Front Wheel Bearings - To Replace or Re-use?

[Axion]

I have about 125,000 miles (202,000 kms) on my 2006 Mega Cab 2500 SLT 4X4. The front end has been making some noises for a while now and I am accumulating parts for a front end rebuild.



At my last service interval I was informed that my passenger side tie rod was worn and needed to be replaced. They also indicated that all four ball joints were showing signs of advanced wear. The truck has been putting the bump stops to work for a while now and the brakes on all four corners are getting a little thin. So, off to the TDR I go, looking for wisdom on available upgrades.



Current plan of attack is thus: 1 - 2008+ steering upgrade from Mopar. 2 - Carli adjustable track bar and low mount steering stabilizer. 3 - Carli leveling kit. 4 - ART rotors and porterfield pads. 5 - Carli ball joints. 6 - Dynatrac free spin kit.



Now, #5 and #6 are where my concerns lie. Carli may have the best ball joints in the world but if they can't manufacture them at a rate the market considers reasonable, they are gonna lose business to others. I have had a set of 4 Carli ball joints on order for almost 6 weeks now. If I don't get a shipping confirmation by Monday, they will be replaced with a set of Dynatrac Prosteer ball joints. From what I can figure they should stand up to my use of the truck just as well as the Carli's.



And the big question (really, the point of this post) is, should I go with the Dynatrac Free Spin Kit? I have 125,000 miles over 5 years on the front bearings right now. The question is with the entire front end torn apart, should I replace the unit bearings as a preventative measure? I have no indications of a bearing failure but would hate to not replace them now and then have to tear the front end apart again in 6 months or a year if a bearing does pack it in. Now the bearings cost $419 each, so call it $850 for the pair with taxes. Thats a big chunk towards the free spin kit. I've also heard claims of mileage improvements as high as 4 mpg. Has anyone seen real world results like this? An improvement of that magnitude would offset the remaining $1150 pretty easily.



Thanks in advance for your views, and I appreciate your help spending my money.

 

[AH64ID]

I personally don't plan to spend a penny on OEM sealed bearings, my truck will get the free-spin treatment when the time comes.

 

[carnut]

I would plan on replacing them with a free wheel set up as you're doing this. The unit bearing seizes to the assembly and you'll likely damage them taking them off in the first place. I tried multiple pullers as well as a penetrating oil and some heat the end result was pulling the outer assembly away from the inner or race portion.

 

[carnut]

forgot tp mention you may want to check and see if your tie rod assembly was on recall. My truck is an 04 and it was. Also best price I found was from Mopar supercenter on the East cost.

 

[Shadrach]

You think along the same lines as I do. I need BJs and the steering upgrade as well. I have 365,000 km ( 225k miles ) on my 03. Not knowing the history of it but with what I've seen and replaced already I plan on going with the Dynatrac BJ and hubs. Mileage improvement will be a bonus if it happens but I want better than original parts and 2 wheel low for spotting my TT. My South Bend clutch grabs almost too good. My truck is parked for the winter ( heater door problems for one ) so I have time to save up.
Shadrach

 

[Motorhead]

I did the free spin hubs on mine at 19,000 miles from new. I have never looked back. You will immediately feel a lighter turning steering. Stick shift or automatic greatly benefits from the 2 wheel low option for backing, especially with a load or trailer. I also had unloaded highway mileage gain. Do it while you have the front end apart for ball joints. MY $0. 02

 

[Gonzo 1066]

I have a DynaTrac free spin on my 2004 Dodge. One of the BEST purchases I have made for this truck. I have not driven this truck without a trailer behind it. The last 30,000 miles have been with the FreeSpin kit. I cant say that the kit is the only reason my towing mileage has gone from under 10 to 12, but I know it has been a great help. The fact that I can now repack my bearings, or If there is a failure buy bearings and replace them is only icing on the cake.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

