Sidekick Wheel Bearings

[Aaron]

So, I finally bought Andy's sidekick the new battery it's been needing. Since the Jeep is in the shop, we decided to pull it in the garage for a little inspection. I jacked the front up in the air and moved shook on the front wheels. There was a significant amount of play in both. So I laid under the rig while Andy shook the wheel. It looks like only the wheel is moving. The joints on the a-arm were solid. Since the lugs are tight, I'm assuming the wheel bearings are shot. Questions:

1. Is my logic sound?
2. How hard is it to replace wheel bearings yourself?

[mattzj98]

is sidekick IFS or Solid ?

[Chris]

Sounds reasonable to me, easy enough to pull the wheel and pop the bearings. 1 Banana job that's a good start for Andy. Bad bearings are hard not to recognize when you see them.

[Popsgarage]

It's not a link, Aaron, but it'll give you some info. Sounds like you need a press and a special torque tool to set pre-load.

http://www.kick-fix.com/hubs/hubs.html

[Aaron]

It's ifs. And I was afraid I'd need a press :frown:

[Chris]

http://www.kick-fix.com/hubs/hubs.html

The links not working for me Jon. I'd like to see the info so I can understand why a press is needed for wheel bearings.

[Popsgarage]

Here's another. These are not links. I'm on my laptop and can't figure out how to post links.

how to change front bearings on suzuki sidekick - JustAnswer
www.justanswer.com/.../0mzrl-change-front-bearings-suzuki-sidekic (http://www.justanswer.com/.../0mzrl-change-front-bearings-suzuki-sidekic)...
Question - how to change front bearings on suzuki sidekick. Find the ... In order to replace the front wheel bearings on this vehicle you will need to: REMOVE ...

[Popsgarage]

I'm gonna do some digging on the desktop. Get back to ya.

[Aaron]

Thanks Pop.

Thanks Chris too!

[Aaron]

4 cars on the insurance. 1 is in the mountains, 1 is in the shop and one is in the garage broke:-/

At least one works

[Popsgarage]

No problemo!!!!

[Aaron]

It's an 89 if that helps.

[Popsgarage]

I really dislike sites that deny me pics 'cause I'm not a member.

http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/22937-front-wheel-bearings-1991-tracker.html

[Chris]

Pull the bearing cap, cotter pin, large castle nut and the outer will fall out. A hammer and brass punch removes the rear. Reverse to install tapping the rear in with the brass punch laid across the bearing. Isn't that it?

[Popsgarage]

It is looking more and more like a typical wheel bearing replacement. I've found some downloads for Suzuki service manuals. Will post momentarily.

[Popsgarage]

Wheel bearings listed. Service manual downloads on Suzuki-Forums.com .

http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/index.php/front-knuckle-rebuild-kits.html

http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/49413-service-manuals.html

[Popsgarage]

It would appear that they are just typical wheel bearings. The only special tool needed is the retaining nut tool.

http://www.suzuki-forums.com/suzuki-sidekick-escudo-vitara-geo-tracker/35370-front-wheel-bearings.html

[Brody]

Looking around it appears to be your very basic wheel bearing replacement as the one piece bearing didn't appear until 94. Should only need the hub nut socket.

Jonathan and Chris gave you any other info you need...:thumb:

[scout man]

4 cars on the insurance. 1 is in the mountains, 1 is in the shop and one is in the garage broke:-/

At least one works

wow, your sounding a lot like me. 5 cars on insurance, one is down for an overhaul, one needs brake work, and one was down for other work not too long ago, plus a motorcycle that needs some work. And I almost bought a jeep from my neighbor the other day (still might), that needs work right from the start.

[Popsgarage]

6 on the policy and the other one is the son's MJ, which he insures. Mine sits, the wife's old one is waiting on the SAS.

[Popsgarage]

Found a retaining nut wrench for sale Aaron. And some more info.

http://www.rc4x4.org/rcforum/index.php

[Popsgarage]

This site has some pretty good info and some good write-ups.

http://www2.izook.com/