Jeep WJ Maintenance - Part 2: Balljoints and Hub Bearing Assembly Replacement

Jeep WJ Maintenance - Part 2: Balljoints and Hub Bearing Assembly Replacement - Vortex Garage Ep. 4

Рет қаралды 155,619

9 жыл бұрын

No Music Remaster now available here: - • REMASTERED - Jeep WJ M...
In part 2 of our WJ suspension refurb video, we tackle the first jobs on the front suspension. We strip down one side of the Dana 30 axle, go over how to remove the bearing assembly, and press out the lower and upper balljoints. Next we show how to press in the lower and upper balljoints, replace the hub bearing assembly, and install a new rotor. Look for part 3 coming soon, where we will replace the bushings on the upper control arms and D30 axle, and install new lower front control arms.

Пікірлер: 122

@VortexGarage 3 жыл бұрын

No Music Remaster is now live here! - kzfaq.info/get/bejne/r5h1bNOJ0KjDiJ8.html

@mattp9029 3 жыл бұрын

Can you update the description with the size of the bolt heads you are removing for each step?

@carterandy7202 2 жыл бұрын

i know Im asking randomly but does any of you know of a tool to get back into an Instagram account..? I was dumb lost the login password. I love any assistance you can give me.

@daxscott6096 2 жыл бұрын

@Carter Andy instablaster ;)

@carterandy7202 2 жыл бұрын

@Dax Scott I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and im waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will reply here later with my results.

@genobrn8743 5 ай бұрын

Thank you, great video and close up shots. I replaced bearing hub assay’s last year when I also did all 3 rear swing arm assay’s- those original bearing hubs are a challenge- hahahaha. Excellent tip on capping the lower joint grease fitting port. I’m ready for my weekend project on the 01 GC and thanks again.

@quadpit 8 жыл бұрын

These type of KZfaq videos have saved me a ton of money in allowing me to do almost every service on my 2003 WJ Overland with confidence. Thank you for taking the time and effort to make this and other videos as I am one if I see the steps it makes it so much easier than following my service manuals. Will need to do front bearings on mine this Spring so I am thinking I might as well do the ball joints too since I have 130,000 miles on mine and might as well freshen it all up at once. Cheers!

@VortexGarage 8 жыл бұрын

awesome, thanks! good luck!

@Den-tx1ml 4 жыл бұрын

@@VortexGarage What kind of red grease you are using for everything?

@VortexGarage 4 жыл бұрын

@@Den-tx1ml general axle grease. I think the grease gun has a tube of Lucas synthetic grease and I have a few tubs of general axle grease as well as a mobile one axle grease tub.

@farmboi1979 4 жыл бұрын

Huh dude forgot the upper rubber boot 😂 that will suck

@farmboi1979 4 жыл бұрын

Grrr people don't use you're old pads it easy to replace them especially when you're put a new rotor on. If you're putting on a new rotor just use new pads so they seat vers old pads could have wore alittle different. By the way that front end looked it might have been the original rotor

@JamesLaursen 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this series of videos! It helped cut the time in half. I did a full front and read rebuild on my 04 WJ by watching them. Especially this one!

@jamesdewer 2 жыл бұрын

Hey! Thanks for doing this vid. It was informative and saved me one hell of a lot of work. I'm keeping my ball joints lubed up. I noticed when they're lubed the steering is so much more precise. There's virtually no lag between input and road feel is greatly enhanced. Again, thank you for saving me about 4 hours.

@ericporter7303 8 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Vortex, you have made this rear upper and lower control arm job simple .I just completed my replacement job on my 2001 Grand Cherokee . If I had taken it to the shop they would've charged me $650.00 and I can do my own work so it was a pretty good Job . Thanks again Eric.

@VortexGarage 8 жыл бұрын

I'm glad it was helpful! There's a lot of jobs on the WJ and similar cars that is a fair bit of labor, so the cost gets high if you pay a shop to do it. Always feels great when you can do it yourself and save some $$! And you know it was done right!

@mrboots53 9 жыл бұрын

Great job -- Glad to see you used a new cotter pin!

@Rottidog68 5 жыл бұрын

Very good videos. Thanks for all the effort & information! To "lock" the front axle, I use a 2x4 cut to length. Put it on the brake pedal & wedge it against the front edge of the drivers seat. It's a must when working alone. Especially if you run wheel spacers (as I do).

