Jeep Cherokee Forum

Jeep Cherokee 1984-2001 How to Replace Front Wheel Bearings

The hub assembly on your Cherokee is not as hard to replace as you think. Use this article as a guide to replace your front hub bearing.

By Neftali Medina - September 9, 2015
Contributors: CherokeeForum, Thunderhead7

This article applies to the Jeep Cherokee XJ (1984-2001).

A hub bearing has one specific purpose, and that is to spin the wheel on your Jeep. Over time, grease and debris can make its way inside the casing, causing its lubrication to fail. All this equates to a very rough ride, usually accompanied with a loud whirling noise and vibrating wheel. Worst case scenario can lead to loss of control, so it is imperative that you replace this as soon as it happens. Use the following instructions to replace a front hub bearing on the Jeep Cherokee.

(Related Article: How to Replace Rear Wheel Bearings - CherokeeForum.com)

Materials Needed

  • 14mm 12-point socket
  • 36mm socket
  • Breaker bar
  • Pliers
  • Jack
  • Jack stands
  • 13mm socket
  • 3/8" Ratchet
  • Bungee cord

Step 1 – Raise and secure the vehicle

  • Before you prop up your Jeep, loosen the lug nuts on your front wheel.
  • Use a jack and raise the front of your Cherokee. Then use a pair of jack stands to support the chassis.
Figure 1. Raise and secure your Jeep.

(Related Article: How to Jack Up Your Car - CherokeeForum.com)

Step 2 – Remove the brake caliper

Loosen the 13mm bolt holding the caliper in place and remove it. Then use a bungee cord to hold the weight of the brake caliper in place. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake line because it will tear the brake line and make things much more complicated.

Figure 2. Remove the brake caliper.

Step 3 – Loosen the hub assembly

There are three bolts that hold the hub assembly in place. Each bolt is located behind the dust shield and require a 12-point 14mm socket. Loosen and remove each bolt.

Figure 3. Loosen and remove the hub assembly bolts.

Step 4 – Remove the rotor and hub

Take those hands and pull off the rotor from the wheel hub. The next step requires some hardcore elbow grease!

Figure 4. Remove the rotor.
  • First take some pliers and remove the cotter pin from the axle nut.
  • Then grab your breaker bar, along with the 36mm socket.
  • Place the socket on the axle nut and loosen it.
  • Remove the axle nut, washer, and lock ring.
  • Pull off the hub.
  • Figure 5. Remove the cotter pin.
  • Figure 6. Remove the axle nut.
  • Figure 7. Remove hub assembly from chassis.

Step 5 – Install the new hub assembly

Clean off the work area and install the new hub.

  • Slide the hub onto the axle.
  • Tighten the 14mm bolts for the wheel hub assembly.
  • Install the axle nut, washer, lock spring, and cotter pin.
  • Reinstall the rotor.
  • Mount the brake caliper.
  • Finally, install the wheels.
Figure 8. New hub installed.

Featured Video: Front Wheel Hub Replacement

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