'97Tracker4wd Front Wheel bearing

[OKTracker]

HELP!

My husband is working on my daughter's '97 Tracker. He has taken off the wheel, brakes, bearing and saw that it was put on wrong whoever did it before him. Probably why it needs new bearings now.

His question is:
1. How does he put the unit back on without this tool:

(FW Bearing Locknut Socket - Geo/Suzuki - J-42119
Spx Corporation/otc

1/2" Drive Geo/Suzuki Front Wheel Bearing Locknut Socket 1997-newer 4WD Geo Tracker and Suzuki Samurai The front drive hubs on 1997 Geo Trackers/Suzuki Samurais have spring-loaded wave washers on the wheel hub nuts.To remove or install one of these nuts, the backing plate must be used to compress the hub`s springs, allowing the locknut socket to engage the tangs in the nuts. If the locknut is incorrectly adjusted, it can result in damage to the wheel bearing, front hub, or locknut. This socket/backing plate set prevents that. Same as Kent-Moore No. J-42119. Wt., 2 lbs., 2 oz.)?

He can't figure out how it works. Where can you get this tool without it costing $60-$90? What do you use instead of it? What have you used? Do you have to use the backing plate?

Thanks!
Mary

[OKTracker]

Well, my husband is just going to use a punch to install the wheel bearing. He said he would check it and tighten it often so it won't backoff and ruin another wheel bearing.

I did go back through all the posts about wheel bearings here and found some useful info for him.

[tracka96]

I think everyone here drives older models - different than your 97 I believe, definitely different than my 96 front bearings. Tracka

[OKTracker]

Tracka96,

Thanks for answering. Yes, my husband was disgusted when he found out in '97 they made the bearing impossible to set with a punch. He found that out today when he tried to set it.....bent up the hex nut. Now we have to buy a new hex nut and the tool to install it. AAAHH!! The hex nut is at least $25 - $33 and it takes a week to get here. The tool is expensive as I quoted in my original post. Wish we would have just ordered the tool right from the start.

Oh well, live and learn.
Thanks again!
Mary

[jtgh]

hubsbearings

update

[OKTracker]

"how many pieces in the new bearing assemble (total)?" ONE, my husband says.

He has taken the locknut into Autozone, OReillys, Advantage, PepBoys & NAPA...none had the tool.

We are going to try a Suzuki dealership Parts department tomorrow. They didn't have it at the Chevy Parts Department.

Thanks for your info.

We may have to buy the tool I guess.

Mary

[jtgh]

its a 3 piece crush bearing.
J-42119
tool needed.
151 ft/lbs. aver setting.

[OKTracker]

jtgh,

My husband wants to know will a hex nut from the older model Trackers fit the '97 model Tracker?

Thanks.

[jtgh]

hi, i looked thru 3 manuals this era and it says
157ft-lbs torque on locknut.
or 123-180 ft -lbs as another says. ( you probable know this fact)
you mention a unlocking mechanism ?
the manuals say the locks are screws on a plate. (like my 91)
other manuals say jam nuts.

to answer your question on fit, youd have to go to a wrecking yard to get a nut ( or Suzuki dealer) and try it. The manual mentioned that putting the bearings in can be tricky , and that they can stick at a wrong angle and if you torque it at this angle , it destroys the bearing. ( has graphic showing , GO an NOGO)
hope this helps you.
jerry

[OKTracker]

What does this mean? "( has graphic showing , GO an NOGO)".

I will pass info onto my husband.

Thanks,
Mary