The Toe Cutter

I have searched this site and from what I recall from the Chilton manual, there was not a specified mileage/time interval to repack the front wheel bearings. 1994 V6 4WD manual locking hubs, street driving only for now.

I don't have any weird noises coming from front end and it seems to spin fine, but I haven't cleaned/greased them in at least 60,000 miles (since I bought truck).

I want to try this on my own, but this means buying a 2 1/8 socket, risk of messing something up,etc. I've done it on 2wd cars, but never on a 4wd.

So.....should I just leave them alone or go ahead and repack them as they might be overdue ?

ChickenLover

I repack mine once a year (about 20k miles). Nothing to it. One way to check if they need to be repacked is this: Jack 'er up, grab the tire at 12 and 6, try to move it, if you get any play or looseness they need to be repacked asap.

Bill

On a simaler note: I need to repack my front wheel bearings, but what size are the lock and adjuster nuts: 2 1/8" seems odd seeing that everything else on the truck is metric? They're bigger than anything I've got, and even my biggest (18") adjustable wrench isn't big enough to take them off.

Jeffires

54mm theres a good thread about it with pics

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f123/brake-pad-replace-81294/

It is about a brake job, but the front axle nut removal is described at the end

The Toe Cutter

thanks guys, I think I'll try it on my own this weekend.
Jeffires, appreciate that link....hadn't seen that first Thread with the PICS...think it will help.

Bill....I think the metric size is 54mm, but I didn't say that as I didn't want to give wrong advice. LOL

UPDATE...Just called Dealership and they quoted me $503 for the Front repack only !! I definently will try this myself now.

Jeffires

No prob- I think I remember that socket being 54mm. It was less than $20, and I have used it many times. I use to do my bearings every hunting season, so send a PM if you think I might be of assistance.
Good luck

Bill

Cool, thanks guys.

Wheel bearings are easy enough to do, so I guess this is one more tool to go in my tool box.

eric-the-red

They're actually 54mm, but 2 1/8" is very close and easier to find.

40_Below

True, I got my 2 1/8 at sears for like $20

ChickenLover

Yeah, me too. I had to buy a 3/4 to 1/2 adapter for it though. Another 6 bucks or so. Well worth it. I've used that socket several times.

86Original

Chances are you can go 120K w/o repacking them. I have.

Jeffires

That's true, but in terrible conditions, you may want to check it earlier. During the winter, I am constantly in deep mud, and sometimes the truck sits in salty water for several hours. That is why I did mine so frequently. Otherwise, you can probably shake the wheels during tire rotations and check for looseness.