Axle swap for wheel bearing?

[92Pony]

I drove my sons's '98 limited 4wd (232k mi - we've owned for 8mos) the other day and noticed a bit of a grinding/rumbling noise from the pass-side; sounded like up front to me. (It's not brakes - happens when driving/coasting/braking - no change in any of those situations) It was on the way to the shop to have another oil leak checked out, so I asked them to look for the noise.

The mechanic said he believes it's a wheel bearing, but not sure whether front or rear yet (I just asked them for a quick look). He gave me a ballpark estimate of $275.

Now, I have the opportunity to get a totaled '99 for ~$300. Assuming the parts on the '99 are good (I think it has about 150k on it), could I swap over an axle from the '99 to fix the wheel bearing (assuming the rear is the source of the noise)?

It may sound like cheaping out, but I'm in a position right now where I don't need to spend a whole lot more money on this truck right now...... or anything for that matter! LOL! For the same money I would spend at the shop, I could get this totaled truck and have access to more parts as I need them down the road.

 

[JRZEE2000TR4LTD]

I drove my sons's '98 limited 4wd the other day and noticed a bit of a grinding/rumbling noise from the pass-side; sounded like up front to me. (It's not brakes - happens when driving/coasting/braking - no change in any of those situations) It was on the way to the shop to have another oil leak checked out, so I asked them to look for the noise.

The mechanic said he believes it's a wheel bearing, but not sure whether front or rear yet (I just asked them for a quick look). I ballpark estimate is $275.

Now, I have the opportunity to get a totaled '99 for ~$300. Assuming the parts on the '99 are good (I think it has about 150k on it), could I swap over an axle from the '99 to fix the wheel bearing (assuming the rear is the source of the noise)?

It may sound like cheaping out, but I'm in a position right now where I don't need to spend a whole lot more money on this truck right now...... or anything for that matter! LOL! For the same money I would spend at the shop, I could get this totaled truck and have access to more parts as I need them down the road.

They have to be the same rear axle housing (locker or non locker) If they're the same I guess it's feasible. No way doing either front or rear bearing is going to be $275 if you're going to do it right. How many miles on your son's truck? Those front bearings in the front a VERY durable so I kind of doubt that's the problem. There's many thing that can cause a rumble/grind when just rolling down the road. (CVs, Ujoints, dragging brakes Etc) Really need to find the noise before replacing bearings because, as I said, that will cost more than $275 (unless that's just labor)
It is always nice to have a parts vehicle. I would buy the 99 anyways.

 

[92Pony]

They have to be the same rear axle housing (locker or non locker) If they're the same I guess it's feasible. No way doing either front or rear bearing is going to be $275 if you're going to do it right. How many miles on your son's truck? Those front bearings in the front a VERY durable so I kind of doubt that's the problem. There's many thing that can cause a rumble/grind when just rolling down the road. (CVs, Ujoints, dragging brakes Etc) Really need to find the noise before replacing bearings because, as I said, that will cost more than $275 (unless that's just labor)
It is always nice to have a parts vehicle. I would buy the 99 anyways.

Ooops! 232k miles on the truck. We've only had it for 8mos, so no known history before that.

I do have an outer CV boot that just started leaking, but he said it wasn't that axle making the noise.


Secondary question: Are the rear wheel bearings dependant upon the gear oil in the diff for lubrication? I'm thinking not, but this noise coincidentally started this week; I changed out the fluid in the rear diff (and transfer case) on Sunday.

 

[fourwd1]

No, rear bearings are sealed, don't use gear oil.
The inner bearing is easy to replace, its located in the axle housing. Outer needs a press, it's mounted on the axle shaft.

 

[92Pony]

No, rear bearings are sealed, don't use gear oil.
The inner bearing is easy to replace, its located in the axle housing. Outer needs a press, it's mounted on the axle shaft.

Thanks! That's what I thought. I'm still learning about these trucks. :thumb: