Front wheel bearing availability?

[Blakers]

Does anyone know if the wheel bearings on a 4x4 can be bought without the hub? Part numbers? I have a small rumble noise when I spin the wheel and it sounds like a dry bearing. No play or binding at all. I don't want to pay NAPA $238 for a new hub assembly.



Thanks,



Blake

 

[KYOUNG]

wheel bearing

I bought an OEM for about 240 dollars. Did not know you could get one from NAPA.

 

[illflem]

I replaced the bearing only on a '96. Everyone wanted to sell me the entire hub until I pulled the bearing and got the numbers off it, it was $35 from Napa. It is a rather common bearing, available wherever bearings are sold, sorry, I don't have the part number. It's best to use a press to remove and install. If you don't have a press most machine shops will install it for a minimal fee. Some folks here have reported popping the bearing apart and regreasing with sucess. Since you have gotten this far you should also consider replacing your U-joint, also available from Napa, with a zerk.

 

[Blakers]

Thanks for the reply. I'm going to try to work on it later today or tomorrow. I'm glad the bearings are readily available, so that should not be a problem.



The U-joints seem really good and they do have zurk fittings already so maybe they were recently replaced before I bought her.



Again, thanks.



Blake

 

[Blakers]

Well I pulled her apart today and the bearings are really shot. So I guess I have to bite the bullet and just go with the new hub assembly. NAPA $238. Not sure what my Dodge dealer will want, but I get 20% off there.



U-joint is just fine.



Thanks.

Blake

 

[paccool]

Unless the hub is messed up, you should be able to change just the bearings.

 

[DHawthorne]

My hubs had Timkin bearings in them. (2 Wheel Drive) If you can get the number off on, Call Miller Bearing. If anyone has or can get it they can. If you need a phone number let me known.



Dave

 

[Blakers]

Unless the hub is messed up, you should be able to change just the bearings.

How do you get them out of the hub? How you adjust the preload on the new bearings once installed?



Thanks,



Blake

 

[illflem]

As I said above, have the bearing pressed out and a new one in. There is no preload, just tighten the large nut tight then back off to the first cotter pin hole. Even if you have a machine shop do the pressing you will come out at least $150 ahead of the entire hub price. Use antiseize where the shaft goes though the bearing and on the large nut for next time.

 

[Blakers]

Ok, I fixed it. I decided to just go get the hub assembly this time as I didn't have much time to fool with it, but I have the old hub and may re-bearing it if there's a next time.



I called about prices: NAPA was $238, but I got it from the Dodge dealer for $210 with my discount.



Oh I looked and the number on the bearing inside the hub is JMR58049ES -- I don't know if both bearings in there are the same or not.



Hope this helps someone.



Blake