I've got one that's bad. Jacked up the truck and I'm able to rock the wheel back and forth about an 1/8". Looked in the technical section on removing the front rotor and got a log in page for aol lifestream.

So can someone explain to me on how to change the bearings. All I have are plain old everyday handtools, no pullers, presses or anything fancy. Just wrenches, sockets, hammers and punches.

Like to try this myself, and have never taken a front rotor off. I know the bearing are just a few dollars at the store, just really can't afford $70.00/hr labor rates right now.

Thanks,

 

Its pretty easy and messy. First jack up and secure the vehicle on a jack stand. Saftey first. Take the tire off, Remove the brake caliper by removing the 2 bolts holding it on. Then remove the caliper bracket, it is held on by 2 15mm bolts on the inside of the hub. Then take a screwdriver and tap it with a hammer until you can remove the bearing cap on the center of the rotor. Under that is where it gets messy. Remove the cotter pin. Remove the castle nut which just slides off. Then with a pair of pliers remove the axel nut and set in on a clean rag. Then bump the rotor by hand and the outer bearing and the washer should slide out. Thread the axel nut back on a few threads. then grab the rotor with both hands and gently pull it towards you. it should drop down and let it ride on the spindle until it catches the axel nut give it a good yank and it should pull the inner bearings out seal and all.remove the bearing off the spindle and remove the axel nut. ta-da you have removed the bearings. If you are going to replace with new rotors now would be the time. If re-useing the old ones clean them so you can inspect the bearing races (the beveled things the bearings ride on). If there is any pitting or grooves replace the rotor it is easier. Buy new bearings and seals for both sides. If you have a grease gun also buy a bearing packer for the ease of use to repack the bearings with grease if not the old fasioned way still works just fine. Cup one hand and put a blob of grease in your palm and drag the bearing thru it till grease comes out the other end. continue this all the way around the bearing and repeat with all the new bearings. Install the inner bearing in the rotor and tap the new seal into place slide the rotor onto the spindle and try to keep it from riding on the spindle on the new seal set into place and place the new outter bearing and washer on and start the axel nut and hand tighten it. With your pliers tighten the axel nut to seat the bearings then back it off and snug it back up. then install the castle nut and install the cotter pin in the hole. Put the cap back on then the caliper bracket then the brake pads and caliper. put the wheel on then, Move to the other side of the truck.

 

Thanks, doesn't sound to bad. I'm going to give it a try Friday.

 

If you have a NAPA nearby with a machine shop they could turn the rotors,install new bearings/pack with grease install new seals. All you would have to do is reinstall .If you end up replacing rotors and you have 4 wheel ABS be sure the replacement rotors have the slotted metal ring around the perimeter for the ABS sensor.

 

Thanks, for the info