I've a shot right side front wheel bearing on my truck, and calling my finacial situation tight would be understatement.
So the question is whether anybody here has experience in presing/shrinking or whatever to replace the bearings instead of the whole unit. The free spin kits available are too expensive for me at the moment.
If there is no way to replace the bearings I'd like to find the best source for the unit.

I'll also need a rebuild kit for the front calipers (rubber dust shield gone, no brake fluid leaks) or remanufactured calipers.
Rotors seem OK.
I'm thinking about changing the U-joints too- if it ain't too expensive.....


Thanks!

AlpineRAM

 

from what ive heard yuo have a 50/50 shot at getting the bearing back together.

the u joints are about $35 a side, and given the assembly, if you have it apart, might as well.

I understand your situation, but I would say the same for rotors and calipers too.

I just did rotors, i think they ran me about 100-120 for both, calipers usually about 45, if had to swap calipers like 4 times.

 

The rotors are quite new- about 25 k miles, pads are new.
I think I'll go for the u-joints too, maybe also the driveshaft u-joints while I'm at it.
I hope shipping ain't gonna kill me
I'm looking at the rockauto page right now- shipping the wheel hub is almost 100 US$..

 

It is not recommended that you even try that. I have heard stories of people who have and ended up losing the wheel while driving when it all came apart. You need to full assembly.

 

NAPA has a much better price on those front hub assemblies. The rotors are about 50 bucks & the calipers can be bought in the 65 range with severe duty pads included. All from NAPA. Change it all. Do not try to fix any of the stuff you mentioned or you & the person in front of you may regret it one day. Just replace it.

 

Bighead- I've learned the trade "car mechanic/builder" and I do feel very comfortable when I do rebuild my own calipers.
The bearing unit is something else it seems since the races are incorporated in the hub and you can't change them.
Do you have an exact price for the NAPA hubs?
A limiting factor for me is shipping and customs duties. - If I let somebody ship calipers and return the core I have approximately 220-270 US$ shipping alone...

AlpineRAM

 

I am one that lost the front wheel on interstate at 75mph towing a boat

Just replace the whole unit, no way out, trust me.

 

Valv- I intend to change the hub unit as stated above. Hence my question for pricing of the hub.
The best price I found yet is 182.79 US$ (rockauto.com)- But including shipping 2 of them to me gets to a total of 514.14 ...
I am looking for a cheaper way to get axle hubs with bearings to me. If that's the cheapest way I'm gonna do it. I don't intend to skimp on safety parts, but I feel very comfortable to follow an outlined procedure to repair stuff. I've got access to a full shop. I've rebuilt dozens of calipers myself, including Spiegler 6 piston calipers. And I've got the testing equipment for brake calipers

AlpineRAM

 

Another question- anybody got a part number for Precision U-joints for the front axle and the rear driveshaft?

 

AlpineRam, I don't know if you've thought about this option with regards to shipping. Find someone who has a APO box, if there is a military base near you.

 

Alpine, I do not have an exact price. I can't remember, but NAPA is basically my only option & I can walk in the store & get them off the shelf, as they stock them. They were way cheaper than Dodge. Surely you have a NAPA nearby you can check with. I have had 2 of these bust going down the road. One was my fault, the other was the original drivers side. No fun either way.

Excuse me ALPINE, I just noticed your location. I will get you a price & post it back.

 

Mike- the problem with the APO box is that the closest base is more than 300 miles away and if I have no proof of customs duties I can't get it into my books (it's my company truck)

Bighead- no problem, walking into the closest NAPA- I think I'll need some pairs of surplus shoes

Thanks for the info and keep the ideas coming!

AlpineRAM

 

hello,
your in luck, i just got back from napa with all my brake parts, mines a 98 12v. so i hope this info helps you.
1. rotors (2) up-86324 148.58
2. calipers (1) 242-2174 37.99 + core 49.50
3. caliper(1) 242.2175 37.99 + core 49.50
3. loaded hubs (2) br930405 477.80
4. brake hose (1) 380541 51.99
5. brake hose (1) 380344 26.19
6. hawk hps pads front (tire rack) hb298f.787 75.96 shipped

total-955.50

good luck, Mark

 

Just ordered my parts at rockauto.com.
I must say that if I compare the prices it looks favourable for rockauto compared to napa.
Shipping is a bear but at least they accept paypal and ship to Austria.

AlpineRAM

 

Ouch !!! That's gotta hurt. And since you need the parts soon you cannot choose Economic (boat) shipping neither.

Good Luck A.Ram. !!!!