front wheel bearings - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1969 GMC · 01-21-2004, 02:36 AM

Hello all,
I asked this on the engine board but was hoping to get more responses. my trucks front axle is howling, and it is time for new bearings (i hope). i have a dana 44 front axle (and YES, that means my truck is a 4x4) with closed knuckles and drum brakes. what all do I need to do to replace the bearings? cableguy said I need to remove my drums, but what after that? will I need to take the axle knuckles off? my dad would normally help (mechanic) but he's never done them in a 4x4. thanks in advance.

**JIMs70GMC** · 01-21-2004, 07:12 AM

I repacked mine not too long ago. You'll need to take the locking hub off. then remove the snap ring on the end of the stub shaft. Oh yea if you have the large external locking hubs, the locking hub comes of and then a spacer with possibly a metal gasket. But any way take those off as well as the tire and drum (understood I know). Next the (it's called the hub) hub is removed by taking the two nuts off the spindle. These require a special four prong socket that is about 3" in diameter purchase at local parts house for about 8 bucks or you can use screw drivers (not recommended). Becarefull as now the hub can come out as well as the bearings. At this time you can replace the inner seal Which will have to be removed to get the inner bearing and race out. the outer bearing will come loose when the two nuts are removed. I'll check my repair manual after I get home for the tourque settings and I'll add to the post. Any questions? Now do it!
You will not need to remove the steering knuckles. If you need to replace the ball joints you would be able to remove the spindle know and then the axle shaft assembly.

1969 GMC · 01-21-2004, 07:45 PM

thanks a ton Jim!

now I got somethin to do this weekend (if it only weren't so frickin cold!)

71swb4x4 · 01-21-2004, 09:45 PM

I am in the middle of the same project myself. Actually, I started it last Monday and then it got too cold for me so my truck has sat in the garage for over a week with only 2 tires

Shawn

71swb4x4 · 01-21-2004, 09:49 PM

Here are the instruction I ahve from my manual.

Adjust bearings by tightening nut snug while rotating drum. Loosen nut 1/8 turn and assemble lock-washer by loosening nut to nearest hole, then assemble outer nut. Tighten nut to 40 ft. lbs. minimum.

Shawn

1969 GMC · 01-22-2004, 01:05 AM

thanks!!! I hope I get mine done a bit quicker than that, as its my daily driver. I think this extra cold weather we are having (-11 low last night) isn't helping the problem. about how much are these? around $10/each for a grand total of $40? thanks!

01-21-2004, 02:36 AM	#1
1969 GMC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The Rubber City Posts: 5,498	front wheel bearings Hello all, I asked this on the engine board but was hoping to get more responses. my trucks front axle is howling, and it is time for new bearings (i hope). i have a dana 44 front axle (and YES, that means my truck is a 4x4) with closed knuckles and drum brakes. what all do I need to do to replace the bearings? cableguy said I need to remove my drums, but what after that? will I need to take the axle knuckles off? my dad would normally help (mechanic) but he's never done them in a 4x4. thanks in advance. __________________ 1969 GMC K2500 1996 Honda Accord 2007 Kawasaki KLR 650

01-21-2004, 07:12 AM	#2
JIMs70GMC user # 2756 Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Chesapeake, Virginia Posts: 4,612	I repacked mine not too long ago. You'll need to take the locking hub off. then remove the snap ring on the end of the stub shaft. Oh yea if you have the large external locking hubs, the locking hub comes of and then a spacer with possibly a metal gasket. But any way take those off as well as the tire and drum (understood I know). Next the (it's called the hub) hub is removed by taking the two nuts off the spindle. These require a special four prong socket that is about 3" in diameter purchase at local parts house for about 8 bucks or you can use screw drivers (not recommended). Becarefull as now the hub can come out as well as the bearings. At this time you can replace the inner seal Which will have to be removed to get the inner bearing and race out. the outer bearing will come loose when the two nuts are removed. I'll check my repair manual after I get home for the tourque settings and I'll add to the post. Any questions? Now do it! You will not need to remove the steering knuckles. If you need to replace the ball joints you would be able to remove the spindle know and then the axle shaft assembly. __________________ 1970 K25, 8' stepside bed 350/465/205 44 up front, 60 in the rear 4.10s rolling on 33" Dunlop MTs 1986 K5, 350/465/208 Dana 60/14 bolt from a cucv 36" Super Swampers TSL/SX 1983 K20 w/ CUCV axles, 350/700R4/208 sitting on 37" Goodyears 1986 M1031 6.2 diesel, TH400/NP205 locker in the rear and a LS in the front, all stock for now..... 1986 K30, 350/400/205 dana 60 and 14 bolt. I kept the drivetrain. Body/bad and chassis are gone. 1981 K30, 350/465/205 dana 60 and dually 14 bolt. Has a G80, and a flat bed. Going to replace the flat bed. 1985 K20, 350/400/208 10 bolt and SF 14 bolt. I wonder where I can find some 1 tons. Hmmmmm

01-21-2004, 07:45 PM	#3
1969 GMC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The Rubber City Posts: 5,498	thanks a ton Jim! now I got somethin to do this weekend (if it only weren't so frickin cold!) __________________ 1969 GMC K2500 1996 Honda Accord 2007 Kawasaki KLR 650

01-21-2004, 09:45 PM	#4
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	I am in the middle of the same project myself. Actually, I started it last Monday and then it got too cold for me so my truck has sat in the garage for over a week with only 2 tires Shawn __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

01-21-2004, 09:49 PM	#5
71swb4x4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brookings, SD Posts: 10,497	Here are the instruction I ahve from my manual. Adjust bearings by tightening nut snug while rotating drum. Loosen nut 1/8 turn and assemble lock-washer by loosening nut to nearest hole, then assemble outer nut. Tighten nut to 40 ft. lbs. minimum. Shawn __________________ Some people are like slinkies, they aren't good for anything, but you can't help but smile when you see one tumble down the stairs.

01-22-2004, 01:05 AM	#6
1969 GMC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The Rubber City Posts: 5,498	thanks!!! I hope I get mine done a bit quicker than that, as its my daily driver. I think this extra cold weather we are having (-11 low last night) isn't helping the problem. about how much are these? around $10/each for a grand total of $40? thanks! __________________ 1969 GMC K2500 1996 Honda Accord 2007 Kawasaki KLR 650

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