@zxtenn 7 жыл бұрын

Just finished the passenger side axle on my 96 ZJ, replaced the axle, hub, backing plate and new hub bolts. To get the hub out I used 2 old bolts threaded in as you explained, that method works very well. Since its 20 years old I replaced the 3 bub bolts, 26.00 for all 3, it comes from NY so the typical rust underneath, old assembly was in there for 7 years and the boot was starting to crack-- Seemed easier to remove the ABS sensor because that's a tight fit

@UNKPCRIDE 6 жыл бұрын

Great video! Thank you. It helped me replace mine. Just a tip. If you are not able to get the rotor off, or just plan to replace the rotor with the wheel bearing, just unbolt the 3 bolts on the back of the hub, give it a solid hit with a sledge and the rotor and wheel bearing comes out as one piece.

@matteades1413 7 жыл бұрын

Thank you for posting this. It's a well made video and has a lot of good tips.

@kenandrew2557 8 жыл бұрын

After watching your video repeatedly I jumped in and completed the job. Tons of help by watching you but you must be superman,, pressing those balljoints in and out takes some serious horsepower. Thanks again and excellent tutorial-

@ronv6637 3 жыл бұрын

The press is to put pressure on the ball joint then hit the axle to cause it to move,tighten/hit until loose. A impact gun can work but good chance of bending press. A heavyduty air hammer can also drive the ball joints out(well equipped shop)

@wbball15 Жыл бұрын

Watching again in 2023

@southbay281 2 жыл бұрын

after changing my ball joints it cured my death wobble and made my steering feel tighter and more responsive. thanks for the video. the joint i got came from 1a auto and did not come with grease fitting inserts or plugs. they did come with snap ring but were not able to be used. tha threw me off a bit thinking they were not seated all the way but they were

@OverlandTT 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent step by step, my girlies Jeep needs the nearside balljoints doing but its 2˚C in the UK and no garage... Like you i'd do a talk through of what I do to help others. Her 2.7 Turbo Diesel WJ has been faultless. Good stuff!

@whizwit215 Жыл бұрын

Great vid! My 02 WJ Overland needs ball joint replacement. Now I know exactly what to do. Thank you!

@VortexGarage Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@clintegbert3405 7 ай бұрын

That was the best video ever, good job!!!

@jackkatogh 7 жыл бұрын

that victory song.... "It is extremely dangerous and could attack at any time, so now we must deal with it"

@Twizter68 7 жыл бұрын

Great video, but a couple sticking points; you said "maybe use a new cotter pin" or words to that effect. Never, EVER, reuse cotter pins. The bending multiple times weakens them, they are cheap to get. Also, your retainer cap for the axle nut looked pretty corroded, I may just be picky, buy any thin metal like that, that is that rusted, should be replaced; again, they are cheap at the parts store. Last point: precleaning will save you hassles taking everything apart. A good shot with some degree service and a pressure washer will make it easier to get PB Blaster, etc, into those joints.

@Amarillobymorning777 3 жыл бұрын

EXELENT JOB . GR8 video.

@russellking201 4 жыл бұрын

There is one thing that I would have gone that you didn't do. Degrease (and maybe hit it with a rust inhibitor or black spray paint) the whole area before re-installing the hub. The one thing that will stop a Jeep is rust. And it will make replacing the part next time much faster.

@VortexGarage 4 жыл бұрын

I totally agree - in retrospect it was the time to do that. I definitely recommend that as a step especially as these WJs continue to age! I'm seeing more and more rusty ones and it's sad

@jamesdewer 2 жыл бұрын

Thank God I live in California. My Jeep's got 233,000 mi on the chassis and it still looks like it's pretty nice. No leaks. These can

@AA-zm4ow 3 жыл бұрын

A short c it lubricate tie rods with oil or transmission fluid .then screw the bolt closer out to the end. Grab a sledge hammer bang it softlyas straight and out it comes top one is harder i know some one has use a socket and hydraulic jack and a carpet tool as a seperator that as a butt end to hit with sledge hammer

@shanekelly9810 4 жыл бұрын

I changed the balljoints in my WJ after watching this video but as I attempted to install a new CV Axle I noticed that the new one I purchased from O’Reilly is half an inch shorter than the old one. I have done plenty of research and actually went to the dealership with my VIN to get the proper part number for my axle. I have a 2004 WJ with QUADRATRAC II. The only other axle O’Reilly offers is an inch too long. With that said, I was hoping you could answer this question: Is it possible that an old worn out CV axle can appear longer than a new one because it is no longer at a “compressed length”? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to make these videos!

