wheel bearings
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 288
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From: New Jersey
wheel bearings
I think my wheel bearings are going bad. I was thinking about changing them myself. How hard is it to do? I looked at the haynes manual and its saying I have to take out the front axles and it seems more complicated then I was thinking. I thought once you take out the hubs the bearing is right there. what exactly is involved in changing them out? I am just trying to decide if I should try it myself or have a shop do it. I am starting school next week and I don't want to have a something go wrong or create a huge project. Thanks in advance guys.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth, TX
wheel bearings
I never got past the hubs on my broncos but I just replaced my rotors on my F350 D60 and had no problem repacking the bearings. This is the first time I had to mess with the bearings and I didn't run into any problems. after you take out the hub assembly, all thats left is the spindle lock nut - special 4 prong socket needed - washer and then another lock nut and the outer bearings just fell out. To get to the inner bearings just take off the rotor and use the nail puller side of a hammer to take out the seal located on the innerside of the rotor (don't worry about damaging the seal...its inevitable, jsut replace them) and then you can get to the inner bearing. The whole thing took me a couple of hours.
Hopefully some bronco guys will correct me if the process for the D44 is different than the D60.
Hopefully some bronco guys will correct me if the process for the D44 is different than the D60.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
wheel bearings
I just tore mine apart yesterday, so I'm pretty familar with the process.
There are actually three bearing inside each side of the front D44. There is an inner bearing and an outer bearing. These seat on the spindle and rest in the rotor assembly. You'll need to remove the seal to get to the inboard bearing.
To get to the next bearing, you will need to get the spindle off. What I did (and this wasn't my idea, so I can't take credit for it) is buy a gear puller. Thread the locknut back onto the end of the spindle, and hook the fingers of the puller behind it. Use the end of the axle shaft to push against. The spindle will pop off. It seems a lot harder than it should be. The last bearing will be inside the spindle.
Good luck, and be sure to follow the bearing preload procedures in the Haynes book when you put it all back together.
There are actually three bearing inside each side of the front D44. There is an inner bearing and an outer bearing. These seat on the spindle and rest in the rotor assembly. You'll need to remove the seal to get to the inboard bearing.
To get to the next bearing, you will need to get the spindle off. What I did (and this wasn't my idea, so I can't take credit for it) is buy a gear puller. Thread the locknut back onto the end of the spindle, and hook the fingers of the puller behind it. Use the end of the axle shaft to push against. The spindle will pop off. It seems a lot harder than it should be. The last bearing will be inside the spindle.
Good luck, and be sure to follow the bearing preload procedures in the Haynes book when you put it all back together.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
wheel bearings
They're not that hard to get to so it's really up to you. Inspect them carefully, and replace what you think needs to be replaced.
Also be sure to check the seats for scoring, wear, and discoloration.
Also be sure to check the seats for scoring, wear, and discoloration.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 345
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth, TX
wheel bearings
Hey NJbronc
What do your bearings sound like? Why do you think they are going out?
What do your bearings sound like? Why do you think they are going out?
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 288
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From: New Jersey
wheel bearings
it sounds kind like a chirp that goes along with the tire and speeds up or slows down with the speed of the tire. I'm not 100% sure its the bearings. I just did the front pads a few weeks ago and so its not the pads wearing out. I will spray some cleaner in there and see if that takes care of the noise. I have just read that bad bearings are common in broncos and I want to get an idea what I am in for.
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