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2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee spindle unit bearings.


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White Trash CVP
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Sep 22, 2020, 6:22 AM

Post #1 of 23 (818 views)
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee spindle unit bearings. Sign In

'07 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L 400,000K.

Bought as a $500 "throwaway" second car a few years ago, poorly maintained by the original owner. Honestly, I don't want to fix it but the other half loves it and says I have to.

Going to need full brakes, U joints, possibly one stub axle, shocks, oil, coolant, upper and lower rad hoses, etc...

And pretty sure at least the left front hub bearing. Though if I'm doing one then I'll do both. In for a penny.

I haven't looked at how it's together yet, but I assume it's a typical replacement unit - not rocket science, but sometimes seized in the spindle beyond a bag of hammers and C-clamp tricks. My experience has been this can be quite model dependent.

Should I even bother, or just take it to the shop? The last Ford one I did I buggered the bearing as to immobilize the car, and then had to remove and take the whole darned spindle in to have the unit pressed out. Not looking for a repeat.

Another interesting problem is that the full time AWD won't allow me to rotate the tire with the car on blocks, so although it sounds like a bearing driving (hard to tell with so many noises), I can't confirm it with the stub axle in place. (truthfully, sounds more like a brake pad backing plate scraping the rotor).

It needs the brakes anyway,so I might as well do them and see if that particular noise goes away .. But I suspect with 400K it's going to need the bearings too.

Thanks, Jim.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Sep 22, 2020, 7:20 AM

Post #2 of 23 (814 views)
Re: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee spindle unit bearings. Sign In

It takes a normal hub assembly. The only thing that can cause a problem would be rust. You will need at minimum a very heavy hammer and quite possibly a heavy duty slide hammer.

You will also need a very strong impact gun for the axle nut.



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Tom Greenleaf
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Sep 22, 2020, 7:38 AM

Post #3 of 23 (808 views)
Re: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee spindle unit bearings. Sign In

! IDK about the company using the same parts as listed on these with optional drivelines like that but HT is probably right. If so you'll know with the used hub in hands isn't silent when spinning it and should be. No feel of grinding or if free enough noise coasting IN HANDS that is.
Just my luck too many time the one that's bad is the other side noise just moves - trust me.


400K! Fine it's probably had a ton already done otherwise you might be putting good $$ after a lost cause in general - your call always,


T



White Trash CVP
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Sep 22, 2020, 9:52 AM

Post #4 of 23 (796 views)
Re: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee spindle unit bearings. Sign In

Tom, probably the original assembly. Previous owner wasn't much for maintenance. Actually in the day I used to fix their junk, and though with more money than god .. the "what's wrong with the oil already in it - and - it worked yesterday so why not today?" crowd.

Hammer, yeah - up here in the heavy salt belt. A bit back, as mentioned, a Ford unit bearing in a cast aluminum knuckle .. not even an interference fit! - maybe twenty thou? and just four bolts. But that bugger was corroded in so hard. As said, had to eventually pull the knuckle .. and embarrassingly at the expense of the tie rod link and upper arm ball joint - both rotted to the point of having to cut them out. Yay Ontario Canada. Yeah sure only ten Starbucks worth of coffee these days, but I'm really not in the mood this week. South of the freezing point this time of the year.

If I were to be totally frank .. wish the damn thing would burn down overnight from some random electrical fault. Dunno why the lady doesn't just appreciate her 140K Yaris

Impact gun what?? (Grins). Arg .. newfangled stuff. Have a 3/4 set of sockets up to beer mug size and a cheetah bar that'll reach near Jupiter. May not be quick .. but I can put an honest 1500 foot pounds down :). In fact, just swapped out a set of Blue Bird duallies old school last week. Only took 3 hours.


Tom Greenleaf
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Sep 22, 2020, 10:22 AM

Post #5 of 23 (790 views)
Re: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee spindle unit bearings. Sign In

I hear you rust and that but losing you on air and some easy tricks - not tricks, stuff that works. Rusty here too (mid New England) inland 3rd frost already populated enough more salt than snow/ice is used and more when it melts/freezes again overnights - just ducky.
Miles are mile stuff just doesn't last 400K so easily isn't just rust but do get surprised if done a lot all the time see some before they crumble to the ground rusted.
Air and why? You can put pipes on sockets or tools for leverage but loose the "shock" of air so lots more apt to bust things even huge items. That vibration forward then backward works - heat where possible (glowing like oxy/acet) works not for hardened steel it softens it to regular + will rust faster later there.


You can get huge air cans and fill wild pressure and carry it or slow to fill just ignore it for an hour with slow compressors that can take the time running. Have had to some crap in the woods (boat trailers or who knows) can't get to them almost this heavy duty.


About oxy/acet I have "pony bottles" size of scuba tanks they make smaller too just as hot. Can put those in trunk or truck bed are portable and cut thru wild metal or get it to glow it just will not break.
Pressed in crap? Put the insert in freezer and outside warmed up as much as possible some fall into each other! Valid for a jam!


Back to my own not a pest yet but there's time still !!


