Front Axle bearing

[Diamond B Ranch]

I just replaced the drivers side wheel bearing assembly for the second time. The first time was due to the inner bearing that supports the axle shaft went bad after about 130k miles. About right I guess. This time was the same problem: inner axle bearing siezed, no grease. Only this time it was after 55k miles. The passenger side wheel bearings seem to be fine with 188K on them. The symptoms were the same for both, intermittent vibrations that would start and stop with small bumps. I don't mind replacing them after 100,000 miles or so but it is going to get expensive if I have to replace them every 50K.
Has anybody else experienced this problem or know of it? It will only be an issue on 4x4 models since the small bearing supports the front drive axle shaft. Additionally, is there something I can do to prevent it from happening again? Mechanic suggested tearing it down and trying to grease that bearing every 20K or so. Any better ideas? Like how to prevent the problem?

 

[Big K]

Unit Bearing Hubs = JUNK.

Unit bearing hubs are factory-sealed assemblies. These hubs are not serviceable and must be replaced completely when a failure occurs. There are no accessible bearings that can be inspected, repacked etc. The manufacturer says that their unit bearing hubs are supposed to last for 150,000 miles but many have failed at 50,000 miles or less. EDIT: Ripped from another site, they said it better than I did

There is kits out there to get rid of them, but they aren't cheap at all.

 

[patrickc]

Are the inner and outer hub seals both good? My original wheel bearing went at about 120K miles but the little snub shaft bearing was still like new. When I installed my new bearing (and hub) I made sure I greased the hell out of the little snub shaft bearing. It has been ok now for 80K miles. If the 4wd hubs are worn and can also cause this symptom.

Next time I have trouble I think I'm gonna spend the money and go with one of the dynatrac kits. They are not cheap however they start around $1500 bucks.

 

[Diamond B Ranch]

Big K, by tearing it down, I meant pulling the unit bearing off and greasing the shaft bearing, not tearing the bearing assembly apart. Thanks, sounds like Patrick had the same issue I did.

 

[Maintain]

DYNA Trac conversion.

Otherwise expect 50-100k change intervals.

 

[Maintain]

And thank god you have the tools and the ability to DIY otherwise you might be in the hole double what you just paid!