@Webbmx7 7 жыл бұрын

What size nuts are on the OE ball joints? I'm reading 23mm and 28mm but I also see various metric sizes on the different forums. I'm getting ready to knock out this repair over the weekend and want to make sure I am properly tooled up.

@gayoso59 7 жыл бұрын

muchas gracias! ! me ayudó mucho tu video

@gayoso59 7 жыл бұрын

thank you so much

@hazynpeterson4083 Жыл бұрын

good video

@Macnificent78_ 2 жыл бұрын

I have a 2003 grand jeep cherokee will I need that angle cup for the top ball joint ????

@gcgc2629 6 жыл бұрын

Haha... for the axle nut washer try one of those pick-up magnet things! Comes right out without any 2-plier fuss.... ;)

@jamesdewer 4 жыл бұрын

My 2001 has 216k it doesn't look anywhere near that corroded?

@jamesdewer 4 жыл бұрын

I know. Such a rookie

@ronv6637 3 жыл бұрын

90* pick pulls the washer right out

@jamesdewer 4 жыл бұрын

Hey now, those front axles look ancient. How'd the boots manage to stay looking so crisp?

@Den-tx1ml 4 жыл бұрын

whats the torques specks do you use for all bolts?

@subiemon 5 жыл бұрын

always put a 90 degree elbow on the bottom ball joint grease fitting makes it easier to get to it!!!!

@markcarpenter3600 4 жыл бұрын

Will a 90° elbow fit on the bottom ball joint on the WJ? I was looking at 90° threaded elbow to extend the bottom zerk out to the edge of the knuckle.

@subiemon 4 жыл бұрын

@@markcarpenter3600 yes it will fit

@Macnificent78_ 2 жыл бұрын

How do you know where to line the angle adapter ???

@davidcorrecaminos3064 2 жыл бұрын

Gracias me ayudó mucho, un saludo

@PB-dl5xd 4 жыл бұрын

You forgot to put the boot on the upper ball joint...27:45

@arturoviquez8133 2 жыл бұрын

thanks!

@ochocinco2030 2 жыл бұрын

Is it safe to use lube when pressing the ball joints in?

@UNKPCRIDE 6 жыл бұрын

is that an anti-seize you are using on the hub? What brand?

@pinkfloyd1116 3 жыл бұрын

Where did you get the ball joint press?

@mrlyricsneo 4 жыл бұрын

Great jop thank u

@Jeepfeenz 3 жыл бұрын

Hey man please go check out jeep feen'z on KZfaq and subscribe!! Great wj build going! Thanks

@sanriot2 4 жыл бұрын

Hi i was wondering can you do a video. In the Front Differential of the back of it there is a valve connected a hose to it, can you reveal where does it lead to?

@Jeepfeenz 3 жыл бұрын

Hey man please go check out jeep feen'z on KZfaq and subscribe for the wj build!! Thanks

@jakegaming818 3 жыл бұрын

It is the axle vent tube. It just tucks up in the engine bay... I zip tie mine up with slack for axle flex

@stevenliberadzki9160 6 жыл бұрын

Isn't there some kind of seal towards the diff that has to be replaced when removing the shaft? Mine is leaking currently and is starting to get on my tire. Looked everywhere there to see if brake lines are leaking there. Nope dry everywhere on line. Oily on hub near lower ball joint and also wet from where shaft goes in. Am I correct that there is a seal there?

@poet99999 5 жыл бұрын

there is a seal inside the axle tube, but you have to remove the differential to replace it. also you might have a torn boot on your CV axle that is throwing grease

@arcoeco 7 жыл бұрын

Great video thanks. I'm looking at purchasing a ball joint remover kit and price determines how many cups/adaptors they come with. Any idea which size cups/adaptors you find most useful? And which brand hubs did you use? Thanks again.

