8. The unit bearing came apart but left its mounting side still in the steering knuckle. We removed the knuckle from the axlehousing. This is not possible when the unit bearing is in one piece, but with the splined outer section removed, we were able to remove the two ball-joint nuts and drop the knuckle off the axle. We put the knuckle in the press and applied enough pressure to finally press the rusted old unit bearing out. This can have dire consequences, as the knuckles can bend if the unit bearing doesn't come out. After we removed the unit bearing, we checked the knuckle for flatness with a straightedge on the unit-bearing mounting surface. 9. We ordered the new unit bearing as well as most of our brake parts from the online parts house RockAuto.com. The unit bearing had the same casting marks as the one we removed, so we felt confident that they were quality pieces.9. We ordered the new unit bearing as well as most of our brake parts from the online part 10. If you buy a new truck with front unit bearings (especially a Dodge truck) and you live anywhere rust is prevalent, then it's a good idea to remove the unit bearing and add antiseize to the mating surfaces as soon as possible to make any future disassembly easier. Remember that jobs like changing gears or fixing broken U-joints or axleshafts will require removing the front unit bearings, and if they can't be pulled out later without destroying them, you may need to replace them even when the unit bearing is still good.10. If you buy a new truck with front unit bearings (especially a Dodge truck) and you liv 11. We cleaned the knuckle before assembly. First remove the axleshaft and line up the knuckle with the ball joints. Getting the ball-joint nuts installed requires an Allen wrench to keep the ball joint from spinning while tightening down the nut with a wrench.11. We cleaned the knuckle before assembly. First remove the axleshaft and line up the knu 12. Start the four mounting bolts into the unit bearing (using thread locker for a secure attachment), and slowly pull the unit bearing into place evenly. Follow your service manual for prescribed torque settings.12. Start the four mounting bolts into the unit bearing (using thread locker for a secure 13. The next-to-last step is installing the big axle nut and cotter key. Again, torque to spec as per your service manual.13. The next-to-last step is installing the big axle nut and cotter key. Again, torque to 14. With the unit bearing replaced, we installed new rotors and calipers from RockAuto.com as well as some performance brake pads from EBC. Use the brakes gently for the first few days of driving to properly seat.14. With the unit bearing replaced, we installed new rotors and calipers from RockAuto.com SOURCES Dynatrac RockAuto.com www.rockauto.com EBC Brakes Solid Axle Ind. www.solidaxle.com « | 1 | 2 | View Full Article Enjoyed this Post? Subscribe to our RSS Feed, or use your favorite social media to recommend us to friends and colleagues!
