Mechanic says I only have wheel bearings in the front?

[Positive Vibes]

Do we have wheel bearing in the rear? I took the truck in and they said I only have wheel bearings in the front? I kinda figureed they had to be on all the wheels. Also I told him I wanted my hubs repacked and he said the wheel bearings and hubs were one in the same. This just sounds kinda funny. Any imput? Thanks!

 

[Dan Whitaker]

He is some what correct. The rear end does not have wheel bearings, but it does have bearings. A wheel bearing is what is called a tapered roller bearing. The ones in the rear axle which are located behind the brake drums or rotors )if you have disc brakes) is a ball bearing. So technicaly he is right. It is also posible that the hub and wheel bearings are a one piece unit. I know for a fact Ford did this on the '90s Cougars and
T-Birds.

 

[Rick]

Actually a wheel bearing is a wheel bearing whether it is a tapered roller bearing or a ball bearing, in the front or in the rear.

If your truck is a '94 as it states in your profile than yes your bearing must be repacked periodically. They didn't go to the sealed design until '95.

The rear bearings require no maintenance, but it is a good idea to inspect the machined surface on the axle shaft if you have high mileage. The axles must be removed for that obviously. If there is excessive wear, which is visable by seeing material which has been removed from the machined surface on the axle (galling) you can get off-set bearings which will place the load on a fresh portion of the axles machined surface.

 

[Positive Vibes]

Thanks for the replies! So he was correct about the rear not having "wheel bearings". Was he correct about the front wheel bearing and the manual hubs being basically one unit and not having to grease them both?

 

[mrboyle]

Originally posted by Positive Vibes
Was he correct about the front wheel bearing and the manual hubs being basically one unit and not having to grease them both?

The front wheel bearings require repacking (normally done as part of a front brake job), but the hubs do not need to be "packed." They do need to be cleaned and have fresh grease applied to them every now and then (sooner if your X sees snow, mud or water frquently).