The other day I was taking off the front driver side wheel and noticed that the wheel wiggle in all directions. I ruled out balljoints because the knuckle wasn't moving but it was the hub assembly itself. I figure that the wheel bearing had finally gone bad and it's time to change it. Is this a hard job to do and are there tips out there to help me out? I have a Haynes manual but it doesn't really explain how to do it.
The truck is a 1999 Dodge Dakota 4x4

 

its not hard if you have the right tools. the hardest part is all the rust i had to deal with. get a good punch or chisel and big BFH you will be fine.

this is what i followed to change out mine http://www.dakota-durango.com/forum/...ad.php?t=65393

get a sixpack and about a day its not that bad.

 

Using anti seize on the bolts when you're installing the new hub is also a good idea

 

Wow thats easier than I thought. Thanks for the tips and especially the writeup.

 

You can buy hubs with name brand (i.e. Timken) bearings at Rock Auto pretty reasonable, or hubs without name brand bearings for under $100. I recently had
'to replace my right front and didn't have lots of cash so went with a hubs from a place called BuyAuto, on ebay. So far so good. I think it has a 2 year warranty if I recall?

It's important to get the right torque on the big center nut on the shaft to 175 lbs. Too much and you can ruin your new bearing in a hurry. Use some anti sieze on the splines.

I did mine in less than an hour in the driveway in cold weather.

Good luck!

Oh, do NOT over tighten the bolts holding the brake caliper on!!! USE A TORQUE WRENCH!
Don't ask. :-( You need a metric hex 3/8" drive socket, forget the size. Cheap sets are available all over. PUt some anti sieze on those bolts, too, cuz the calipers slide on them.

 

x2 on getting a good brand name bearing like Timken. there are too many crappy chinese knock offs out there that fail way too fast.