2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission front wheel bearing

[DThibault]

I hope I just found my 60 mph buzz. the right front wheel bearing has given up. I hae ordered a new one and am getting ready to put it in this weekend. Is there any sticky stuff the I should know before I start. I have been looking at it and it looks pretty straightforward but I have been surprised before. The parts man says it is the whole hub and all. Any heads up would be much appreciated. Thanks

 

[Glen Pratt]

What year truck? If it's never been off before you might need a puller like this: #ad
First time I had mine off to replace brake rotors I had to use one of these pullers. The passenger side hub assembly seperated pulling it off. We were able to press it back together. The service manual states to apply liberal amount of anti-seize when re-assembling. The sad part is there was no anti-seize whatsoever applied at the factory. Hopefully yours will go smoothly. It's pretty straight forward. Just be careful not to damage the axle seals. -Glen

 

[CSnyder]

you didn't say what year you have but I just did mine on my 2000. I bought the part from the dealer for 215. 00 and paid a local shop 53. 75 for labor to R&R. I read way too many posts about the nightmare they can be so I figured the first one the local shop could do... . since I gave them a huge tube of anti seize and said make sure you use half of this on assembly. The next one I will do and have no problems getting it apart. Hope this helps, Chris

 

[biggy238]

I want to re-itterate. Don't knick the inner axle oil seal. Take it nice and easy when you slide it back together.



I don't know how the others do it, but I pull mine by undoing the brake caliper and then the four bolts that retain the hub to the knuckle. Once the whole assembly is out I work on swapping the axle, hub, and rotor. (As Needed) You might consider replacing your lug studs while you're there.



I pulled mine apart to put on new rotors, and reassembled it with no trouble out of the axle seal. I pulled it all again to put in new hubs and the factory axle oil seal went out. I've tried installing new ones but i think i'm going to have to get DC to do it.



Good luck with yours.



On the puller, If you can't find a puller like he posted, Napa has one that is just two arms with hooks that can press out the axle from the hub.

 

[CumminsPower98]

no need to worry about your axle seals as you don't need to pull the axles out unless you are in there to change axle seals or the u-joints. Very easy job if your hubs are not stuck in there.