tedrick92

The front bearings on my 1996 cherokee are trashed. If I were to buy the parts, will I be able to replace them myself? If so, What will I need? Thanks a bunch.

c-loss

We pulled a set last weekend and all it took was the socket to get the three bolts loose a BFH and some penetrating oil. Oh yeah and allot of time beacause it was a ***** getting them to let go and come out.

MasterShakeXJ

don't you have to press the new ones in?

99Bloodman

you need a 36 mm socket for the axle shaft nut, 12 point 13 mm socket for the three hub retaining bolts, a cold chisel and BFH to work out the old unit bearing. just did one of mine a week ago, took about 2 hours, but was really straightfoward and remarkably easy. look around for a writeup on how others have done it! make sure you get the right replacement bearing too, there may be two types. one for cast iron rotors and one for composite rotors.

c-loss

X2 as long as they are not seized in the nuckle from 20 years of rust and other crap.

tedrick92

Sorry guys, im a little confused. What exactly is BFH? X2?

ol"blue

Big F***ing Hammer

Venumb

Forget the BFH and simply loosen the 3 bolts holding the bearing in place (expose no more than half of the bolt threads initially), place a socket and an extension on the first bolt, have a helper start the engine, turn steering wheel until socket/extension make contact on swaybar bracket or other solid contact point, continue to slowly turn steering wheel in said direction, watch hub bearing begin to press itself out, place socket on next bolt and continue.

Edit...use caution when doing this as things...namely fingers... can get crushed if you're not careful. Gloves and safety glasses aren't a bad idea when performing this task. Cheers!

BudgetXJ

Good call. I never thought/herd of doing it this way but it makes perfect sense.

GTPstarter

AND make sure you have the three OEM replacement bolts to use just in case you break one or worse yet , have to cut one off....

Had to order mine through my local Jeep stealer.

Venumb

I've done both mine pass side 2 months ago, and drivers side less than a year ago using this method. Worked like a charm both times.

Venumb

Don't have more than half of the threads showing and you should be good to go. Ask me how I know........

tedrick92

how do I know if I have cast iron or composite rotors?