@VortexGarage 7 жыл бұрын

I've used the 2 larger long ones alot and the shallow tapered on works on these WJs. i use the Astro Pneumatic set from Amazon it was under 100 for a large set. I think OTC makes a Chrysler kit that has only the ones you really need for a jeep. but I prefer all the extras and have used them on other cars and also stuff like ujoint work. Harbor Freight also sells a kit but never used. i heard their balljoint press is weak under hard use unless they redesigned it. Ive used the OTC balljoint press I have on several jobs and has been very solid.

@VortexGarage 7 жыл бұрын

I went with Timken hubs btw

@arcoeco 7 жыл бұрын

Great stuff, thanks.

@lembo7792 7 жыл бұрын

Why did you decide to grease the ball joints after the knuckle was installed?

@VortexGarage 7 жыл бұрын

I like to grease the joints after they are fully installed/torqued

@Jolly-Sid69 3 жыл бұрын

Hi there! What sort of tool OTC did you use for the job? I've got OTC 7249, is OTC 8031 a must? I'm planning on fixing my Jeep. Best wishes, Roger

@VortexGarage 3 жыл бұрын

I have the OTC 7248 (bare press with no adapters) and used a set of Astro balljoint cups. Similar to this: Astro Pneumatic Tool 7868 Master Ball Joint Adapter Set and was able to use this ok. I recall wondering if the Jeep specific kits were any better, but I only have used this setup. That said, you don't need OTC 8031 - you may want to check out OTC 7894 which is the adapters for the Jeeps. And there are now cheaper alternatives (quality may be of concern so check reviews). Here's some links, they are off my affiliate setup so FYI on that but go to Amazon: OTC (7894) Jeep/Dodge Ball Joint Service Adapter - amzn.to/3CdoDkg Here's one of the knockoffs of that OTC 7894 kit, it's $50 cheaper - amzn.to/3xhF1wp Seems to have 254 reviews and 4.5 stars, so may be a good cheaper alternative to go with your OTC 7249 kit. Hope this helps!

@tavo1213 5 жыл бұрын

How can I know how many pounds to apply with the torquimetro? You could tell me where I can see that information?

@Rottidog68 5 жыл бұрын

Join a Jeep forum. Lots of people on them that can help with torque specs etc.

@123ewq4567 6 жыл бұрын

I cannot be the only person whom is not cotter pin challenged ? Just tap whatever your using to grip the loop end with ,pliers, screwdriver , needle nose , etc. with a hammer or screwdriver handle and out it slithers out. Even when it is still somewhat bent.

@Adam-yg9xk 7 жыл бұрын

I just changed mine out and installed Moog ball joints. After I was finished I was left with the same gap between the knuckle that you have. When i removed everything the steering knuckle was flush on the axle, is this going to be a problem?

@VortexGarage 7 жыл бұрын

mine have been great for a good long while now so should be good. some ball joints pull out a bit in addition to swiveling, the Mountaineer ones did and I thought it was a defective part until I realized they did that. so if all is installed good and torqued it's prob fine. the gap may go away when you lower vehicle weight on it. I don't recall how it looks now but mine has been just fine

@UNKPCRIDE 6 жыл бұрын

This is why I went with Mopar. Some parts are just designed for the Jeep.

@MichaelBurris5773 6 жыл бұрын

Where did you get your 1/2 inch wrench from?

@Jeepfeenz 3 жыл бұрын

Hey please go check out jeep feen'z on KZfaq and subscribe! Great wj build going on! Thank You

@diekatzefliegt 2 жыл бұрын

hi, any tips for cleaning the toothed ring on the cv axle? I suspect it may be causing some kind of a chirp/squeal from my front end

@VortexGarage 2 жыл бұрын

Sorry for slow reply - wire brush may help? Also check our WJ playlist, there is a shorter video about brake caliper brackets being sources of noise. Basically the sliding caliper wears a spot in them, and it can cause the caliper to bounce around and squeal. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/fbuBrJSZr8CmlWg.html for that vid.

@diekatzefliegt 2 жыл бұрын

@@VortexGarage no worries! The noise for me ended up being the wheel hub bearing seal. Thanks!!

@TheBassking15 5 жыл бұрын

Grease or antisieze for when pressing the ball joint in?

@Rottidog68 5 жыл бұрын

Yeah. Lube them up for easier installation. Personally, I'm surprised he didn't wire brush the receivers.

@burritomonger 8 жыл бұрын

Is there a cheap version of that ball joint kit at harbor freight? Also, what size cotter is that?

