Wheel Bearing Replacement?

[Kevin]

I've been hearing a noise coming from XJ lately that has gotton worse. It picks up in frequency with speed, and I can hear it slow down when I come to a stop. I think it may be one of the front wheel bearings since I ran into a curb during a snow storm this winter and thats when I started hearing the noise.

Any recommendations or tips for replacing the wheel bearings? Will I need any special tools or equipment?

 

[ChiXJeff]

Check the tech writeup on u-joints at http://www.madxj.com. Replace the whole hub. IMHO, it's not worth the trouble or hassle to source bearings, then press out/in.

Special tools: 36mm socket, 12 point 13mm socket and a Ford wrench.

ChiXJeff

 

[Matthew Currie]

An additional little hint: if the 12-point bolts on the backing plate are a little rusted or already a bit chewed up from previous attempts, you can substitute a 1/2 inch socket for the 13. They are nearly identical, but the 1/2 is a hair tighter, and will sometimes make that critical difference.