1991 Front Wheel Bearings

[littlerob]

Hey guys, new member here, first post, new for me-old Explorer too. 1991 E.B. I know that the front wheel bearings need to be replaced. But I am not in a position to do it right now, pro'ly next weekend. The questions I have are; can I drive it to work? And what is the result of driving on a bad bearing? Worst case scenario?

Thanks, Robert

 

[huntman58]

Hey guys, new member here, first post, new for me-old Explorer too. 1991 E.B. I know that the front wheel bearings need to be replaced. But I am not in a position to do it right now, pro'ly next weekend. The questions I have are; can I drive it to work? And what is the result of driving on a bad bearing? Worst case scenario?

Thanks, Robert

Worse case is one of two things and I have had both happen neither is fun.

The bearing race welds its self to the spindle from heat and or the grease can catch fire or both.

Next you can snap off the spindle or have the bearings give out fully and lose a wheel neither is fun. Bearings are cheap just remember to also replace the rear grease seal and replace the races also with the bearing rollers. its more time then cost but if you have any other means or wheels I would use them and let it sit so you do not cause any more damage then what you have now as threes many things you could harm driving it. I also say better safe then sorry and if the cash is not there now to fix it I am willing to bet the cash will not be there for a more expensive fix next weekend also.

 

[littlerob]

Thanks for the reply, I am in a new town with no other means to get to and fro. Right now the wheel is sounding like the off balance, tire wear sound, with NO grinding or noticable driving change, I guess what I am getting at is; is there a real undeniable condition where I know I am driving on the edge of catastrophe? Or do I really need to hoof it?

Robert

 

[Roadrunner777]

This is like (and I can say this because I am this guy) This is like a 300 pound guy asking if a Big Mac is going to kill him. Probably not. But if it does, it's gonna be serious.

Stay off the highway, avoid potholes, and if it gets worse, you know what you have to do.

 

[Tbars4]

..:scratch:..Worst case scenario?

..Post #106 of this thread..
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=199915&page=6

 

[littlerob]

..:scratch:..Worst case scenario?

..Post #106 of this thread..
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=199915&page=6

Holy @%$ just from driving 5 houses away!!! I am going to have to be cautious and drive it. I just drove it a few minutes ago for about 20 miles, jumped out and felt the hubs, warm but not screaming hot. I can hear the wawawa when I drive straight, but only over say 30 MPH. When I drive slow I cannot hear it. Also I have read here that some guys don't hear any noise when they turn, mine still makes the noise. Could this possibly be something else? Thank you guys, especially the analogy about the fat guy.

Robert

 

[Tbars4]

..It don't cost nothing to borrow a jack, jack it up and spin the wheel, remove the wheel and do some investigating..

 

[Wolf328]

If you don't have time till next weekend, rent or borrow a vehicle. Better than making things worse or more expensive for you. Just a thought

 

[littlerob]

Uhh thought it was pretty clear that I am broke. I am new to Portland, so I know no one. Just barely started new job. Just barely started humm humm in the front end.

 

[Tbars4]

..If you don't have a jack in your truck..

...Go to a tire or brake shop for a free inspection..