Needle Bearing - Yes, Replace It (ECGS)

Thank you, newbie here.

 

Welcome! I added the link in the last post.

 

Barely had to modify it. I could see it being a manufacturing issue because they are not "precision made". (not saying that is a bad thing, they work perfectly). But also the seated depth of the stock bearing could have something to do with it as well.

 

Interesting, thanks for posting that. Other modifications I’ve seen had to remove more material.

 

Here's a pic of my Removal Tool, I just ground down a little on the top edge to make it easier to slip behind the bushing.

 

do you have to lube up the inside of the bearing with diff oil before you put the axle back in?

 

Probably don't have to but I do just to help everything slide in without marring anything

 

FYI for all the folks asking about shops doing it: If you're close to ECGS (or can make the drive), get them to do it. I got mine done a few years ago there while I was on the way to Charlotte. At the time, they charged $160 (bearing included). Even though I'm perfectly capable of doing it myself, I couldn't say no. I was in and out in a few hours. Give them a call and set up an appointment.

 

It is only on the Drivers side. My understanding is there is a completely different ball bearing 'bushing' on the passenger side.

 

Correct, driver side only, passenger side is a roller bearing and it does not have the angle pressure of the driver side so it does not have the "needle bearing" issue

 

So this happened when I was trying to pull the needle bearing, maybe wasn’t perfectly centered. Now trying to find a bearing removal tool to pick up first thing in the morning.

 

Ooomph!

 

[QUOTE="irritable_vowels, Had the often-described rubbing sound start from the front driver's side. Interestingly, it was rhythmic, but not rapid (was maybe 1 rub a second at 60mph). [/QUOTE]

I have been trying to search for the word of what I was hearing. The right word at low speeds was rhythmic- almost like a low bass “womp womp” we’re talking 20-35mph. Than the shimmy at highway speeds. Went away once the Ecgs was installed. Shout out again to @Texoma for the work! Highly recommend if in central Texas

 

if you are really careful you can get a slide hammer in there and use the puller bit if you cant find a replacement tool. I keep two in my box in case that happens on a customers truck. I have not had one break yet (knock on wood)

 

ended up ordering this kit

8MILELAKE Blind Inner Bearing Puller, Hole Remover Extractor Set, 16pcs Blind Hole Collet Bearing Race and Seal Puller Extractor Kit, Slide Hammer Tool Set

$54 8MILELAKE Blind Inner Bearing Puller, Hole Remover Extractor Set, 16pcs Blind Hole Collet Bearing Race and Seal Puller Extractor Kit, Slide Hammer Tool Set

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0798GS916

I’ll follow up on how it goes with this

 

If your truck's still torn apart and you want to get it finished, I'm sure a local shop would weld that up if you can't

 

I didn’t even consider that but the new tool should be arriving yet today.

But yeah, my truck is a depressing sight on stands in the driveway with new suspension half installed.

 

Update?

 

So trying to get a bearing puller over thanksgiving proved difficult.. bought ones from Napa and Oreilly but in the end the Amazon one arrived first (Friday afternoon). The Amazon one was actually great. Fairly easy to use and the lip of the tool was much smaller and easier to get fitted behind the needle bearing, I’d definitely recommend it.

unfortunately that wasn’t the only challenge I ran into.. when installing the second Icon RXT leaf pack we noticed that half of one of the bushings was missing

now waiting for Shock Surplus to get back to me with a new bushing - Truck is still on 3 of 4 wheels in the driveway

 

Word, Im about to change CVs, inner/outer tie rods aswell as upper and lower control arms out. Trying to get everything ready before go time.