how to change axle/wheel bearings on Dana 44 (xj)?

[ncgamedog]

Picked up an XJ 44 for my MJ over the weekend. thinking I want to replace the bearings at the end of the tubes and brakes as a precautionary measure before I install. How do you replace the bearings? Are they pressed onto the shaft? or into the end of the tube? If on the axle, whats the best method for getting them off? I hate to have to pay someone b/c the parts are cheap. I checked on wheel cylinders, shoes, maxi pack (springs and hardware), bearings and seals and it was less than $50 for both sides. thanks -J

[jpdocdave]

the bearing is prssed on the shaft, and i'm trying to remember if the older xj d44's are the same, and they should be as what i'm thinking. there's a collar also holding it on. you have to buy the seal, bearing, and collar. which on the zj's which i do a lot of, those three parts are about 100 bux a side.

 

anywho, to remove the collar you drill a hole almost through, do not drill to the shaft, then you hit it with a chisel. the collar then cracks, and will slide off. there's a tool for removing the race inside the tube, but iirc on the d44's they aren't pressed in the tube very hard, you should be able to pull it out.

 

not very common for those bearings to go bad, not a lot of stress on them like a pinion or carrier bearing. the seals do leak some times though.

[johnnyc]

Then you'll need a large shop press to get the new collars onto the shafts.

[ncgamedog]

Thanks fellas...I believe I will take a chance on them. the tubes don't appear to be leaking and the bearings don't really sound or feel bad by just turning the axle by hand. Could you heat the new stuff in the oven to get them to drop on? Doubt I'll do it anyway but just in case... I think I will just concentrate on the brake parts and call it good.

[jpdocdave]

honestly you'll probably be ok. normally i'd say replace stuff now, but if it appears ok, those aren't really a big problem.