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2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Front wheel bearings

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Well it looks like I have the dealer only front bearings. There is no cotter key and nut to remove to get to the bearings :mad: It looks like a big nylon locking nut holding them in. Being that the entire hub and rotor have to be removed to replace them, what year model can I swap to to get away from these bearings. I was wondering if the big nut can be removed and the bearings worked on or are they pressed into the hub. I really don't like the idea of not being able to get to the bearings anytime I want, easily. I was thinking maybe a 2001 or 2002 front hub and rotor would work for the replacement. Seems to me that changing everything would just about equal the cost of having the bearings done and it would be a one time cost. Thanks in advance
 
You may want to check out Quad 4X4.com. They have replacement bearings available as well as a do it yourself kit for replacement.



These bearings are not serviceable. Only replaceable. :(
 
Just FYI.

I contacted Dynatrac about that and it's only available for 94's up to 1999.



2000 and up they're working on but it won't be ready till about next year.
 
Disregard my previous post. Provided that you do not have a solid front axle (cab and chassis) Try this.



Bower BCA A35 (front inner bearing), 15101 (outer) and the National Seal # is 4740?
 
I'll get it right yet! DO you have the dual piston calipers on the front brakes? If so, I think you have your answer for the dealer only.



I think you would not be able to retrofit to the 94-99 design as you'd lose the better calipers and have mounting issues (rotor offset to caliper mounting).



I think you could replace the hub rotor and spindle and then the caliper if you desired to go back to the old way. You likely have better brakes, so ante up and pay the piper! :(



I bet the aftermarket will get going on it eventually. Try Timken (Federal mogul. . BCA/Bowers don't seem to have an offering yet). . Have a Pep Boys in Burleson? They used to deal in Timken, but likely a special order.



Good luck

Andy
 
So a 01 or 02 front hub and rotor will not work for the change. All I am trying to do is change the hub and rotor, or am I thinking right here. What is so different about the 94 99 and the 01 02.
 
Mactruck said:
You may want to check out Quad 4X4.com. They have replacement bearings available as well as a do it yourself kit for replacement.



These bearings are not serviceable. Only replaceable. :(



I service mine. [02 3500] As for the nylon nut, it is a one- time use. My method uses a kind and gentle puller plate of my own design that is easy to make with a drill press. Does your truck have seperate brake rotors? if so ,you should be able to do it.
 
So I guess I'm stuck then, huh. Guess I'll be up to my ears in grease trying to figure out how to keep the bearings alive. Thanks guys.
 
S Hobbs: The PDF didn't paste very well. Anyhow the instructions from the FSM are below. The hub is unit bearing design like the 4x4, but looks a little less hd since it doesn't have an axle going thru its middle.



My advice have the rotors turned on the truck for less run out. When the bearing assy starts to feel a little rough just replace it. I'm betting it will go a long time, unless the brakes overheat the grease in the bearing. Good luck Andy



SPECIAL TOOLS

INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION

HUB / BEARING

REMOVAL

(1) Raise and support the vehicle.

(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly.

(3) Remove the caliper adapter bolts from the

steering knuckle and remove caliper adapter assembly

(Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/

DISC BRAKE CALIPERS - REMOVAL).

NOTE: Do not allow brake hose to support caliper

adapter assembly.

(4) Remove the rotor from the hub/bearing wheel

studs.

(5) Remove the hub/bearing nut (Fig. 3) and slide

the hub/bearing off the spindle.

CAUTION: The hub/bearing nut can not be re-used.

INSTALLATION

(1) On models with all-wheel antilock system

(ABS), check condition of tone wheel on hub/bearing.

If teeth on wheel are damaged, hub/bearing assembly

will have to be replaced (tone wheel is not serviced

separately).

(2) Slide the hub/bearing onto the spindle.

(3) Install the new hub/bearing nut and tighten

to:

² LD 1500: 251N·m (185 ft. lbs. )

² HD 2500/3500: 380 N·m (280 ft lbs. )

(4) Install the rotor onto hub/bearing wheel studs.

