Symptoms
Wheel play when you rock the tire top to bottom, a growl that changes with speed, uneven tire wear, grease flung on the inside of the wheel.
The fix, step by step
- Jack the axle, rock each wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock and at 3 and 9.
- Pull the hub, clean and inspect the bearings and races, repack or replace them with new seals, and set the preload to the manual.
- If the play is in the knuckle, press out the upper and lower ball joints and fit a new set.
- Grease the axle U-joints before you reassemble.
Tools & part numbers
- Floor jack and stands
- spindle-nut socket
- bearing packer
- ball-joint press
- torque wrench
Where to buy the parts
Front hub bearing assembly kit, 1977–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗
Front outer wheel bearing, 1974–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗
Front brake hub seal, 1974–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗
Front upper & lower ball joint set, 1974–1991Team Grand Wagoneer ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Jeep Wagoneer & Cherokee (SJ) parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.