Front wheel bearings?

**MotorJunkie** · 09-25-2009, 08:30 PM

Ok, So, I have been lurking here now and then for a few years. I picked up a '99 XJ a couple months ago now. I have put 2,300 miles on it now. The front end has been a bit noisy. At first I thought it was just the cheap Futura tires the PO put on. But, now I am noticing when I take lefts it is getting louder. I am guessing it is the front wheel bearings. I know it is the whole hub that need to be replaced, but which one is it? Left or Right?

**USMC_XJ** · 09-25-2009, 08:33 PM

From what I've read and experienced, it's the opposite. When you turn left, it's the right bearing. If it's when you turn right, it's the left bearing. I am pretty sure that's it. It might be a u-joint also, though.

And when you say noisy, what kind? Grinding? Popping?

**MotorJunkie** · 09-25-2009, 08:41 PM

It is like a whurring. However, the girlfriend says "it is like a Walrus giving birth".

**MotorJunkie** · 09-25-2009, 08:42 PM

I should also add, this is my first Jeep. I have had many fwd VWs, but never a Jeep.

99Greenmachine · 09-25-2009, 08:43 PM

Sounds like the hub assembly is going.

Jack up each front tire and check for play in each. That should determine it if there are any doubts

**USMC_XJ** · 09-25-2009, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 99Greenmachine

Sounds like the hub assembly is going.

Jack up each front tire and check for play in each. That should determine it if there are any doubts

X2. That is a very good way to determine early failure. The sound you describe does indeed sound like a wheel bearing. Do you have any vibrations at, say, 45 or higher? Just a thought for you, while you have the hub out, change out that u-joint. They're only $15.

BTW, you will need a 36mm socket and a 12 pt. 13mm socket.

Oh, and a big ****ing breaker bar.

You'll need it.

**MotorJunkie** · 09-25-2009, 09:01 PM

Thanks for the quick responses!

Yes, it does vibrate a bit as well.

Thanks for the heads-up on the tools, I have to pick up a 36mm.

Dbiked · 09-26-2009, 12:46 AM

And a BFH to break the hub off the knuckle, I like to use an axle shaft,

Or a puller. . . A Big puller will get it off too.

**USMC_XJ** · 09-26-2009, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MotorJunkie

Thanks for the quick responses!

Yes, it does vibrate a bit as well.

Thanks for the heads-up on the tools, I have to pick up a 36mm.

Make sure you have a 1/2'' bar or ratchet.

MrJCRod · 09-26-2009, 06:22 AM

we do a lot of wheel bearings at our shop and yes the general rule is turn left right bearing bad if noise gets worse and the opposite when you turn right but my lead tech and I have seen the opposite on 2 different vehicles in the past 4 months... 95% seem to be normal but there is a small percentage that are not wanting to follow the rules..... we found the right ones once on a lift and putting the vehicle in gear (front wheel drive) or spinning the tire manually (rear wheel drive). We used a mechanics stethescope (long screwdriver) to listen for the bad bearing.

dacotua · 09-26-2009, 06:59 AM

Just a FYI:

Mine jeep was making a squeaking noise when I turned and accelerated. I ended up replacing the front drive U-Joints and Hubs. One U-joint was bad so I thought that was my issue. I put the jeep back together and turned the front drive axle by hand (With it in the air) and heard a squeak. Ended up being the center ball joint in the front driveshaft. Ended up going to a junk yard and buying a used driveshaft with all good U-joints for 25 bucks (Rebuilding my stock driveshaft would have cost roughly $70. (3x U-joints (10 each) and that center ball (40)).

**GregB_00XJ** · 09-26-2009, 11:18 AM

I had my RH wheel bearing assembly crap out on me, and unit bearings are $$ compared to rebuild-able, but are probably stronger?

I heard from my mechanic the best way to diagnose a failing one is to support the vehicle (on a lift is best), put the vehicle in 4WD and with the front wheels turning (buddy at the wheel) carefully put your hand on the coil. The one that is bad will vibrate through the spring, the worse the bearing the more the vibration.

Was told by 1 shop I needed a $1500.00 rebuild of my front axle and that it was IMPOSSIBLE to diagnose a front wheel bearing in a unit bearing axle. I said BS...and walked. Went to my normal mechanic, had it sorted and fixed in 1 hour.

Just saying... not a mechanic, but this is what I was told, and the guy is my friend too. Hope you get er sorted.