One of the best purchases for my 2004 Dodge is the FreeSpin kit. Love it, notable handling difference. Rolls more freely, Towing mileage has improved. AND ITS REBILDABLE>

 

[jjdiesel]

Just did mine with 105k on the clock. Did the Mopar '08 upgrade on steering, redhead steering box, Dynatrac free-spin and B. J. 's. Did the whole waiting thing with Carli and had to move on. I agree, $800 + is a good chunk toward the free-spin. My truck is my daily driver, how much is peace-of-mind worth? Don't have to worry about it anymore... if you plan on keeping the truck I think it's money well-spent. On the mileage gain, have not yet been able to get a good handle on it with winter-blend fuel comparison. It is slightly improved, will know more this spring. I think 4 miles + is way unrealistic, not gonna happen. Still worth it though, drives better and definitely improves mileage some. Best part,... peace-of-mind!

 

[prmizeski]

check Rock Auto for the front hubs. SKF $207. 00 a piece.

 

[Axion]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. I put the order in for the Dynatrac BJ's and Free Spin Kit this morning. Figured the $200 save on the BJ's brings down the cost of admission for the spin kit.



Now, my only worry is if the Mopar mount for the steering stabilizer is going to mess up my Mag Hytec front diff cover when I make tight left turns. I have looked at the Thuren and Carli stabiliser mounts but I'm not sure they will clear either. I'm thinking I may have to put the factory diff cover back on. After all, with the free spin kit, I shouldn't have to worry about excessive oil temps in the front diff.



Right?

 

[TCDiesel]

The front cover (Aftermarket) Cover MAG/PML will not make any difference in the life of the front axle... If you were to off-road their is some benefit... the font temp never gets above 140*even after pulling in 90* temps in 4x4 with 25k. . save your money unless you plan to off road. running temps 100*

 

[ETavernier]

Robin,

Do not hesitate... replace those unit bearings!

Eddie

 

[FTotts]

Axion,

Funny you should bring this up. I am at the decision making point for ball joints as well. I have 125,000 on my 04. I have been told it is time. I am/was torn between Dynatrac and Carli. If I can's easily get the CArli stuff the decision is way easier. I dont know anything about the free spin kit. I have replaces both my front wheel bearings so it is really not a problem,takes about an hour if you have the bearing on the shelf. Right now I am fighting a drive line vibration, I will have the driveshaft balanced next week and hopefully that will take care of it.

Fred T

 

[fourwheel1]

Is free spin kit really worth $2,000? At 300. 00 a piece for hub assembly, i can put 3 sets in and still barely have my money out of them. Keep assembly never seized and they are easy to change?? Would need to see big mileage improvement...

 

[carnut]

On my 96 I didn't spend anywhere near the 2K you mention. Of coure I did mine a little different and used 96-97 ford Dana 60 knuckles and rotors and then fixed the sleave on the vacuum operator for the passenger side axle shaft. This accomplished a couple of things which I was primarily after such as a cure for the crappy dodge breaks at the time. For my 04 I intend on makeing the change just haven't yet. I will be this summer though. They're a couple of kits that I've seen here that are around 1100 for the kit and seems to be good quality products.

 

[AH64ID]

I think the slight mileage increase, reduced wear, and 2wd low are worth it!

 

[rscurtis]

For those who are still shy toward a free-spin kit, I have a nice pair of take-off's in the classifieds with about 20K miles on them, complete with studs.

 

[RDHamill]

I have been drilling into the OE wheel bearing and greasing them. Have not had a failure in 560,000 km. My '08 has 169,000kms, both wheel bearings are fine. While I'd rather the free spin option, I think the OE bearing will last if it has grease.

good luck

 

[JBallou]

I didn't drill mine, just greased down the ABS sensor hole while spinning the bearing. Used a grease gun and a helper to hold the nozzel. Done it 2x now at 78k, first at the manditory 50k when I put new u-joints on and the at 76k with new rotors and brake pads.



I say if you don't have money to blow, grease them, seems to work for the people that do it, including myself.