Front end squeaks--need help!!!

[Jambo1]

Hey Guys,

Im getting major sqeaking from the front end. It was originally only when I was turning corners but now its when Im driving straight.

I need to replace the bearings in the front.

I need help with what to say when I go to the parts store. Do I want tapered bearings for the front end and also the seals?

What all do I need and will the parts store have it or is it common for them to have to rder these things?

A friend looked at the front end and said the u-joints are bad. Do I need to get bearings and u-joints? Im confuse and new to this.

And should I buy a puller?

Please help

Thanks!!! :D

[ August 01, 2002, 05:38 PM: Message edited by: Jambo1 ]

[Jambo1]

Also, will a standard "Schucks" or "Napa" parts store have all I need?

[ChickenTender]

Heya Jambo1.. Just down here Ballard! Cheers. ;)

Yeah, Shucks should have everything you'll need, or they can get it quick. Just tell them the year/make/model.
You're probably talking about the front wheel bearing, which, yes, you have to buy. (or, depending on their condition, you could just repack them as long as their is no binding when you're through - if so replace them.
The bearings for the Ujoint are part of the joint, i.e. they come w/ it. They'll usually have a beefier joint available than stock oem replacement. Just make sure the one you get has a zerk fitting on it so you don't have to do this again... or at least for a looonnng time.
AND.. for the love of mike, pick up a Haynes or a Chilton manual for your rig (or both). The Chilton has a bit more technical info, but the Haynes IMO does a better job at actually showing you how to DO most of the jobs you'll encounter.
Cheers and good luck, man.

[ChickenTender]

Oh yeah - by puller, you mean the Ujoint tool, right? You could pick on up, though when I did mine I just got the biggest c-clamp I could find at Fred Meyer and put a really big (or at least bigger than the width of the bearing cap on the u-joint) against one for the cap to slide out in.

[Jambo1]

Thanks CT,

I went to schucks and got the inner and outer bearings for the front end. I also picked up a grease seal for each side. The outer seals came with the sleeve that gets pressed into the hub.....but the inner bearings did not. The guy said they were $9.00 bucks each for the inner bearing sleeves. Whats up with that? :eek:

He said I could re use the sleeves from the previous bearing set thats pressed into the hub unless it was scratched up. What do you think?

Im looking into getting one of the hub sockets. Is it worth the money?

Going to tackle this project over the weekend.

Thanks for the info!! smile.gif

[ChickenTender]

Yeah the puller is worth it.

Also, anything they don't have at Shuck's or anything you think sounds overpriced, you might check on www.partsamerica.com (http://www.partsamerica.com)
they give you all sorts of price ideas though it is usually always cheaper through somebody online.. I've not used it much though, just 'cause you have to wait for the parts! smile.gif But it's nice for researching and what not.

[Jambo1]

CT, I checked out your KL-5 gig. Hope you dont mind. Listened to some mp3's. Sounds cool! Im a six stringer myself. Been in a couple bands, nothing big. Anyway, goodluck and thanks for the help.

Jambo 1

[ChickenTender]

Not a problem... Don't mind at all! If your ever down in Seattle for the weekend check our page.. we play Molly McGuire's in Ballard all the time and a few other pubs scattered around, but Molly's about every other Saturday or so.
Thanks for the listen.