Single axle bearing & hub or both?

[Andy Maurer]

I need to replace the front passenger axle bearing & hub on my 98 TJ as the current one is worn out & clicking. Is the axle bearing & hub something that should be replaced on both passenger & driver side at the same time much like ball joints, or is it okay to only replace the passenger side?

 

[Flivver250]

Assuming both are the same age, if it were mine, I'd do both. That is just me. They are not too expensive and the work is easy. Use a torque wrench.

 

[Andy Maurer]

That is what I was thinking... for the price why not just do both. The replacement looks simple enough, but I can't get the dang axle nut off. I used my 1/2 inch breaker bar with a 3 foot cheater and it still would not move. Going to take it to a shop and have them use an impact to see if that works.

 

[Chris]

Yes, you'd be smart to do it on both sides at once. It's not that hard of a job to do either

 

[Flivver250]

The axle nut is torqued to 175lbs most likely. They can get stuck with some corrosion. An impact would surely spin it free. Great time to do u-joints and ball joints and axle seals. I like one shot one kill. This might help:

Component​	Torque​
Fill Hole Plug	34 N-m (25 ft. lbs.)​
Diff. Cover Bolt	41 N-m (30 ft. lbs.)​
Bearing Cap Bolt	61 N-m (45 ft. lbs.)​
Ring Gear Bolt	95-122 N-m (70-90 ft. lbs.)​
Axle Nut	237 N-m (175 ft. lbs.)​
Hub Bearing Bolt	102 N-m (75 ft. lbs.)​
Lower Ball Stud	108 N-m (80 ft. lbs.)​
Upper Ball Stud	101 N-m (75 ft. lbs.)​

 

[Andy Maurer]

The axle nut is torqued to 175lbs most likely. They can get stuck with some corrosion. An impact would surely spin it free. Great time to do u-joints and ball joints and axle seals. I like one shot one kill.

​

I did u-joints and ball joints last week hoping it would solve my issue, but no luck. I purchased the jeep with 175,000 miles and no idea when they were last changed so they were due anyway. Hopefully the bearings & hubs will get it working correctly again!

 

[Flivver250]

Come on over to Dubai, I have an extra set of axles with new u-joints and hubs already mounted.