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Spindle bearing

addicted

Bronco Guru
Joined
Jun 7, 2009
Messages
1,936
Loc.
Broussard, Louisiana
I tore down my D44 the other day and noticed that there is a needle bearing inside the spindle. I never saw them before and I cant seem to find them in any vendor catalog. Im replacing all my seals and I would like to replace these too. Anybody know where I can get these and how easy or hard they are to replace. Thanks!
 

DirtDonk

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Nov 3, 2003
Messages
47,346
SBK-1 is one of the common numbers for a kit with the bearing and the small seal(s) in it.
Some brands use just BK-1, but something like that should get you in the ballpark.

Paul
 

broncodriver99

Bronco Guru
Joined
Jan 27, 2008
Messages
4,780
Loc.
Glen Allen, VA
They are easy to replace with a slide hammer and a socket. Wild Horses has some new bushings that replace the bearings and are supposed to last longer. May be worth a look.
 

DirtDonk

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Bronco Guru
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Nov 3, 2003
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47,346
Oh, and do a search on it too, for the different methods of removal/installation, and relative amounts of hair pulled for each. ;D

In my opinion, if they look like they're in good shape after a good cleaning, you're ahead of the game by just re-lubing them and leaving them in. If they're bad, replace them, but if they're still good, don't give yourself fits by trying to put new ones in there.
They're only in use while in 4wd, so don't get as much wear as other units do. They do get a lot of weather-wear however. Especially if not kept lubed.
I may be over-playing the drama a bit, but I've never had an easy time doing that job.

Good luck.

Paul
 
OP
OP
addicted

addicted

Bronco Guru
Joined
Jun 7, 2009
Messages
1,936
Loc.
Broussard, Louisiana
Thanks guys. I got ahead of myself and asked before I searched. Replacing them sounds fun. Lol. Im putting in new axles so I dont want old crusty bearing riding on my new shafts.
 

DirtDonk

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Messages
47,346
Since I have a spindle-luber, I don't have to do this, but when you're putting the spindles back on, I would pack grease in there pretty good. During installation the axle will push excess grease out the front, which you can then use for the wheel bearings.
This way though, the spindle is fairly full of good clean grease, and will keep your axle shafts and bearings more or less rust and gunk-free for years.

Paul
 

frenchy

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Nov 29, 2005
Messages
1,043
you know I've never had any trouble replacing spindle bearings, done alot of them through the years. I use a brass punch with a lip on the end you would hit with the hammer. Drive it out and then use a press to install new one. HTH someone
frenchy
 

DirtDonk

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Nov 3, 2003
Messages
47,346
you know I've never had any trouble replacing spindle bearings. HTH someone

Yes it does! Now we know where to go when we need some replaced.
Hey, spindle bearing replacement party at frenchy's!!! ;D

Paul
 

turbotim2

____________
Joined
Jun 26, 2003
Messages
1,954
I just replaced mine and ended up using an old rear spring bolt with the nut put on it backwards. The lip of the nut will catch the bearing, hit it with a hammer and they came right out.
 
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