OK, so I bought a set of wheel bearings and seals from Morris 4X4 for my 89 XJ. Unfortunately my Hanes manual says that it is a job best left to a mechanic and doesn't give any details.

I have access to a fully loaded shop complete with presses, etc.

Could someone here please give a writeup explaining the order of operation for removing and installing a set of wheel bearings and seals into the front hub assembly on my 89 XJ?

I've searched and couldn't find anything on teh interwebz other than, "just buy the whole assembly". I'll probably end up doing that anyway, but would like to rebuild one to keep as a spare since I already have the parts and the tools to do the job.

Thanks a ton.

 

If you have never done that before then I would replace the whole assembly and then try and rebuild the old ones.....so you don't risk something. I bought Timkons at rock auto for 60 a piece.

 

Yep, that's the idea. I'm just looking for someone that may know the order of operations for this process.

Is this something that would be covered in the FSM?

 

Yes, the factory service manuals will walk you through step by step on how to fix most everything. Those Haynes manuals are good if you need fire kindling, or need to raise your cup of coffee by 3/4" off the table.

 

If it's the 231 T-Case with Command Track and the Vacuum Disco on the RF axle, that seal is a real gitch. You gotta fab a tool to suck it in from outside. If it's the 242 it's allot easier.

For bearings, normally you just install a hub assembly. Btw, there is a neat trick to use the power steering and a 3/8 extension to pop the hub free, after you remove the 3 12 point 13mm bolts. You will need a 1/2 inch drive, 12 point 13mm socket.

 

O man, I coulda used that trick when I popped the hubs to do the axle u joints. Instead I put dummy hardware in the holes and beat them out. Made sure to clean the bores and anti-sieze them thoroughly when I reinstalled them. They should come out relatively easy when the time comes to do this job.

But yeah, I do have the vacuum actuator on the passenger side. Does it explain the seal trick in the FSM?

 

I don't think so. Maybe Cruiser will post up a pic of the tool he had made. Or maybe I can find something..


OK, Here> https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/dan...-disco-172988/

 

Most excellent DFlinstone. I'll keep that in mind when I eventually have to do the axle seals.

However, do you know of any tricks required when installing seals and bearings in the front wheel hub assembly?

 

Always use the socket trick with power steering. Makes it 100x easier.