I felt play in both front wheel bearings, so I took the cap off and tightened up the nut. But there was still play, not dangerous, but enough where I thought they needed to be replaced - enough to create some road/bump jerk. There seemed to be more wear on the inside large bearing, as I was wheel/hub testing both sides. I took the hubs off, cleaned everything and inspected the bearings in my hand, coupled with both side races - I felt no play, felt like a tight fit. I have a wander/road-jerk problem, so I am taking one item at a time, repairing as I go (I already did the steering box adjustment, and noticed some improvement). Question: is it normal to feel bearing play with the wheel and hub on the axel, but not in-hand? The bearings and races say "New Departure", is this a factory (or not) item (the speedometer had 90,000 mile showing)? The part number on the outside bearing is worn off, but all part numbers on the other items are clearly visible. I saw no bearings for sale on this webpage, correct CP? Replace or not thank you for the thoughts.
Bearings New Departure bearings are the original from the factory. CP does sell bearings 73-011 frt inner and 73-041 frt outer. Are you sure that the caster shims are correct on your frt axle. In your picture it looks like your truck sits lower in the rear that can mess up your caster and give you wander. Just a thought Gene
Bearings in front It sits pretty level, amazing to me as it sat since 1961-2005 in a sand dune. The shims I put in myself then had a front end shop check out it all, after I did a front end align myself. He said it needed no adjustments (surprised was I) and in aggregate the front end looked ok to him. Like I said, I am going one potential problem item at a time and currently I am on the front wheel bearings. I appreciate the comments. kentc
Wheel bearings I put new bearing on one wheel, inside and out, and there is still some play in the movement of the wheel, top to bottom. And yes, it is in the axel to bearing space. I suppose the axel must just be worn a little where it touches the bearings and race. With interest, I am looking forward to taking pressure off the front springs to see of the bushings need replacement. kentc
Just for info if you lower the rear you will have more caster...something i do with air bags in the rear on the highway .Wont park well with more caster but will drive better at highways speeds. Now if you raise the rear you will loose caster and get wander but easier steering for parking.What i love about the rear airbags......
Put about 6 degrees of caster in the front .check it at the top of the kingpin.Top of axle tipped toward firewall. Also measure the steering drag link on the axle...next measure steering link on the steering box. Steering box has to be higher by at least 1 inch or straight axle bump steer. Things you can do to fix. Check the toe and play with it also.
