Normally this is a pretty straight forward procedure, but before I get started, should I expect anything odd or different than I've seen on the 80s and 90s fords I've done this too?

Also, it it appears as there is some sort of dust boot or seal that is defunct where the axle enter's the housing, how important is this? it seems trashed on both sides. nothing but a rubber circle hanging on it at this point.

thanks,
Scott

 

you can't repack your wheel bearings on a '08 4X4, except for the needle bearing inside the hub/bearing assembly. The bearings and hub are a "cartridge type assembly" that you just replace when needed, not separate bearings like the earlier trucks. The dust seal in the outer ends of the axle are commonly hanging loose, they were redesigned but I don't remember in what year, I would ignore them until you have to pull the axle shaft itself for knuckle u-joints or other reason and then replace with the new style, lots of stories about trucks with multiple thousands of mile with those seals loose with no problems.

 

Its a completely different animal than the 80-90s ford. As said they are a sealed unit. You can pull the ABS sensor out and inject some grease that way but I wouldn't go out of my way to do that. You can live with those trashed dust seals too. There is upgraded seals to use if that ever gets done.

 

there are seals that would prevent the cold grease from getting into the bearings.....cold grease does not flow very well. truck hub gear oil , tractor SEA250W oil, would work better since there would be a remote possibility that the thick oil could seap past the bearing seals.

 

Thanks for the info gents, I guess my job is easier. I thought it might be something like that - glad I asked.

They feel fine. Repacking just seemed like prudent thing to do with the rotors already off. I'll leave it alone until there is a problem.