2500HD 4x4 Bearings

[ausdoug]

I only have 3300 miles on my 2001 2500HD 4x4. My brother-in-law said the front grease seals/bearings were permanently packed and did not require greasing regularly and during brake jobs, etc. Is this true? You don't pack the bearings?

 

Second questions. Is replacing the pad an easy job. I have done this many times on my Tahoe and S10 Blazer?

 

Is doing the rear pads (I'm used to drums here) as easy as the front pads?

[2001 HD]

The spindles packs are sealed. No lubrication or adjustment necessary.  

[CMNTMXR81]

Virtually all cars/trucks since the mid 80's have had non serviceable bearings (there are a hew here and there that don't) and over the years zerk fittings to lube the chassis themselves have been slowly going the way of the carb.

 

Rear's are just as easy as front and in some vehicle's case, cheaper as the disc is a solid non-vented unit.

 

Quick question though, you only have 3,300 miles.  Why do you need to replace the brakes?

[ausdoug]

I don't need to replace the brakes. I was just asking questions for knowledge right now.

 

I have a 97 Tahoe and use still pack its bearings. Just did it a few months ago. So, sealed bearings is new to me.

[CMNTMXR81]

Yea, the old chassis C/K's still had packable bearings.  But due to peoples lack of maintainance ability of the automobile in general, manufacturer's have pretty much brought it to the point that with the exception of annual oil changes (For some people, you know that's true.   ), the hood never gets opened.  Same thing with chassis components, with all the polyurethane bushings and what not, that has eliminated the need to lube them.  Wheel bearings are a similar situation.

 

I think on my '97 Tahoe, I had to replace the front brakes at 13,000 miles.    Replaced two rear wheel cyliders (common problem) and did a complete front end rebuild around 55k.

[woyster_00z71]

CMNTMXR81:  What were the symptoms that led you to change out the rear wheel cylinders?  Just wondering since I have a '97 C1500 that the rear brakes don't seem to be working at all (since new actually).  How do you know if they are the culprit?  How hard are they to change out and approximately what do they cost?

 

Sorry to get off subject.

B.J.

[CMNTMXR81]

I noticed wetness on the edge of the drum.  This was a dead giveaway that once I pulled the drum off, a wheel cylinder would be the culprit and sure enough it was.  I also noticed a slight decrease in braking from back which can be attributed to brake fluid getting on the shoes (it acts like slick 50 betwen two metal surfaces.   ).

 

It wasn't hard to replace.  The hardest part was cleaning the brake fluid off the shoes and everything else it had gotten on.