Wheel Bearings

[lascassas_camper]

1) How do I go about changing the front wheel bearings on my 1994 Bronco XLT with manual hubs?

2) How do I change what I assume is called "shims" in the knuckles (top and bottom) on the front left side, the appear to have some minor play.

The Bronco has some roaring noise coming from the front that sounded like oversize tire roar, but after 4 new radial tires, the roar is still there. I'm assuming its the wheel bearings, althought I cannot detect any movement except for some very minor movement in the front left knucle to/bottom which I assume to be shims (round).

3) Should I re-install the auto hubs? We wanted the Bronco for trips to the beach and vacations so we could take the top off for the kids, it will rarely if ever be used in 4x4. New rims and Michelens are planned.

 

[lascassas_camper]

1) I beleive its the Axle Pivot Bushings you described, how difficult are they to replace also cost wise if I do it my self versus taking it to a shop?

2) Also, how difficult is it to replace the bearings in the front drive axle? If the roaring is not the bearings, I'm assuming the roaring is the front pumkin bearings? Is that a job I can do or best to go to a shop?

 

[lascassas_camper]

I'm hoping the roaring noise is just the front wheel bearings, I noticed today that when I turn to the right @ 50 mph or normal road speed, the noise reduces by at least 50 %. Not sure what that means.

 

[Justshootme84]

A quick check you can do for the wheel bearings. After driving aorund for 10-15 minutes, check the temperature of the hub center with your hand. Be careful, though, as it may be quite hot if the bearings are bad. The hub should be cool. The brake rotor will get very hot under normal driving, so don't touch that and don't confuse it with the hub getting hot. If the bearings are bad, the hub gets hot and so does the grease. Worn axle pivot bushings will not cause this symptom, and usually cause a popping noise when turning. They are a pain to change, but I have a write-up onthose in the tech article forum. JSM84

 

[lascassas_camper]

I checked the hubs for heat after a short trip, they were warm to the touch, but nothing I would consider out of the ordinary. Now the lugnuts and rim were very hot.