(5) Install the caliper adapter assembly (Refer to 5

- BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC

BRAKE CALIPERS - INSTALLATION), and tighten

adapter bolts to:

² LD 1500: 176 N·m (130 ft lbs. )

² HD 2500/3500: 285 N·m (210 ft lbs. )

(6) Install the wheel and tire assembly and lower

the vehicle, (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS

- STANDARD PROCEDURE).

(7) Apply brakes several times to seat brake shoes.

Be sure to obtain firm pedal before moving vehicle.

JOUNCE BUMPER

DESCRIPTION

The jounce bumpers are mounted under the coil

spring bracket.

OPERATION

The jounce bumpers are used to limit suspension

travel in compression.

KNUCKLE

DESCRIPTION

The knuckles are a single casting with legs

machined for the upper and lower ball joints. The

knuckles also has machined mounting locations for

the front brake calipers adapters and hub bearing

assembly.

Remover, Tie Rod End MB-990635

Puller Tie Rod C-3894-A

Fig. 3 Caliper Adapter Assembly

1 - HUB/BEARING

2 - SPINDLE

BR/BE FRONT - 2WD 2 - 9

FRONT - 2WD (Continued)
 
The question still remains. Does the 01 02 models have the same bearings or can they be serviced the old way? If they have the old style can the hub and rotor be installed on my 00. Even if I have to replace the calipers I don't care, I can't stand the idea of not being able to service my bearings the way I am used to. Andy from your reply it appears that the bearings are pressed in the rotor. Does the rotor have to replaced at the same time as the bearings as one unit? Or does the entire hub and rotor need replaced?
 
SHobbs:



>>Does the 01 02 models have the same bearings or can they be serviced the old way?



Yes, according to the FSM, they are identical to your set up. The nut retains the unit bearing to the spindle. It is a unit bearing (sealed on each race) unlike the open greasable tapered roller bearings we discussed at length. If you don't have the manual, Santa is assembling his list! :D

The pics/illustrations are truly worth at least 250 words.



>> If they have the old style can the hub and rotor be installed on my 00. Even if I have to replace the calipers I don't care, I can't stand the idea of not being able to service my bearings the way I am used to.



No gain, they are what you have.



>>Andy from your reply it appears that the bearings are pressed in the rotor. Does the rotor have to replaced at the same time as the bearings as one unit?



No, the rotors are not an "integrated" unit/one piece design like the 94-99 design (this style uses the tapered roller bearing that are serviceable, the design like you want).





>>Or does the entire hub and rotor need replaced?



Remove the caliper, support with string or tie wire, bump rotor with soft faced/dead-blow hammer if its rusty and stuck to the hub, too loosen and remove. I recommend turning a rotor like this on the vehicle. Most parts stores personnell will not take pains to cut the rotor square, unless the Ellis Co/Tarrant Co work ethic is better on your side of the metroplex. In the employees' defense often proper adapters are not sourced, a the time of the lathe purchase, which can provide a better outcome. You can also just buy new rotors. I bet they are less than $75 per side.



So to recap, I think you are stuck. You can likely source a 94-99 truck to rob the steering knuckles/splindles, hub rotors and single piston brake caliper and brake lines, so you have the design you really want. What I hope to relay is that you really don't want this (new to old design). You have far superior brakes with your arrangement.



If you are concerned of bearing failure, replace the hub/bearings each 100,000 and be done with it. They are really quite reliable. At tire rotation, before tires are removed, support the front end with a jack and suitable jack stands and test for looseness in ball joints or bearings. If you spin the wheel does it feel rough or make bearing noise not to be confused with normal brake drag (rough bearing feel)? Earlier detection for play can be noted, by lowering vehicle weight onto a long pry bar and having an assistant move the prybar while you watch for any play/movement/wear.



I bet the aftermarket comes up with a more reasonable alternative soon (replacement hubs) like they have for the designs on US and foreign cars.



If you are dis-satisfied with front pad life keep the rear shoes (provided you don't have rear disks) adjusted properly. Then source some better rotors and lining such as EBC or EGR. I sell both.