T



Hammer Time
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Sep 22, 2020, 12:37 PM

Post #6 of 23 (785 views)
Re: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee spindle unit bearings. Sign In


Quote
Arg .. newfangled stuff. Have a 3/4 set of sockets up to beer mug size and a cheetah bar that'll reach near Jupiter. May not be quick .. but I can put an honest 1500 foot pounds down :).


OK, but that will only work if it's done first while the brakes are still working to hold the wheel.



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White Trash CVP
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Sep 22, 2020, 3:56 PM

Post #7 of 23 (769 views)
Re: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee spindle unit bearings. Sign In

Nuts were trivial - I know she's metric, but they came off easily with a 1-3/8. These darned AWD's don't need brakes (or to be on the ground) .. couldn't spin that wheel in the air if I tried.

And so an update.

Hub bearing came undamaged with a bit of cold chisel on the split point working at it slowly with a smoke going. Though haven't been able to yet free the stub shaft. I'll let it sit overnight with penetrating oil.

Someone may have been in there after all. Axle nuts show a bit of chowder from being hammered, and caliper bleed screws are new. Upper ball joints have a Zerk as well .. though nothing else does. Makes me think aftermarket.

Jim.


White Trash CVP
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Sep 22, 2020, 4:18 PM

Post #8 of 23 (763 views)
Re: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee spindle unit bearings. Sign In

Any way to post a photo for clarity?

With the unit bearing free of the knuckle (although not the axle), there's enough room to spin the bearing. Not ideal, but it has that still has lube "resistance" feel. Hauling on the wheel mounting flange, the stub axle (CV's) feel okay too and the boots are intact. Not the same stresses as driving I know .. but not really seeing any obvious red flags. Thinking it's not as bad as I was expecting. Do the brakes and just see?


Hammer Time
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Sep 22, 2020, 5:00 PM

Post #9 of 23 (760 views)
Re: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee spindle unit bearings. Sign In

http://autoforums.carjunky.com/...LOAD_PHOTOS_P151389/



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White Trash CVP
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Sep 23, 2020, 7:54 AM

Post #10 of 23 (736 views)
Re: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee spindle unit bearings. Sign In

What the???

U-joins appear to be jelly bean 1350's or so .. but they're staked into place and no groove to accept a retaining clip!

The shaft is considered an $1100 replaceable unit? When did they start with this skulduggery?


Hammer Time
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Sep 23, 2020, 7:58 AM

Post #11 of 23 (732 views)
Re: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee spindle unit bearings. Sign In

There has to be grooves for the snap rings. New U-joints are available and they come with snap rings.



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White Trash CVP
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Sep 23, 2020, 9:57 AM

Post #12 of 23 (722 views)
Re: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee spindle unit bearings. Sign In

Nope! No bore groove for an external (cup side), no room for an internal (yoke side). Cups are staked into place.

I could certainly get them out, and reinstall a new joint in the same manner - I've done way sketchier on my own junk as a lad, but this is going to be a winter highway car for the missus.

Found an offshore for $180, may bite the bullet.


Hammer Time
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Sep 23, 2020, 10:01 AM

Post #13 of 23 (718 views)
Re: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee spindle unit bearings. Sign In

I just can't believe that. I've been in this business for over 55 years and have NEVER seen a U-joint that wasn't held in with clips/ Many of them are staked with plastic but that is in addition to the clips.

As I stated the replacements are sold with clips. The clip can be on the inside or outside of the cup.

There HAS to be clips.

Even the picture of the joint in Alldata shows clips.

See if you can take some close up pictures and post them here.



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(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Sep 23, 2020, 10:06 AM)


White Trash CVP
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Sep 23, 2020, 10:34 AM

Post #14 of 23 (704 views)
Re: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee spindle unit bearings. Sign In

Trying to now .. Asks me to log in again but doesn't like my email. Says not in database.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Sep 23, 2020, 10:36 AM

Post #15 of 23 (702 views)
Re: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee spindle unit bearings. Sign In

You have to register separately there.



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Tom Greenleaf
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Sep 23, 2020, 10:37 AM

Post #16 of 23 (698 views)
Re: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee spindle unit bearings. Sign In

Can you get a REAL parts outlet to match up YOUR shaft to a joint? Been there, done this when AMC on IDK what they were smoking on Jeep or the cars. Found an Audi OE engine in one - WHAT? Had points when those were long gone the reason I got it.


Plastic yes was on GMs was a surprise no clips but replacements HAD THEM - ALL FOR AS LONG as HT has been at this just by our locations stuff doesn't last so long where I am - RUST. Stuff still get here from who knows where like new totally by surprise.


This - it really should be a "shelf" part fix just now need the right parts person IMO. That biz friend is a very real trade of it's own when things do this.
You will find it just don't know what it was first made for that wasn't this at all is the problem Mopar, AMC first didn't make what they could buy off the shelf and make fit,


T


White Trash CVP
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Sep 23, 2020, 11:03 AM

Post #17 of 23 (693 views)
Re: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee spindle unit bearings. Sign In

I just did, but still same error.

