2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Grease worms got my front wheel bearings! HELP!!

[DBoyd]

Well, thru owner negligence, (me), the grease worms got in my front wheel bearings and ruined them. (69K miles) So now I am trying the get the hub off the spindle to start replacing parts. This is a 97 2500 two wheel drive unit. It looks like I will have to remove the whole spindle hub unit to get it to a press to tear it down so how do I get the ball joints loose, top and bottom?

After I get it torn down, is the spindle replaceable? I don't trust it since it has turned blue! And is there any place besides Dodge to get these parts such as a NAPA etc?



It also looks like the ball joints are due for replacement since the rubber boots have deteriorated. They are still tight and not squeaking but a little water and time and they will go south too. And are the top and bottom ball joints replaceable by a shade tree mechanic?



What grease is recommended for packing the bearings? I have some mystic red that I packed my trailer brgs with. And I think I also have some Valvoline Durablend too. Would this suffice?



Word to the wise, check your wheel bearings before you end up at a convenience store on I 37 at 11PM on Saturday night memorial Day weekend. It cost 360$ for a 90 mile roll back ride home!!!



Thanks all for your help.

Don

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Hi Don, I think the spindle and hub shaft are one piece. . . I have a feeling you'll have to get a new one from Dodge or a good wrecking yard. Wrecking yards have parts networks and could get you one if there's none in your area.

Ball joints aren't too terrible to replace. You'll need a tierod puller type tool and a balljoint removal kit like this one http://www.jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs...D=231000000&productId=2004148&catalogId=10101

If you have a Northern Tool in your area you can get them for a lot less than $120. I just put Spicer balljoints from Napa on my '98 2wd. They were spendy, over $400 for the set, but looked very top quality, higher quality than the Moog parts I saw.

Vaughn

 

[DBoyd]

Hello Vaughn

I found a pickle fork set at Sears, a Lisle set, and I found a big set of ball joint removal and installation tools at Harbor Freight ($100) so I have everything torn down now. I picked up a used spindle at a auto salvage in Corpus Christi today but after washing it up, the seal surface and the bearing surfaces left much to be desired so I am returning it tomorrow for another try. Dodge dealer wants $750 for new!!!

I was a little concerned since the outer bearing spun on the old spindle and got it real hot (blued the steel) so it may have taken the temper out of the spindle.

Thanks for the reply.

Don Boyd

 

[cojhl2]

In my opinion... I would not replace the spindles just because the they got hot enough to turn blue, unless the bearing spun on the shaft. Then maybe so,



Wheel spindles are not heat treated and therefore the heat would not have changed the characteristics of the metal.



Also, although it does not sound right,, wheel bearings have quite an easy life as compared to many applications for the same bearings.



Of course one has to keep in mind this is indeed a critical area of the system for sure.

 

[tgordon]

I wouldn't worry either unless the shaft itself is worn. At least you have the style where the bearings are replaceable, on my 4x4 I ge tthe joy of replacing those dang cheap asemlies that are about worthless. I am about ready to take the plunge and convert to the old fashioned style, but those are $$$$$$. As for the grease I would just use any good quality wheel bearing grease, Deere recomends their SD Moly that is an NLGI 2 grease. Good luck.



Troy

 

[MEby]

Well, thru owner negligence, (me), the grease worms got in my front wheel bearings and ruined them. (69K miles)

It also looks like the ball joints are due for replacement since the rubber boots have deteriorated. They are still tight and not squeaking but a little water and time and they will go south too. And are the top and bottom ball joints replaceable by a shade tree mechanic?







Thanks all for your help.

Don

I would buy parts through EMS Offroad. they have a hub conversion kit. I separates the wheel bearings from the hub and gives you manual lockouts. They should also have the balljoints for you. We had a kit put in my friends 03' and its working great. If and when my front wheel bearings give out this is what I plan on doing.

 

[DBoyd]

MEby

I have the 2WD so it isn't quite as complicated as the 4WD thank goodness.

Don

 

[MEby]

MEby

I have the 2WD so it isn't quite as complicated as the 4WD thank goodness.

Don

my bad, didnt see that in your post the first time I read it.

 

[bmoeller]

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[cojhl2]

Excuse my ignorance,, but aren't these bearing just plain tapered roller bearings?



If so you can get them at any grocery store. .



Well almost!!