I know that this topic has been covered but I just want to tell about my problem today with them.Let me give a little history of my brakes/bearing situation.I bought my truck new(2000 XLT 2WD).Before it went out of factory warranty I had the rotors,pads and bearings replaced due to a front end vibration.Everything looked fine but was replaced anyway.That was at about 32,000 miles.At 83,000 miles the wear indicators started squeeking so I replaced the pads only,rotors had no pulsation.At about 130,000 miles I started feeling a little vibration in the front end.The vibration is hard to describe.Not like a tire out of balance but more like a hum that you could feel in the steering wheel if that makes sense.I just figured it was the truck getting old because it really wasn't that bad.Well,earlier this week the wear indicators started squeeking again(145,000 miles)so I bought a set of new pads and replaced them.In the process I noticed that the rotor didn't feel right when you spun it by hand and it made more noise than it should have.I figured wheel bearings.This was the driver side rotor,passenger side felt normal.I picked up the inner and outer wheel bearings and races and an inner seal.I pulled it apart tonight and the outer bearing was shot.There were metal shavings in the grease and the race was pitted and burnt looking.I pounded the old races out and the new ones in and cleaned everything out.Packed the new bearings and put it all back together.The spindle had 2 marks where both bearings rode but you couldn't feel them when running you finger across it.If I had gone much more it would have ruined the spindle for sure.I just drove it and the vibration is gone and it is much smoother overall.Not bad getting 60,000 miles on the front brakes,especially since I tow a car trailer.I checked the rears and they are about due to be replaced which I will do this weekend.But the rears have never been touched with 145,000 miles on them! Surprising how long these brakes can last.I guess the moral is to repack the bearings if you have anywhere near 100,000 miles on them.And if you feel a vibration like I described,look at the bearings first.

 

I repacked mine recently because of water intrusion. I used a synthetic marine grease since I have every intention of putting them under water again!.

Good post, Marc!

 

I would love to repack / replace my front wheel bearings but I'm told this isn't an option with a 4x4. Thank goodness for extended warranties.

 

Yep, it's a parts racket!! If you have any trouble with the new 4x4's you have to replace the entire hub assemble. I just had it done. Under warranty thankfuly!

 

Did the invoice say how much the repair cost??

 

Nope. I was hoping it would, but no price listed.

 

Actually, does the situation regarding the wheel bearings being non-replaceable apply to a 2000 as well??

 

im not positive tom but im pretty sure its the same. i wonder if you have PVH (?) hubs or a live axle like the newer ones

 

I'm 99% sure he's got the PVH hubs.. ..I mean his truck is so old that it has the ancient OHV 4.0 engine!