Chet

My service center says my front wheel bearings (both sides) are bad. I've got about 55,000 miles on it. I've got the stock wheels (18") plus 1.5" wheel spacers and 35" tires, which have been on for about 37,000 of those miles; gone wheeling about 8 to 10 times in that period.

Questions:

1. Would aftermarket wheels give me a better life on bearings?

2. Do aftermarket wheels include bearings, or would I still have to replace those?

3. If the spacers/stock wheels don't matter re: bearing life, then are there better aftermarket bearings?

4. Any other thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks!

JEEP THRILLS

its not the rim, its the backspacing. the further out the wheel goes either different rim or added spacers, the more stress is on the bearing. wheels don't come with bearinga and the aftermarket will offer better bearings

bertha

Guess I'll chime in...

1. Depends on your backspacing.

2. No they do not come with bearings

3. I'm no expert but I think bearings are pretty much bearings.

4. I would have the bearings replaced and call it a day.

Unfortunately when you add spacers (numerically decrease the backspacing) the downside in increase wear and tear on wheel bearings. I'm a little surprised they've gone out at 55,000 miles but not too much.

Does anybody know what the regular service interval is on wheel bearings?

ben1284

What's cost and labor gonna run you on changing those out?

ronjenx

Not true. The brand has a lot to do with quality.
My XJ (same style hub as the JK) front bearings went out at 30K left side, and 60K right side. When I took them apart, I discovered they had a brand from Japan.
I replaced them with Timken bearings. Never had another problem with the front wheel bearings. They were still in there when I sold the XJ at 186K.

When I was working on KC-135's, only Timken wheel bearings were authorized for use, as is still the case. There were 3 other brands in use up to the requirement to use only Timken. I know for a fact the other brands did not last nearly as long as Timken.

BlackNorthernJK

the bearings are about 250 a pop from the dealer, and they are piss simple to change on your own if ya wanna save some coin....the only pita is trying to bash them outta the housing they sit in 'cause they get a little rusted into those pockets..but if your replacing them you can just bash 'em to hell and not worry
1. pull wheals off
2. remove giant spindle nut (35mm if i remember)
3. remove abs sensor (new ones come with the sensor and wire)
4. remove the 3 bolts (18 point 13mm or some silly size)
5. bash the damn wheel bearing out

Handy tip...coat the housing that the bearing sits in with some anti-seize before you put the new bearing in so it doesn't rust in place again

pastorsteve

You didn't say but if your wheeling included axle-deep water and you didn't repack the bearings after water fording that could be the issue. Otherwise nothing you mentioned should have caused the problem.

Hellbound13

Has anyone done a wheel bearing write up yet?

ronjenx

Repacking is not something one can do after each water fording.
The JK's hubs take special tools to take them apart.

labbayk

I blew a front pass wheel bearing a few days ago and my abs light on the dash popped on. Thanks for your guys' notes. I have moderate mechanical experience and knowledge. I got a ridiculous labor quote of 200 bones to replace it... I'm going to take a torch, a hammer, and some pb to the bearing and practice removing it before my parts come in this week.