Replace or reuse swivel pin bearings?

[Tree Trimmer]

Over the weekend I was adjusting the preload on the swivel pins and broke one of the top swivel pin bolts. Since I had to remove the swivel pin housing to remove the broken bolt I started wondering how far should I go to overhaul what I have already taken apart. The disco is a '95 with 136k. I don't know yet if I will need to replace the swivel pin and bearings due to wear until I can put it back together, I was just wondering if this is a good idea anyway. Also, I had wanted to replace the wheel bearings at the next brake job, should I consider this now since I have the hub off. Also posted at p4x4.

Thanks
Tim

 

[DiscoJen]

It wouldn't hurt to put a new bearings in, they are pretty cheap, hardest thing was finding a dealer that had them in stock. You'll have to reset your preload too so you might also need to purchase several different thicknesses for shims as well.

 

[antichrist]

Certainly woudln't hurt, but keep in mind that the swivel bearings aren't like hub bearings in that they are constantly rotating. As Jen said you'll have to reset your preload. If you're going to replace the bearings just for the heck of it, I'd go ahead and get a complete kit.

 

[ptschram]

I have 214K on my lower swivel pin bearings and don't consider them to have exceeded their life.

They are constantly in motion, bathed in oil, etc.

 

[Steve Rupp]

Put some big tires on and it changes everything. My truck has 90k and after running the 35's for a bit I destroyed my upper bearings and my lower bearings are starting to feel like they have a few flat spots. Since I haven't put my fuse in for my abs in over a year, I'm starting to line up parts to eliminate the flat roller bearing on the top and run a non-abs upper bearing and pin. I can't stand that little upper bearing.

 

[MUSKYMAN]

yeah the offset rims dont do those shitty flat bearings any good

 

[Tree Trimmer]

That's an interesting point about the ABS because mine is unplugged. Is there much involved in replacing the bushing with non-ABS type. Also I do run 265/75-16, not too big but am planning to regear and go slightly larger in the future.

Thanks,
Tim

 

[Orville]

I just replaced mine, the pair is less than 40 dollars a side. Makes a huge difference on the highway across expansion joints, bridges, etc. You'll have to have the truck realigned. Check with dap rover, or atlantic british.

Good luck

 

[MUSKYMAN]

You'll have to have the truck realigned.

you shouldent need to adjust the toe after a pre-load adjustment or a full swivel ball rebuild.

 

[Steve Rupp]

You won't need an alignment if you just mess with the swivels.

 

[Tree Trimmer]

Thanks everybody, I think I'll check into the non-ABS bearings.

Tim

 

[antichrist]

I have no idea if it will or not, and you certainly don't want to ask them, but messing with your ABS, like disconnecting it, may have an adverse effect on your insurance coverage in the event of an accident, if it's noticed you made changes.

 

[Tree Trimmer]

I think you are right, I'm certainly not going to ask them!

Tim

 

[Tree Trimmer]

The non-ABS is going to be a little too involved for right now, just going back with the existing parts if I can get the correct preload before I remove all the shims.

Tim

 

[Steve Rupp]

I have no idea if it will or not, and you certainly don't want to ask them, but messing with your ABS, like disconnecting it, may have an adverse effect on your insurance coverage in the event of an accident, if it's noticed you made changes.

Yes I think it does. I'm not suggesting that anybody follow me in changing to non abs swivel pins. I was just making the statement that the swivel bearings do wear out. Soon I will be changing my front CV's to longfields which have no abs ring anyway, so it doesn't matter. I guess I'll take extra special care driving. LOL

 

[Tree Trimmer]

The idea appealed to me because of having bearings vs. bushings. No data, just preference. I too am upgrading in the future so I am sticking with what I have for now.

Tim