostego]

Well then, looks like I'll have to wait for a 'nice' day when there's not an inch of snow on the ground and get to pullin those old bearings.


Thanks for all the responses and help fellas.