changing front bearings?

[chas1723]

I have ordered new rotors and pads for my 04 Nissan Pathfinder SE 2wd. I am thinking I should change the inner and outer bearings as well. I am looking to get the Beck Arnley 051-2683 and 051-3936 bearings. Is there any other parts that should be replaced while I have everything apart? I have looked at the guide that is posted on here and it looks like it may be above my ability. I may just have a mechanic do the work. I am also going to replace the shocks and struts as well. I have the KYB Gas-A-Just for the rear and the GR2 strut for the front.

[Ron Burgundy]

Nope. Not really. After the rotors, pads, and bearings they only servicable parts down there are your calipers and hubs which there really is no reason to replace unless there is damage.

As far as it being above your level, its really not that bad if you be patient and take your time. Plus you get that feeling of accomplishment after its all put back together! Worse comes to worst you could always try, fail, and then take it to a mechanic and see where you went wrong.

[tbsbiker2]

The ONLY real bit was making sure you re set the bearings properly (this is something a local firestone dealer didn't do on an old Nissan of mine and they ended up frying my bearing) so point being if you have the time it's worth knowing it's been done correctly. This isn't Difficult and it's in all the details on the "how to" Its really just nuts and bolts. If you have a decent set of standard tools and a torque wrench it'll be fine and saves you a whole bunch of dough. FYI I didn't need to but replaced the inner bearing seals. The OEM in my opinion (inhad both in hand) is much better seals than the BEck Arnly. I replaced them but they were still in good shape.

[tbsbiker2]

The ONLY real bit was making sure you re set the bearings properly (this is something a local firestone dealer didn't do on an old Nissan of mine and they ended up frying my bearing) but yours is 2wd so you dont have as much to dig into so point being if you have the time it's worth knowing it's been done correctly. This isn't Difficult and it's in all the details on the "how to" Its really just nuts and bolts. If you have a decent set of standard tools and a torque wrench it'll be fine and saves you a whole bunch of dough. FYI I didn't need to but replaced the inner bearing seals. The OEM in my opinion (inhad both in hand) is much better seals than the BEck Arnly. I replaced them but they were still in good shape.

[yeldogt]

How many miles on the truck.

The bearings can last a very long time -- especially if they have been serviced. Are you having some problem ?

[chas1723]

I have just over 80,000 miles on my vehicle. I just read the 3 pages on how to change out the brakes and rotors on here and saw where he was recommending to change out the bearings. I do not think I am having a problem at this time but thought it would be best to change them now since I am getting my brakes changed as well.

[yeldogt]

Ours has around 130k on it and I just did a lot of work on it -- The bearing were last greased about four years ago when the rotors were replaced. I am going to service them again as the truck is going to need new rotors and pads shortly but I have no plans to replace the bearing. Obviously -- we will look at them but its unlikely that they will need replacing.

[chas1723]

I guess changing the rotors, pads, and suspension should be good this go around then.

[yeldogt]

I also did the shocks and struts with KYB's that I purchased from Amazon. While I think that it is prudent to always replace relevant parts while you are doing a job -- sometimes you get into a "when do you stop" situation with preventive maintenance. I decided to keep the truck around for a few more years - and with 125k on it how many more miles do the struts/ shocks have -- not only from a safety point of view but weak shocks stress the whole suspension - and it all getting older. Many people have had problems with the upper shock mounts and also replacing them with non - Nissan parts. So instead of ordering all the rubber parts and adding another $200.00 to the cost of the replacement I figured I would risk not getting all the parts online and would pay a little more for the individual ones I may have to get from the dealer. Had I had any indication that somethings else was wrong then obviously I would have ordered the parts -- I did order the shock boots for $12 bucks each -- they had split.

Good luck with the fix.

[chas1723]

I forgot to get the shock boots Which strut install kit did you use?

[yeldogt]

I would replace the boots -- They do help keep road grime off the struts -- and they are cheap.

As to an install kit ............ That's the rubber parts I was speaking of.. Nissan only sells them individually. Even though KYB makes the OE struts people have reported problems with the complete upper mount that KYB makes and even more problems with some of the other makes. Since I was not having any problems with mine I figured I would see how they looked when I took the struts out and get the OE parts that I needed. They looked great so I reused all the old parts -- you can buy just the bearing from Nissan.

[chas1723]

I got the KYB strut install kit before I heard about all the problems with them. It comes with the boot, bearing, along with the mount. I am going to try it out since I have already purchased it. I drive 100% on road and nothing taxing at all. I would think the install kit should do fine for that. I was talking about a boot for the shock. Do they make such a thing. I have not been able to find any online.

[yeldogt]

The shock has one designed into it -- that is the upper part of the tube.

Since you are going to use the KYB stuff it would be interesting if you could report back as to what the differences are between it and the OE hat comes off the truck -- maybe take a picture. Lots of people will be needing to do this.

[m0nkeyprince]

hey when you install shock boots, get the Energy suspension shock boots, super cheap, comes in a pack of two, comes with zip ties, and they are made from polyurethane instead of rubber so they last a heck of a long time without tearing. I put the red ones on my KYB gas a just, and they look like ranchos :P

[00pathyse]

I got the KYB strut install kit before I heard about all the problems with them. It comes with the boot, bearing, along with the mount. I am going to try it out since I have already purchased it. I drive 100% on road and nothing taxing at all. I would think the install kit should do fine for that. I was talking about a boot for the shock. Do they make such a thing. I have not been able to find any online.

Did you end up using the bearings, how were they? has anyone else used these kyb bearings, how were they?