Sunday, Mar 24, 2019 at 11:53
Chris - At 360,000kms, I would be replacing all the wearing components. It's cheap insurance to put in new wheel bearings, new bushings, and new CV's.
The front axle cops a hiding on 4WD's. It does 80% of the braking, hits all the potholes and rocks first, does all the steering, and takes a lot of the drive power when bush-bashing.
The front wheel hubs have to absorb a lot of braking heat. They have to cope with cold water immersion, when you're fording creeks with water in them.
A skilled mechanic can examine roller bearings and make a judgement call on whether to put them back. In general, you only put back low-km bearings.
I've seen Mack Trucks state in their manuals, that if their diff bearings have done less than 200,000
miles (320,000kms) and show no
sign of damage, you can put them back.
But we're talking Landcruisers here, not Mack trucks, and at 360,000kms, the wheel bearings on the front of a Landcruiser, rate as "
well-worn", at best.
The spindle bearing bushes are critical components that ensure steering and drive alignment, and when these are worn, you will get front-end wheel shimmy.
It is best to replace these at a minimum.
The wheel bearings are not a major cost in the overall scheme of things, but they are critical components. You would be best advised to replace them.
Be aware that the preload on taper roller bearings is critical for long life and best performance.
Take note of the manufacturers requirements and instructions for bearing preload.
Cheers, Ron.
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