Wheel Bearing and Seal Time
I had the infamous ABS/Brake light combo thing going on ever since I got my "new to me" truck a couple of months ago. Well, based on advise pick up right here, I replaced the speed sensor and it seems to have done the trick. During my ordeal I tried to inspect my brakes (seemed like a logical thing to do with a brake warning light on!) but couldn't get the drums off the rear (didn't know about the jack it up, wheels off, put into gear, slam on brake method) so I took it to NTB for a free inspection. They curtiously gave me a estimate for a $776.17 front brake job with one rear seal replacement. One seal was leaking but had not contaminated the shoes, which were in still good shape. Well $200 and a weekend later I had new pads and rotors (found the rotors for $49 a piece at Westwood Auto Parts here in B'ham AL) and a new set of front bearings, just for fun.

Well I still have that leaking rear seal to contend with and I figured why I was in there I would go ahead and replace the rear bearings too so it will be the last time I have to go in there. I was considering purchasing a master kit from quad4x4 that has Timken® bearings and National™ seals, spindle nut socket, bearing drivers, seal installers and an instructional video to boot for $229. They also offer a Oil Bath Seal Upgrade for $35 and a Spindle Nut Upgrade Kit for $79 to replace those beloved stock nylon nuts / lock wedges.

Currently I plan on getting the master kit and oil bath seal upgrade and just going with the sock spindel nuts and getting a couple extra lock wedges, just in case. Is all this over kill or is this a good/economical idea? The full link to this stuff is below.
http://www.quad4x4.com/Dodge%20Rear%...indle_Nut_Kits

So what do you guys think?
Is the kit worth it?
Should I get the seal upgrade?
Should bite the bullet and upgrade the spindle nuts too?

Cheers

 

Come on guys. I know wheel bearings aren't much fun but they are kinda important, right? Is this kit from Quad4x4 with the axle nut socket and special seal press in tools worth it or should I just knock off the axle nut with a hammer and chisel and press in the seals with a 2X4?

 

You can buy the axle nut socket alot cheaper than that , most any tool place should have it , it is 2 1/2 or 2 9/16 ( i can't remember which , someone will chime in) Take it all apart , knock the old bearings/races out , and take them to a bearing supply place (or maybe an automotive parts place) and get new stuff.

 

Not sure about the size for a 4x4, but, this is a good price/place for the socket:

http://www.tooldesk.com/products/pro...l.aspx+id+1688