Wheel Bearing Routine Service
Doug Dwyer
If you haven't done so already, read the "Chassis Lubrication"
information as there is some relationship between between the two
subjects.
Jaguar thoughtfully provided lube fittings for the wheel bearings but
the wheels must be removed to find them. The service manual recommends a
15000 mile interval for this service. My suggestion is to do this every
6000 miles when you rotate the tires...it's an ideal time, convenience
wise.
Rear bearings are all too often neglected on Jaguars. On the rear hub
carriers (large aluminum casting just behind the rear wheels) you'll see
two small caps about 5/8" in diameter. Clean the area thoroughly and
prise ("pry" to the yanks out there) the caps off. Now exposed is the
rather large cavity which contains the bearings. There is no grease
fitting. Insert the nipple of your grease gun and pump in grease until
the cavity is full, rotating the axle a few times to help distribute the
grease. Reinstall the cap and you're done.
If you followed the advice in the Chassis Lubrication section you'll
already have your grease gun loaded with proper bearing grease, not
simple "chassis lube".
The front hubs also have lube fittings for the bearings. These need to
be lubed until grease comes out of the bleed hole in the center cap.
After you've lubed the bearings check for bearing play by grasping the
wheel at the 12 and 6 o'clock positions and gently rocking. The
specified play is .006", barely discernable. If you feel more than
this....any just about any amount will be more than .006"....the
bearings need to be snugged up. That's another topic, though.
Although not mentioned in the Jaguar literature the front bearings
should be cleaned and repacked with fresh gease from time-to-time. Some
qualified sources say that, if you really do a good job, clean the
bearings and hubs perfectly, use new seals and premium grease...every
50000 miles should do the trick.....assuming regular re-greasings in
between, of course. I prefer a much shorter interval, every 24000
miles. If you've just bought your Jag and don't know if this has ever
been done it would be a good idea to go ahead with the job.
Be advised, though, that a complete front bearing repack on a Jag is a
bit tricky...much more so than on some "ordinary" cars. You have safety
wire, caliper alignment shims, and difficult-to-reattach steering arms
to contend with. Before doing this...even if you've done it on other
cars...do some reading up on the subject so when all the shims start
falling out you won't be surprised !
Anytime you lube the bearings give the wheels some spins and listen for
the "dry" sound of a faulty bearing. A worn bearing will never mend
itself and must be replaced. With regimented lubrication the bearings
will last 100,000 miles easily....sometimes much longer. Or, of course,
if they've been allowed to go dry, they'll be ruined much, much sooner.