@VortexGarage 8 жыл бұрын

there is but I hear the quality of the press tool is bad. you can prob rent one from the autoparts store though

@VortexGarage 8 жыл бұрын

don't recall on the cotters but I got a kit of various ones and found one that fit the axle nut. ball joints come with new ones

@jamesdewer 4 жыл бұрын

I was in the electrician's mate in the Navy and I know how to use all those presses and grinders etc it's just I don't have access to it, otherwise most of these repairs I could do myself. I could save a bundle.

@fpsfein 7 жыл бұрын

I really wish you were my neighbor :/

@101Parkside 5 жыл бұрын

Just a comment about Ball Joint Presses and Pickle Forks etc. Depending where you live, there are stores that you can get those tools from and use them for free. You do have to pay for them up front but when you return them you get your money back, unless of course you break them. In Canada, one location that offers these expensive tools that you as a do it your-selfer might only use once in your life is Canadian Tire. I asked them how long you can have them for and they said typically 3 days but they would likely swing 5 for you if need be. They have a fairly large assortment of big ticket tools that make doing a project like this affordable which is the point to doing it in the first place. Question - what kind of grease are you using? Thanks for the Video.

@lylekendall9211 4 жыл бұрын

Tire size?

@abuzayed6246 3 жыл бұрын

O/D start what's problem

@ChickenNoodle0404 3 жыл бұрын

Mine are rust welded in how do you get those out?

@VortexGarage 3 жыл бұрын

Heat may help. Id probably try wire brushing as much off as I could, heat it a bit, maybe try some penetrating oil too. Also hitting with a hammer to break loose some of the rust bond and then try balljoint press again. Rust sucks.

@Bulletz4Breakfast13 2 жыл бұрын

Got a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo(WJ) 4.7L V8 (4WD) that needs all 4 ball joints replaced. Been calling local auto repair shops and they are charging between $700 and $1200 for (ball joints, labor and alignment required) But when I looked online a set of 4 ball joints kit with bars and many extras is $100-$120. Online on mechanic sites they estimate it should cost $300 total for the replacement including parts and labor. ▪︎ What does everyone think a reasonable price would be for ball joints replaced? I have $500 to spend but would like to get my windows fixed too cuz they don't work.

@chrisanderson4961 5 жыл бұрын

How long did this take you

@Jeepfeenz 3 жыл бұрын

Chris please go check out jeep feen'z on KZfaq and subscribe! Thank You

@s.u.6198 Жыл бұрын

my Axel is not getting in completely again. why can this happen? what can i do it seems 2cm before is in completely it is blocked

@VortexGarage Жыл бұрын

Do you have the quadradrive axle? If so it's possible the splines of the varilok pump aren't fully aligned. Here's a thread for the same in a front axle. www.jeepforum.com/threads/axle-shaft-wont-go-back-in.3676873/ Otherwise I would try turning while trying to seat it also maybe have someone rotate the other side wheel while doing it (jeep fully on jackstands). Otherwise I'd check Jeep Forum for anyone else that's had similar issues.

@s.u.6198 Жыл бұрын

@@VortexGarage yes, i hat to spin the Axel Till it moved in the second line of the splines in the diff... thanks a lot

@davdhortaramirez7635 2 жыл бұрын

🙂👍🏻

@larryhenson9680 7 жыл бұрын

you did not install the boot on upper ball joint.

@VortexGarage 7 жыл бұрын

It was there just hard to see how it goes through the knuckle

@PB-dl5xd 4 жыл бұрын

@@VortexGarage 27:45 there is no boot on there...

@VortexGarage 4 жыл бұрын

@@PB-dl5xd yes, there is. It's integrated in the Moog balljoint design differently and is infact there.

@jimmylee7382 3 жыл бұрын

Great video but music is terribly distracting

@tompattison8433 7 жыл бұрын

what are the torqe specs for the bolts?

@jwondr7505 6 жыл бұрын

Ditto what Torque settings did you use for the various bolts??

@jcstevegigs 5 жыл бұрын

You’re very knowledgeable obviously and I want to watch your videos but I simply can’t STAND the music in the background!!!! It’s so distracting!!! Your videos would be so much better without it. I’m trying to listen and learn but I can’t. Would a college professor play background music teaching economics? Of course not. It’s a shame because you shoot good video and explain it well.