Technical Topics No.2

FRONT WHEEL BEARINGS.

Front wheel bearings should be repacked every 30,000 Kms, or more frequently if the vehicle is used under severe driving conditions such as deep water crossings. It is a time consuming process so at least half a day should be set aside for the task.

Before you start, read the appropriate section of the workshop manual (available on loan to club members who don't have one). Apart from the normal sockets/spanners, some more specialised tools are required, - a pair of external and internal circlip pliers, an 8mm Allen Key or Allen Key Socket, an Impact Driver, a hub cap remover or similar bar ( for removal of rear seal) and a hub-nut wrench (P/No. 5-8840-2117-0) though the latter can be improvised using a pair of suitable screwdrivers or rods. Wheel Bearing grease and new grease (oil) seals are also required.

Each side has a total of seven nuts (6 wheel nuts, 1 hub nut), 14 bolts (12 from the hub assembly, 2 from the brake calipers), 3 hub nut locking screws and a circlip to be undone before you have the hub, complete with the brake disk, in your hands. Removing the 3 hub nut locking screws for the first time may require the use of an impact screwdriver, or you risk chewing out the Phillip's heads because a thread sealant has been used. The grease (oil) seal, which retains the inner bearing can be easily removed using a hub-cap remover tool, or similar.

Thoroughly clean and dry the bearings and inspect for pitting and/or scouring, (if so, the bearings should be replaced). Repack each bearing ensuring that the cavity between each roller and the bearing cage is filled with grease. Fill the recess in the centre of the hub with grease, refit the bearings and install a new grease seal, then replace the hub. Tighten the hub nut to seat the bearings then adjust the bearing pre-load to 1.5 Kg measured at the wheel studs (or 2- 2.5 Kg for new bearings and seal). It is also important to grease the spacer, ring and splines of the manual locking mechanism before re-assembly. Before re-fitting the front wheel, it is a good opportunity to grease the upper and lower ball joints as well.

Double check that all nuts and bolts have been correctly tightened, then road test the vehicle.

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This series of technical articles is of a general nature. The views expressed are not necessarily related to the Jackaroo, or any other make or model of vehicle. The content is believed to be accurate, but no responsibility can be accepted for errors or inaccuracies. If you have a problem with your vehicle you should consult a competent mechanic.