Repacking front hubs

[lettereleven]

I've got a question about the degree of precision that goes into repacking a hub. If you are able to share you experience, I would be very grateful.

The other week, I replaced my front calipers/rotors/pads.
To remove the rotor, I removed the outer bearing.
I wiped it off (clean rags) and re-installed it (with fresh bearing grease) with the new rotor.
I tightened it up with the some needlnose pliers so that it felt nice and snug.

This week, I have steering wobble :( To be honest, I've had it for quite a while (~5 months).
Usually happens around 60km/h. Pretty sure its not outer tie rods as they are 1 year old. Wheels were just balanced last week.
So I am left thinking bearings (when jacked up, front tires have vertical and lateral play)

In researching replacing bearings, I read many posts about repacking/adjusting them. Also read the service manual where it quotes very precise torque to reinstall the locking nut. All of which requires the "special tool" (see image). In all the posts I read about repacking hubs there was no mention of torque or special tools.

Is it possible to repack your hubs without the special tool? I appreciate your perspective greatly.

J

[yojimbo]

Well i havent done the 300, but that looks like it says to do it up tight, then back it off a little, and bearings i have done where backlash is needed has always been a hit or miss affair of getting them right!

[Manitoba deli]

While there are very specific torques, most mechanics develop a "feel" for it. If you can, have someone who has done it a number of times to give you a hand and check your work. It is very hard to describe how it should "feel", so if you don't have someone to help, the spec's are what you need to follow. If after you get the bearings adjusted, and if the front end is good and you still have wheel wobble, I have found the best way to fix this with oversize tires is internal wheel balancing. It is basically material placed inside the tire and it self balances every time you drive. There are many different products you can buy for this, but I now use BB's (steel) purchased at wal-mart or canadian tire. But first make sure the wheel bearings are adjusted correctly, and all the suspension components are in good shape.
Jason

[lettereleven]

Thank you both very much- both comments are very helpful.
I very recently had the internal balancing beads added - they are great!

I will have another go adjusting the bearings this weekend. If it doesnt work out, I will take it in and get some help.

Thanks again,
Jamie.

[Firesong]

A question. What is the condition of the inner bearing?

[lettereleven]

It's a good question!
I have no idea.

If I can ask a question back to you FS, how can I check?

Before I dive in there again, I think I would like to have new bearings in hand, just in case.

[Firesong]

I've played with bearings in trailers and we did the outer repack with Manitobadeli. But I wasn't comfortable enough to tackle inners on my own on the van. Manitobadeli is the man to answer that question. I do know when they go is a bad noise.

[jessef]

pull the hub and replace both inner and outer. They are cheap and worth it especially considering the size of tires you're running on blueberry.

[lettereleven]

Yeah, I am with you on that - pulling and replacing both is the revised plan.

I thought the wobble might have been a result of inadequate adjustment/greasing, but in hindsight, there was play in the wheels even before I started mucking around in there.

There appear to be aftermarket outer bearings available (Napa, Rockauto). The outer bearings I have are Timken ones (I happened to notice). So far I havent found any aftermarket ones the inner bearings. All the local shops have OEM only.

Anyone replaced inner L400 bearings with aftermarket? If so, I'd really appreciate the PN.

Cheers,
Jamie.