phasenine

Do my U-joints look alright? I think they look fine



Seriously though, I am looking for some input on whether or not I should replace my wheel bearing and hub assembly on my 1992 XJ. My fiancee recently gave me this Cherokee that has been in her family for like 20 years. I felt some play in the front axle shaft and upon closer examination, found these completely destroyed u-joints. So, I’m removing the inner axle shafts while I acquire the parts to upgrade the smaller 5-297X u-joints to the 5-760Xs.

While the u-joints are fried, the wheel hub and bearing seems to be ok functionally. There is no play in it and no perceptible grinding or grating when rotated. But, they look terrible and I cannot find record of them ever being replaced. So, should I spend the $75 per side to replace them now? Or just clean these up and reinstall?

Dave51

What brand of wheel bearings are you looking at? I went cheap with AZ and it got whiney after 2 years. Got the exchange free, but why replace if you downgrade in quality.

BlueRidgeMark

I'd replace them while you are in there.

Dave51

http://www.myjeepxj.com/cherokee-repairs/cherokee-hub

00t444e

I have been using the cheap TRQ brand from 1A auto, they have a lifetime warranty and I have never had any problems with them even on 35s.

phasenine

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I was looking at the DuraLast or MasterPro locally for $75 but found the MOOG hubs at Advance Auto for like $82 after the discount code. I also realized that I could put these hubs back in and thinking about it while I wait on the parts for my axle shaft upgrade. I am swapping out the smaller 5-297X u-joints to the 5-760Xs, which means I have to order left and right inner axle shafts and two outer stubs and replace the seals. I am pulling my front axles for now to avoid any further damage to differential/transfer case.

00t444e

Don't waste money on Moog parts, the are the same quality as the other brands you mentioned.