1997 XLT supercab, 4.6, 2 WD

I am pretty sure my front bearings are shot - there is some vibration felt through the steering wheel and I did pull out the outer race on one side and things looked rather worn. I already replaced these along with the rotors some time ago - the reason then was to fix a warped rotor. I suppose I did not do a good job packing or adjusting them since they have gone again ( I think).

Question is - can I just replace the bearings, or do I have to spring for new rotors as well - I know that the I SHOULD replace everything, but that would be a $$ problem right now. Truck has 165,000 miles.

 

The bearing races are fitted into the rotors. After you pull the rotors off, remove the inner seal, take a good punch and hammer the races out of the rotors. The bearings that you buy will have the races with them. Hammer them into place being very careful not to knnick them. Pack the bearings with grease. Replace the old inner seal with a new one if you damage the old one getting it out. If you are careful, you can reuse the seal. What I do is after everything is back in place, tighten the outer bearing with a pair of pliers hand tight. Spin the rotor several times rechecking the tightness. After several turns make sure the outer bearing nut is still tight (with the pliers.) Install the cotter pin and cap and you're good to go. If you do both sides with out seals you're looking at around $40.

 

Thanks, I was hopeful that it would be that simple ( at least in concept!)

Will let you know how it goes.

 

Make sure that you pack the new bearings with the correct high temp wheel bearing grease.

 

Thanks for all the advice - things went smoothly and most of the vibration is gone. There is still something that seems to be there, but it may be my imagination

 

Tires may be a little out of ballance. If you jack each front tire off the ground, grab the front tires and shake them like carazy and you have no play, you're good to go.