unit bearing

[Jason]

Now that after 13 years of wheeling and I just had my first u-joint break, yay me, time for some needed front end work. I wonder, is the unit bearing/hub servicable? I have a couple of spares but before I make up some full replacement spare axles, I would like to them dialed in and good to go. I wish to clean everything up while I have it all apart. I've noticed some sqealing from the right side and the bearings are, were suspect.
Thank you.

[aw12345]

Unit bearings are non servicable

[Jason]

Thanks Art. I've trying to chase a squeal I hear when flat towing. I usually hear it when driving under an overpass or next to some of the fancy K-rails on the 15. Seem to be coming from the front tire. Maybe I can finally find it now.

[mkjeepers]

Thanks Art. I've trying to chase a squeal I hear when flat towing. I usually hear it when driving under an overpass or next to some of the fancy K-rails on the 15. Seem to be coming from the front tire. Maybe I can finally find it now.

Try touching the brakes while you're driving and see if it stops squealing. Sometimes the pads are just barely touching. I've had a light squeal on a few of our vehicles and it's been the brakes.

[6spdYJ]

A unit bearing will cause the brake rotor to drag on the pads when it's the outer wheel in a corner. If it only squeals turning left, check the right one and vice'-verse'. Also, the stock YJ calipers with the phenolic piston sometimes get stuck. I've actually had them lock so bad they brought the rig to a stop.

[Jason]

Try touching the brakes while you're driving and see if it stops squealing. Sometimes the pads are just barely touching. I've had a light squeal on a few of our vehicles and it's been the brakes.

Thanks Mike, when I first read your reply I had this visual of me rolling down the highway trying to stick my hands on the brakes.:omg: ouch, ouch, ouch....Oh, you meant using the pedal while driving it. (disclaimer - I need a real long vacation)

I never hear the squeal while I am actually driving the Jeep. Only when flat towing. Maybe it's the different position I'm at when behind the engine versus in the truck. :dunno:


Like I said, now that the front will be apart I can look at everything.

[6spdYJ]

A unit bearing going bad will not always deflect off-axis (wobble side to side or up and down). I had one that slid in and out about 1/8" - even with the nut tight. You could slide it by hand, but it would not let the wheel rock or wobble.