Rising Fawn

88 Comanche Chief 4.0L 4WD Dana 30 front axle, stock set up.
I've noticed some oil on the inside of my right front tire.
I also notice a slight bearing noise when I turn the steering wheel to the left when driving.

I'm pretty sure that the caged needle bearing on the stub shaft has failed along with the inner seal.
This is the bearing that supports the inner end of the right front stub axle beside the 4WD shift collar.
Both of my front hubs are OK.

How big a job is it to change this bearing and seal?
I'm a experienced mechanic.

Thanks for any response

DFlintstone

I know nothing about a needle bearing myself, but had loads of fun with the seal on the right. This thread has some info from people trying to help me>> https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/dan...-disco-172988/

Rising Fawn

Thanks DFlintstone for the information, it will help a lot.
After reading about the installation of that seal outboard the shift collar, I'm gonna buy one and make a puller before I start the job.

I'm still looking for information on changing the Needle Bearing for that axle.
Is that bearing supporting the inner or outer shaft....or more likely both? Is it mounted inboard the 4WD disconnect, or outboard?

Thanks again

DFlintstone

All I can say is I didn't notice anything like a bearing pulling my outboard shaft. Does make sense there would be something, and "outboard on the inboard" shaft, would make sense.

I wonder if one might drive it out with a rod clear through and out the left front hub....

jedijeb

There are needle bearings inside a hole in the outer shaft and I am guessing a stub on the inner shaft that rides inside it. I noticed these when I had mine out last summer.

I probably should have removed the CAD to make sure the two shafts slid together right but I just put it in and hoped for the best.

Rising Fawn

I checked the oil in the front trans axle today and it was really low.
I've got to fix that seal.
Thank goodness I don't put a lot of miles on this truck or I might have caused a big problem.