Ok, here's my problem.

My truck has been sitting still for roughly six months because I didn't have the cash to fix it until just recently. The original problem was that the brakes and the rotor on the right side needed changing out. Of course, when a truck sits up for six months, it tends to accumulate problems.

My current dilemma is in dealing with the front wheel hub/bearings. I went recently to get new bearings because the whole thing is bone dry of grease; I was told that the whole assembly was a sealed unit and would need replacing, costing me upwards of $200 which, as a college student, I can't really afford.

So, here's my question: instead of buying a new one or getting one from a junkyard, is it possible to switch out the '01 hub for a '99 hub with replaceable bearings?

 

a '99 is also a non-replaceable bearing. they are called unit bearings (bears/hubs together in one unit). napa sells them, with a lifetime warranty, for about $130 each. if you have 4 wheel ABS they will be more expensive.



edit:just saw you have a 2wd. disregard everything i said then, i have no idea on the pavement pounders

 

napa online doesnt list any for a 2WD.. just a 4WD..



same thing on advancedautoparts.com

autozone.com lists them as timkin bearings.. good brand.. and lists a part number but says they ARE NOT available online or in a store..

might have to check your dealer...

as for as switching them i think the spindles are the same .... and same A arms aswell.. like rad im not postive on a 2wd..

 

Makeitmopar.com lists stuff for front hub/wheel bearing. To the tune of $130 ($175 from dealer) for 2WD.

Good question. I can guess what the answer is, because if it was easy to do, I'm sure more people would have done it. Horray for expensive parts [:'(]

 

I remember reading somewhere that the 2wd hub has a snap ring on the back that allows for the changing of the wheel bearing, if you can locate the correct bearing replacement. I believe it still needed to be pressed out with a bearing press though. I've never worked on a 2wd truck though, or any 01 for that matter so I can't say for sure how it's setup. If you have the hub off already, maybe you could take a look?

 

I won't have a chance to take the hub off again until this weekend, but I'll check it out when I do.

 

the 01 pdf manual doesnt say anything about a snap ring or replaceable bearings..it only refers to the bearings as "hub/bearing" when it talks about removing and replacing.. it does say that the hub bearing nut can not be reused..

 

It's an "unofficial" procedure Though I know there are aftermarket companies that sell the bearings for them. I believe Timkens lists just a bearing for the 2wd trucks and not a whole hub assembly.

 

So basically what you're saying is that if I can find a bearing replacement and someone with a bearing press, I could probably have the bearing changed out?

 

If it's the kind of hub I'm thinking it is. All depends on what you find when you pull it off the truck.