You had me doubting my sanity for a moment .. cleaned everything up with a wire wheel and took photos .. Not crazy - no clips.

Are you able to see the pics linked below?

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/zz79/Jimvicious/IMG_20200923_131928022_2.jpg

https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/zz79/Jimvicious/IMG_20200923_132026202_2.jpg


(This post was edited by White Trash CVP on Sep 23, 2020, 11:06 AM)


White Trash CVP
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Sep 23, 2020, 11:15 AM

Post #18 of 23 (686 views)
Re: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee spindle unit bearings. Sign In

Tom, I agree this should have been a quick shelf fix.

Wasn't even worried when they said they had no part number at Car Quest. Figured I'd just pull the shaft and get the caliper out - would've only take me a few minutes to match 'em at the store.

But, as you can see.

Finding a joint of the correct size isn't the problem.


Hammer Time
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Sep 23, 2020, 11:20 AM

Post #19 of 23 (682 views)
Re: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee spindle unit bearings. Sign In

I expect there will be grooves under those caps when they are pressed out unless that is some kind of aftermarket shaft.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Sep 23, 2020, 11:22 AM)


Tom Greenleaf
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Sep 23, 2020, 12:39 PM

Post #20 of 23 (669 views)
Re: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee spindle unit bearings. Sign In

Can you bring in anything that is off kilter to look up? OMG if totally aftermarket then it's a total IDK who did it. NAPA where I am will dig out stuff from WWII and have for me but that's one place, can't speak for all of course.


Car-Quest IDK isn't as old as NAPA despite you should have all info (them) can be stuff missing or the helper/associate or who is helping you? It's its own trade sometimes it's needed. What you have exists so just matching that up is the missing link here. Just keep at it I doubt this is that impossible but if just $$ gets you out and sick of the hunt I wouldn't blame you,


Tom



White Trash CVP
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Sep 24, 2020, 4:22 AM

Post #21 of 23 (647 views)
Re: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee spindle unit bearings. Sign In

I think our respective countries have diverged as far as parts, probably with Canadian car culture being forced into the fields with various legislation, insurance (I've taken my '84 truck off the road because no one will touch it for less than $4000 year, and the only classic car place that would said no night driving), and the idiot masses believing anything over three years old without a metric buttload of sensors, computers, and safety stuff is going to kill their children just by getting in.

As well the boneyards turn over stock quickly now. Except for hidden gem yards out nowhere .. a 15 year old car in the big yards is now rare.

Needed a Rochester Monojet for a 292 build .. had to get from Ebay California. Another query for '68 Mercury 3/4 ton bits .. "Sorry sir, there is no such thing as a '68 Mercury". Should have just said Ford. Lol.

Insurance companies wont touch anything the home gamer has brought back. Last year our relatively rare 5 speed V-70 written off for the sake of what would have amounted to two boneyard doors, and they wouldn't let me buy it back.

A few good parts guys, but no one wants the shelf overhead anymore. I fear eventually that we'll all be forced to drive leased Kias. Glad I'll be dead before then.

But I digress.

The shaft is OE. Sticker on it. I'd suspect it would be far more likely to find an aftermarket with clips .. Dead OE shafts machined and refurbed by off shore third parties and all.

With the shaft now on the bench quite an interesting development.

The stake marks are just tool marks I think - the whole bore appears to have been swaged over the caps!


Tom Greenleaf
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Sep 24, 2020, 10:38 PM

Post #22 of 23 (629 views)
Re: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee spindle unit bearings. Sign In

There's a "Dead Jeep Parts" place just by chance not far from me. I will now post publicly who but say the name is Spralty's Auto for Jeep parts uses both Attleborough, MA and Pawtucket, RI (USA) can search that out or hit me by PM for more.


BTW - to me already said here is these have always been their own bird for vehicles constantly a parts problem by the day or week produced are also a love/hate affair by owner's and techs alike.


That place isn't Canada I trust would deal with anywhere adjust costs of products accordingly for locations in N. America not so sure world wide ever.


Good luck this issue isn't new to me with these for decades on end by brand "Jeep" most of my tenure with them were AMC yet another whole company/division of vehicles that changes who owns it game or makes the parts for what show up for sale new?


T



White Trash CVP
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Sep 25, 2020, 10:45 PM

Post #23 of 23 (606 views)
Re: 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee spindle unit bearings. Sign In

180 degrees.

I've got most of the driveline out of this pig, and yes .. the rear shaft is definitely pooched (got a $180 offshore on order) .. but I've seen worse that wasn't symptomatic. It would go another year, maybe three in the city.. Everything else seems okay. No red flags on the unit bearings or CVs.

But there are a bunch of harmonic dampening weights on (the chassis of) this vehicle.

Of course no way for the "on his back in the gravel" guy to test other than they appear to be firmly attached.

But I'm wondering suddenly if I'm not chasing ghosts. I could zero in on a bad joint on a .. pick your 50's - 80's anything.

Starting to wonder if this thing doesn't have any "real" problems.






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