I own a 1991 Chev V2500 Suburban. I replaced the hub and rotor assemblies including bearings when I replaced the ball joints in 2018. Since then I took two trips to Texas from New England. It's time to replace the ball joints again and am preparation for another trip to Texas. The rotors are in good shape. In the past I struggled getting the old bearing races out of the hub and ended up taking them to a shop to get out. If they need replacing I would just get new hub and rotor assemblies that come with the races installed. But those are a little pricey. In trying to save a dollar I am wondering on the wisdom of just replacing the bearings and re-installing the old hub and rotor assembly since the rotors are in good shape. My concern is re-using the old races with new bearings. Any advice on this move would be appreciated. Thanks.
CK5
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Replace hub and rotor during ball joint repair?
- Thread starter GaBnn3
- Start date
I still have my original bearings.
What are you doing to need new bearings every few years?
Not putting the truck to any hard uses. The hub and bearings need to be removed in order to replace the ball joints. I thought that as long as it was this far apart that it would be wise to replace them. Otherwise I had no reason to think they are bad. I noticed that some of the previously red high-temp grease was black, I assume from the heat. But there was no noise or other symptoms suggesting a problem with the bearings. It sounds like I would be safe re-assembling the front end and going on my trip. If I do that should I repeat the bearing seating procedure using the torque specs in the manual? Thanks.
im sure the bearings are fine. remove them and just repack them with grease.
Yes, every time you remove it you do the same procedure putting it back
Pretty sure the hubs and rotors on my 77 are original. Bearing have probably been changed, but i don't remember changing them, only cleaning and repacking
Put a visual on the bearings but it’s highly likely they are still fine. Some fresh grease and go.
If for some reason you’re worried about the rotors, you can have them turned while they are on the vehicle. That would save you from messing with all that and then you’ll know everything is as good as it needs to be.
If for some reason you’re worried about the rotors, you can have them turned while they are on the vehicle. That would save you from messing with all that and then you’ll know everything is as good as it needs to be.
He's doing ball joints, so they gotta come off.
Thank guys. This forum is a valuable resource.
I live in north east snow / rust belt . I am still running my 1st dana 60 from 2002ish and i waited almost 20 yearsto inspect my bearings . Other than nasty worn out grease the bearings and races with just fine original timken from 1984 when the axle was built .
Our live spindle vehicles do NOT eat bearings like unit bearings setups do .
Our live spindle vehicles do NOT eat bearings like unit bearings setups do .
The hub itself isn't even a wear item. Unless you get it filled with water or create some physical damage, it may never need replacement. I've also heard some mixed stories on the quality of the hubs that are available new now.
I purchased used hubs oem for my 8 lug conversion