You can also extend caliper life with phenalic(sp) caliper pistions, by periodic brake flush/brake fluid change. When it comes time to replace the calipers just source a quality reman caliper, usually more reasonable than rebuilding.



Hope this helps! Now go put another 100K on and see if those bearings will go 200K! ;) If you've got questions call me. 972-398-3934 (Mon. -Fri. ) If I don't answer pls. leave a message, limited staff.



Good luck

Andy
 
S Hobbs: The PDF didn't paste very well. Anyhow the instructions from the FSM are below. The hub is unit bearing design like the 4x4, but looks a little less hd since it doesn't have an axle going thru its middle.



My advice have the rotors turned on the truck for less run out. When the bearing assy starts to feel a little rough just replace it. I'm betting it will go a long time, unless the brakes overheat the grease in the bearing. Good luck Andy



SPECIAL TOOLS

INDEPENDENT FRONT SUSPENSION

HUB / BEARING

REMOVAL

(1) Raise and support the vehicle.

(2) Remove the wheel and tire assembly.

(3) Remove the caliper adapter bolts from the

steering knuckle and remove caliper adapter assembly

(Refer to 5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/

DISC BRAKE CALIPERS - REMOVAL).

NOTE: Do not allow brake hose to support caliper

adapter assembly.

(4) Remove the rotor from the hub/bearing wheel

studs.

(5) Remove the hub/bearing nut (Fig. 3) and slide

the hub/bearing off the spindle.

CAUTION: The hub/bearing nut can not be re-used.

INSTALLATION

(1) On models with all-wheel antilock system

(ABS), check condition of tone wheel on hub/bearing.

If teeth on wheel are damaged, hub/bearing assembly

will have to be replaced (tone wheel is not serviced

separately).

(2) Slide the hub/bearing onto the spindle.

(3) Install the new hub/bearing nut and tighten

to:

² LD 1500: 251N·m (185 ft. lbs. )

² HD 2500/3500: 380 N·m (280 ft lbs. )

(4) Install the rotor onto hub/bearing wheel studs.

(5) Install the caliper adapter assembly (Refer to 5

- BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/DISC

BRAKE CALIPERS - INSTALLATION), and tighten

adapter bolts to:

² LD 1500: 176 N·m (130 ft lbs. )

² HD 2500/3500: 285 N·m (210 ft lbs. )

(6) Install the wheel and tire assembly and lower

the vehicle, (Refer to 22 - TIRES/WHEELS/WHEELS

- STANDARD PROCEDURE).

(7) Apply brakes several times to seat brake shoes.

Be sure to obtain firm pedal before moving vehicle.

JOUNCE BUMPER

DESCRIPTION

The jounce bumpers are mounted under the coil

spring bracket.

OPERATION

The jounce bumpers are used to limit suspension

travel in compression.

KNUCKLE

DESCRIPTION

The knuckles are a single casting with legs

machined for the upper and lower ball joints. The

knuckles also has machined mounting locations for

the front brake calipers adapters and hub bearing

assembly.

Remover, Tie Rod End MB-990635

Puller Tie Rod C-3894-A

Fig. 3 Caliper Adapter Assembly

1 - HUB/BEARING

2 - SPINDLE

BR/BE FRONT - 2WD 2 - 9

FRONT - 2WD (Continued)
I have a 1995 RAM 3500 dually 4x4. I cannnot find the torque specifications for the rotor to hub or the caliper to hub. Thanks, Tony
 
Tony:



No spec. on rotor to hub. The wheel studs are pressed (or driven) to provide hold the two parts together. The shank of the wheel lug has fluted splines that are large enough in diameter to create a press fit.



If you are referring to the nuts that retain the "dually" adapter to lugstuds aforementioned then: I would use the lugstud torq. spec. of 130-145 ft. lbs.



Caliper to rotor:38 ft. lbs.



The hub bearing center nut is 175 ft. lbs. (1 & 11/16" socket should work fine).



Good luck

Andy
 
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