4x4 wheel bearings
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: GANS
4x4 wheel bearings
One thing I've ran into that I haven't been able to find a good, scientific answer for.
What is the best way to see if your front (or rear) wheel bearing are shot?
Obviously, if they are loose, that is a good indication. However, the ones in my 4x4 don't have any play in them, but it seems like I have the inner lock nut cranked the whole way down (ie can't turn it any more with a 1/2" ratchet), and the wheel bearing doesn't bind up.
When I did my 2wd truck, I'd crank them down until I felt the bearing start to bind, back them off and snug them down.
I'm pretty sure the bearings are too loose, but I thought I'd get another option.
What is the best way to see if your front (or rear) wheel bearing are shot?
Obviously, if they are loose, that is a good indication. However, the ones in my 4x4 don't have any play in them, but it seems like I have the inner lock nut cranked the whole way down (ie can't turn it any more with a 1/2" ratchet), and the wheel bearing doesn't bind up.
When I did my 2wd truck, I'd crank them down until I felt the bearing start to bind, back them off and snug them down.
I'm pretty sure the bearings are too loose, but I thought I'd get another option.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 864
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From: Near the trees
Hi Bremen242. I don't have any experience as a psychic but in my experience as a professional driver, a mechanic, and a collector of fine automobiles, if you're worried about the condition, change 'em. If the lock nut is turned down as far as you can go with the 1/2" drive, and the bearing isn't binding something must be wrong. Sounds like the inner race has bottomed out on the spindle. If that happens and the bearing doesn't seize, the outer race is worn out and can cause damage to the hub.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 3,789
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From: Connecticut
Ya know, it's strange. I've been fighting what I thought was wind noise from the windshied trim for years.
I taped over all the trim, took off the rear view mirrors, taped off the cowl, hood to fender line, door to fender line, blocked off the grille, stuffed insulation in the inner fender wall, took off the wipers, and went for a ride....Still there! even at 5 mph, what sounded like wind wiggling somthing around. And just before I put the '86 Stepside 4x4 away for the winter, I really listened and got a new clue...The "wind" noise would incerase and decrease with speed. Well of course you say,
But and the slower speeds around 5 or so, and you really listen with everything else off the "wind" had a resinence of the wheel rotation. Wish, wish, wish, 1 Wish per rotation! aint no wind noise! got to be a front break rubbing or a burnt bering or bad race.
Cant wait till spring and do rotor and berings!
I taped over all the trim, took off the rear view mirrors, taped off the cowl, hood to fender line, door to fender line, blocked off the grille, stuffed insulation in the inner fender wall, took off the wipers, and went for a ride....Still there! even at 5 mph, what sounded like wind wiggling somthing around. And just before I put the '86 Stepside 4x4 away for the winter, I really listened and got a new clue...The "wind" noise would incerase and decrease with speed. Well of course you say,
But and the slower speeds around 5 or so, and you really listen with everything else off the "wind" had a resinence of the wheel rotation. Wish, wish, wish, 1 Wish per rotation! aint no wind noise! got to be a front break rubbing or a burnt bering or bad race.
Cant wait till spring and do rotor and berings!
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
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Bremen:
I have to agree with Liam. It would be nice if there was a definitive test for bearing wear, but I think a good visual and press test for looseness is about all you can do. As cheap as bearings are, I suggest replacing them. In fact, buy a spare inner and outer to keep in the truck. Cause if you use it like a 4x4, and you have decent sized tires, you're gonna go through bearings. Water and mud are bearing killers.
All the Best,
Ernie
I have to agree with Liam. It would be nice if there was a definitive test for bearing wear, but I think a good visual and press test for looseness is about all you can do. As cheap as bearings are, I suggest replacing them. In fact, buy a spare inner and outer to keep in the truck. Cause if you use it like a 4x4, and you have decent sized tires, you're gonna go through bearings. Water and mud are bearing killers.
All the Best,
Ernie
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: lino lakes, mn
clean the bearing real good hold it under a bright ceiling light rotate it and look at the inner race through the rollers for any pitting or gaulling look at the rollers for pitting or gaulling replace if you see any
