Front Wheel Bearing Question

[benningtonr]

I have the humming noise and slight floor vibration noise in my truck. I was wondering if I can replace just the needle bearings, or do i have to replace the whole hub assy. I don't have the money to replace the complete hub right now and i am making an unloaded 450 mile frip on friday. There is no chance of delaying my trip or taking another vehicle.

Thanks for the help,
as always, the forum is great

[BIGBILL105 45]

You have to replace the whole hub.

[benningtonr]

darn, i was afraid of that

[rpm-inc]

The needle bearing can be serviced.
Welcome to guzzle's 4x4 Needle Bearing Maintenance Web Page

[carnival owner mikey]

ive had to do this and allways done both sides at once and its around a 1000$ . sorry (this is the price to have it done)

[Zaairman]

Yes, you can replace JUST the needle bearing. Took us an hour start to finish on my truck to do both sides.

[benningtonr]

Would I need to replce the seal at the same time, i hear it is a bitc* and i don't have the time or money to mess with the seal right now. So, an I replace the needle bearing by itself? and not mess up the seal

Thanks

[NoRalPh]

The easy test for needle brgs is to engage the front hubs. If the noise goes away (because then those bearings aren't being used because the stub axle is turning With the hub) then it's the needle brgs making the noise.

If it makes the noise in 2WD AND 4WD then it's not the needles alone.

[benningtonr]

ok, cool, but about the seal, can i replace just the needle bearings?

[NoRalPh]

Originally Posted by benningtonr

Would I need to replce the seal at the same time, i hear it is a bitc* and i don't have the time or money to mess with the seal right now. So, an I replace the needle bearing by itself? and not mess up the seal

Thanks

Yes, you can replace the needles (and hub in fact) without messing with the seal at all. You Only replace the seal when you pull the axle.