Snowbucks

The shop did front brakes, bearings, etc and when I pulled a front tire to look - saw the big axle/bearing nut w/cotter pin...but no dust cover (???). RockAuto doesn't even list one. Is this right? I see the center of the wheel does cover it a lot.

Also...smell the brakes (Front Right) on hard braking (?????).

wingless

This shows the front brakes on my '94 ZJ.

There is a large thick washer, then the nut, then the nut retainer, then the cotter pin. No dust cap on mine, ever.

The best care and feeding for new brakes is to avoid heavy braking until the pads and rotors have had an opportunity to seat with usage.

UncleSarge58

Just Wondering,
Has Anyone Ever Found a Dust Cap that Fits?
Sure would be a Nice Upgrade for Frequent Water Crossings.
I've been Looking (On & Off) for Years!
Anyone Have a Clue for a Source?
UncleSarge58

Big David

Don't know if you realize it but, the front bearings are a sealed unit & don't need one. But it would be nice to help the nut from rusting to the stub shaft.

UncleSarge58

Big D,
Not on My 96 XJ 2Dr.
Don't Have the SH**Y Sealed Ball Bearings. Mine Has Real, HD, Timken, RePackable, Roller Bearings w/ Viton Seals.
And, Yes I Have to RePack them Once a Year.
Lot Less Roll Resistance & WAY Stronger!

Just Wish I could Find Dust Covers That Fit, Just Right.
Ford F-100 2WD Covers Almost Fit. But, Not Quite.

Wish I had Access to a Lathe.
I'd just Turn a Pair Outta some Aluminum Bar Stock.

Just had an Idea,.... Maybe a "Bearing Buddy" Trailer Bearing Cap will Fit!
They Have Several Sizes IIRC.
That way you could Pack it w/ Grease & Keep All the Water Out!

Gotta Look Into This. May actually Prolong Bearing Life w/ Less Maintenance!

US58

UncleSarge58

Guess this is the Wrong Forum, As I Don't Have a Grand Cherokee.
Mine's a "96 XJ 2Dr !
Still Wish I Had Dust Covers/ Grease Caps for the Front Wheel Bearings.
US58

dave1123

Same old, same old, Sarge! All the running gear except the rear suspension is the same.

wingless

Just use Never Seize on the parts and they won't rust.

Snowbucks

Thanx everyone...totally answered my concern. Especially @Wingless = fantastic pic...look like more expensive rotors then mine!

"The best care and feeding for new brakes is to avoid heavy braking until the pads and rotors have had an opportunity to seat with usage"

Maybe that's why I smelled the FR after some strong braking (???). They only smelled once!

wingless

Thanks for the kind words.

Mine are the Raybestos R300 Performance Rotor, purchased from Rock Auto.

wingless

When I swapped the front half shafts w/ failed CV joint boots, I also swapped the front wheel bearings, even those the existing wheel bearings were fine.

As was stated, the front wheel bearings are sealed.

andrewmp6

Ok a dust cover is only used on the old school spindle shaft with the wheel bearings you have to pack full of grease.Most modern stuff cars trucks and jeeps like yours now use what they call a unit bearing.Its a fully sealed wheel bearing that has no dust cap and don't mount on the spindle with a shaft it bolts on now.The picture above the lower thing is that sealed unit bearing.Honestly i rather have them they never need grease and are a lot faster and easier to change out.The reason your smelling brakes is most new pads have some beding compound on them so they get broken in easier.If that smell don't go away soon they either used the cheapest pads or something is wrong.

dave1123

Snowbucks, if they put new rotors on it, they probably didn't degrease them before installing them. There's a small amount of shipping rust protection applied to them that needs to be removed. You just burnt that off.