Forum Discussion

dadwolf2's avatar
dadwolf2
Explorer
Mar 21, 2015

Can you inspect front unit bearings?

I have a 2005 Dodge 4x4 with front unit bearings. Is it possible to inspect the unit bearings? Do you just wait for failure or at some point..., bite the expensive bullet and go with a free spin hub kit? I've never heard anyone complain about the top brands like dynatrac or SpinTec.

Since I installed 19.5" wheels/tires last year I see ball joints in my future and think maybe this is the year to do it all even though I currently have no problems.
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  • wcjeep's avatar
    wcjeep
    Explorer
    Mar 22, 2015
    ScottG wrote:
    Besides spinning the wheel, lift it off the ground and try to rock it side to side and top to bottom. If you fee a perceptible click then it's suspect. It's also helpful to have someone on the other side of the wheel your checking watch for movement.

    The trouble is many if not most techs imagine movement when none is present. It pays to check it yourself.


    What Scott G said. I have bought OEM Unit Bearings from Rockauto a lot cheaper than the dealer. Apply lots of antiseize on all metal to metal surface during install. If a shop is doing the work, insist they apply anti seize. There is a short cut for unit bearing removal using the power steering.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Mar 22, 2015
    If you replace one, keep the old speed sensor out of it (new one comes with it). You never know when one might fail.

    Also, replace the outer U-joint at the same time.
    I replaced one of my front bearings (needlessly) and a couple of months later the UJ started to bind. It would have been so easy to change it at the time.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Mar 22, 2015
    Besides spinning the wheel, lift it off the ground and try to rock it side to side and top to bottom. If you fee a perceptible click then it's suspect. It's also helpful to have someone on the other side of the wheel your checking watch for movement.

    The trouble is many if not most techs imagine movement when none is present. It pays to check it yourself.
  • jus2shy's avatar
    jus2shy
    Explorer
    Mar 21, 2015
    The only thing you can do to inspect a unit bearing is to put a stethascope on it and spin it. If you hear grinding and squeeling, you may be developing a problem, If it's fairly smooth in rotation, then there's not problem to date. That's all you can really do with them inspection wise. You can also see if there's grease leaking out of it, but that's it.

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