2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Servicing Front and Rear Axles

[Simon]

I was going to service my front and rear axles on my 96 4X4, change oil and pack the front bearings. I was told you can't pack the front bearings. Is this true?

 

[Pit Bull]

On my 2000 and 2002 they are not repackable I would assume yours were the same

 

[Rams-n-Hogs]

The front bearings on the 96 4x4 are a sealed unit and not repackable.



Jim

 

[grtescpa]

Originally posted by Simon

I was going to service my front and rear axles on my 96 4X4, change oil and pack the front bearings. I was told you can't pack the front bearings. Is this true?

I have the same bearings but by a mistake I found that you can repack them. I had put a puller on the disc trying to remove it from the axle. The bearing assembly pulled apart ( not the rollers). The inside and out side bearings are held together by a press fit sleeve. I cleaned the inside and out side bearing and repacked by hand. I have my own shop press and I just pressed the shells back together. If you do this , don't press the bearing halves all the way down. It will get to tight. Leave a small amount of play and use the axle nut to preload the bearing. It worked great for me and I did both sides. 300 miles so far so good!

 

[TPlasek]

How did the old grease with 100k miles on it look. I have a 2000 with 105k, and I have been thinking about how much grease costs vs how much a bearing assembly costs...

 

[grtescpa]

Axle bearings

Originally posted by TPlasek

How did the old grease with 100k miles on it look. I have a 2000 with 105k, and I have been thinking about how much grease costs vs how much a bearing assembly costs...

I don't know if you were referring your question to me or Simon but the grease in my bearings at 85k was black. That might be the original color or might not. There was nothing wrong with the bearings. After I cleaned them off they looked very good.

If you do repack them, allow the grease which squeezes past the seal to remain. That adds as a block to keep water and dirt out.