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Wheel Bearings?

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Old Apr 22, 2025 | 12:15 PM
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Butch5's Avatar
Butch5
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Wheel Bearings?

Hi guys! I've got a few questions. I've got a 96 Ranger 4x4. I started getting this vibration when applied the brakes. At first I thought it was a warped rotor. However, over time it's gotten worse. Now when I apply the brakes I get this knocking sound and vibration. However, when I apply more pressure to the brake the knocking and vibration reduces. I checked the ball joints and they don't seem to be the problem. However, with the truck jacked up and supposed by the control arm I get play when wiggle the tire at the 3 and 9 o'clock position and also at the 6 and 12 position. From what I've found on YouTube it seems this is a wheel bearing issue. Can anyone confirm this?

Also, if it is the wheel bearings, can they be replaced as just bearing or does it require the whole hub to be replaced?

One last question. When I turn the steering wheel I get a groaning sound from the column. I'm assuming this is dry bearings. Is it possible to grease or replace the bearings in the column?

Thanks in Advance for any help!
Butch
 
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Old Apr 22, 2025 | 03:11 PM
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Rockauto's page suggests that the bearing type depends on the axle that you have. But it looks like both types have replaceable bearings.

If you have the tapered roller bearings you can remove the nut and tighten them up as a short term fix, without removing the wheel, sometimes. Not sure about 4WD. 2WD for sure.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...l+bearing,1672
 
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Old Apr 23, 2025 | 11:59 AM
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Just based on your description, I would be looking at the bearing as well.
I can't say I am familiar with the 94' 4x4, but "most" of the 90's Ranger 4x4 that I can think of have a spindle with the hub built in with the rotor.
You probably won't know if you need to replace the rotor/hub until you get in there.
As I have gotten older, I find it VERY wise to buy ALL the parts you could possibly need & return the ones you don't use when done.
It may seem like a lot, but how much is it worth when you are sitting under the truck doing a job (let's just say brakes) & you go to finish up & bleed the fluid annnndddd..... snap, there goes the bleeder valve broken off in the caliper.
If you have a set of calipers sitting right next to you, this is little more than a few choice curse words. Just as an example since this has "never happened to me".

As for your steering wheel, again I am not a 94' expert, but I have never seen an OEM column that you could "fully service" end to end.
You can try to lube the universal joint under the hood & maybe the end of the shaft but that's about it.

 
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Old Apr 23, 2025 | 12:18 PM
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Butch5
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Originally Posted by BareBonesXL
Rockauto's page suggests that the bearing type depends on the axle that you have. But it looks like both types have replaceable bearings.

If you have the tapered roller bearings you can remove the nut and tighten them up as a short term fix, without removing the wheel, sometimes. Not sure about 4WD. 2WD for sure.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...l+bearing,1672
Thanks, I'll try that!
 
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Old Apr 23, 2025 | 12:23 PM
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Butch5
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Originally Posted by G2IC_Wraith
Just based on your description, I would be looking at the bearing as well.
I can't say I am familiar with the 94' 4x4, but "most" of the 90's Ranger 4x4 that I can think of have a spindle with the hub built in with the rotor.
You probably won't know if you need to replace the rotor/hub until you get in there.
As I have gotten older, I find it VERY wise to buy ALL the parts you could possibly need & return the ones you don't use when done.
It may seem like a lot, but how much is it worth when you are sitting under the truck doing a job (let's just say brakes) & you go to finish up & bleed the fluid annnndddd..... snap, there goes the bleeder valve broken off in the caliper.
If you have a set of calipers sitting right next to you, this is little more than a few choice curse words. Just as an example since this has "never happened to me".

As for your steering wheel, again I am not a 94' expert, but I have never seen an OEM column that you could "fully service" end to end.
You can try to lube the universal joint under the hood & maybe the end of the shaft but that's about it.
Thanks! I saw what appeared to be two different ones. I typically do buy extra and return what I don't use. Ive been down that road so many times. Do I need this one or that one? Buy both and return one. Lol. I'm thinking it's the bearing because I have play both directions. I guess I'll have to pull it apart and see. I was hoping I could get the parts before pulling it apart. It'll have to wait a few days though!
 
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