All new model Dakotas (after '96) have sealed bearings up front.
Rich - Ashburn, VA
-----Original Message-----
From: Tubamirbls@aol.com [mailto:Tubamirbls@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, July 22, 2002 10:26 AM
To: dakota-truck@dakota-truck.net
Subject: Re: DML: Inspect front wheel bearings
You raise the question regarding whether or not your truck has "sealed"
[front wheel bearings] or not: I wasn't aware that any Dakota had such
however there may well be. My 2k factory manual describes a disassembly and
installation procedure for both 2 and 4wh dr models so I assume there were
no
seald bearings on the 2000 models at least. If you have a truck older than
2000 it is safe to assume you do not have sealed bearings. Best bet is to
phone your dealer's service dept and enquire.
Having access to compressed air to do a proper bearing service job is only
one part of the task. The clincher from my experience is to also have
access
to a proper bearing greasing tool, the device for forcing the fresh grease
into the inside race of both bearings to ensure each roller is fully and
properly lubricated for the ensuing 25k mi. I have an air compressor but I
don't have the lubricating tool. What I've done in the past is, after
cleaning and blowing dry the bearings, to take them to the nearest garage or
full service gas station that has one and pay a couple of bucks (sometimes
they don't want any $'s) to have them squeeze in the new grease. Obviously
you must walk, ride a bike or have access to another vehicle in order to do
this! Also, it's important you keep the left and right bearing set separate
to reinstall as they came off, so if you do this, wrap one set in a rag and
the other in paper towels or some similar system for ensuring you don't mix
them.
You need a can of bearing grease so upon installation you can apply a thin
coat of grease to the inside circumference of the hub. Moisture tends to
accumulate inside the hub and since it's cast iron, rust will develop
quickly
if this surface does not have a thin grease coat. Same for the
spindle,-----
thin coat. And before replacing each bearing, add a thin wrapping coat
around the outside [of the bearing surface]. Never apply gobs of grease
anywhere in this service procedure as it has nothing to do with good
lubrication, puts a "strain" of sorts on the inside seal, and in hot weather
driving is likely to bleed out either or both sides and create a real mess.
In the old drum brakes on front wheel days, the risk of over lubrication
would usually result in the mess getting onto and quickly ruining the front
shoes.
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