Wheel Bearings

REPACKING

Rear Wheel Drive

NOTE: The MPV has integral hub/bearing assemblies. No service, other than replacement, is possible.

NOTE: Sodium-based grease is not compatible with lithium-based grease. Read the package labels and be careful not to mix the two types. If there is any doubt as to the type of grease used, completely clean the old grease from the bearing and hub before replacing.

Before handling the bearings, there are a few things that you should remember to do and not to do. Remember to DO the following:

• Remove all outside dirt from the housing before exposing the bearing.
• Treat a used bearing as gently as you would a new one.
• Work with clean tools in clean surroundings.
• Use clean, dry canvas gloves, or at least clean, dry hands.
• Clean solvents and flushing fluids are a must.
• Use clean paper when laying out the bearings to dry.
• Protect disassembled bearings from rust and dirt. Cover them up.
• Use clean rags to wipe bearings.
• Keep the bearings in oil-proof paper when they are to be stored or are not in use.
• Clean the inside of the housing before replacing the bearing. Do NOT do the following:
• Don't work in dirty surroundings.
• Don't use dirty, chipped or damaged tools.
• Try not to work on wooden work benches or use wooden mallets.
• Don't handle bearings with dirty or moist hands.
• Do not use gasoline for cleaning; use a safe solvent.
• Do not spin-dry bearings with compressed air. They will be damaged.
• Do not spin dirty bearings.
• Avoid using cotton waste or dirty cloths to wipe bearings.
• Try not to scratch or nick bearing surfaces.
• Do not allow the bearing to come in contact with dirt or rust at any time.

  Fig. 2: Packing the wheel bearings with grease

1. Remove the wheel hub/bearing assemblies from the vehicle.
2. Thoroughly clean the bearings and inside of the hub with a nonflammable solvent. Allow them to air dry.
3. Inspect the bearings for wear, damage, heat discoloration or other signs of fatigue. If they are at all suspect, replace them.
4. Pack the inside of the hub with clean wheel bearing grease until it is flush packed.
5. Pack each bearing with clean grease, making sure that it is thoroughly packed. Special devices are sold for packing bearings. They are inexpensive and readily available. If you don't have one, just make certain that the bearing is as full of grease as possible by working it in with your fingers.
6. Install the wheel hub/bearing assemblies.

4 — Wheel Drive

The MPV has sealed bearing assembly mounted in the steering knuckle. No service, other than replacement, is possible.

NOTE: For front locking hub removal and service, see Section 7.

PICKUPS

1. Remove the wheel hub and bearing assemblies. See section 7.
2. Thoroughly clean the bearings and inside of the hub with a nonflammable solvent. Allow them to air dry.
3. Inspect the bearings for wear, damage, heat discoloration or other signs of fatigue. If they are at all suspect, replace them.
4. Pack the inside of the hub with clean wheel bearing grease until it is flush packed.
5. Pack each bearing with clean grease, making sure that it is thoroughly packed. Special devices are sold for packing bearings. They are inexpensive and readily available. If you don't have one, just make certain that the bearing is as full of grease as possible by working it in with your fingers.
6. Install the wheel hub/bearing assemblies.

NAVAJO

1. Remove the locking hub assembly.
2. Remove the wheel bearing assemblies.
3. Lubricate the bearings with disc brake wheel bearing grease. Clean all old grease from the hub. Pack the cones and rollers. If a bearing packer is not available, work as much lubricant as possible between the rollers and the cages.
4. Install the wheel bearing assemblies.
5. Install the locking hub assembly.