Steve,

Front bearings are easy, and should be done every time you renew the brakes. Rear bearings are different, and much larger and more durable. They will last a long time as long as the seals are intact, mine have 200,000 miles so far, and maybe I'll repack them next time I do the CVs.

It is time consuming to do right. After removing the axles, you must remove the brake drum and hub (rent an electric impact driver and socket to save yourself much aggravation), drive the stub axles out of the bearings, then pry out (destroying in the process) the two seals (inner and outer). Then you need a fairly long punch (drift) to evenly tap out the two bearings by hitting on the outer race only. Then clean them in solvent, spray with Brakleen to remove any residue, and use a cone type bearing packer to inject new bearing grease of your choice. then tap them back in and replace the seals with new ones. (put a little grease on the lips too.) Drive in the stub axle and use the impact driver to tighten the hub nut. Replace the brake drum and wheel and you are done.

It'll cost less than $50 including the impact driver, and about four hours. This is one of those that is a pain but will save you a lot of money. I say do it every 100,000 miles, or every CV replacement if you are up to the extra work.

-- Stuart MacMillan Manager, Case Program 800-909-8244 ext. 8208

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