Nissan Repair: Nissan Pathfinder 1998 Wheel Bearings, nissan pathfinder 1998, chinese bearings

Question
Hello,

I am preparing for rotors and pads replacement on my Nissan Pathfinder 1998 XE 4WD.

Let's say that during this project I noticed that wheel bearing needs to be replaced (any).

1. Is it necessary to replace races on this particular bearing too?

2. Also, can I just replace either side bearing (inner or outer) or they have to be replaced in pairs?

3. Where can I purchase b. races if needed?

Thank you in advance for your expertise.

Mike

Answer
Mike,

Bearings and races need to be replaced as a set.  You can replace the inside or outside seperately.  I would only replace bearings as needed.  If the bearing or race shows signs of pitting or spalling, metal coming off, then replace it.  Otherwise, clean and repack them and reinstall them.  If you are careful you can even reuse the seals.  rockauto.com or courtesyparts.com are both good sources for saving money.  If you purchase locally just make sure you do not buy Chinese bearings.  Take the bearing out of the box and look at it, on the side, to make sure.  Japanese are fine since they have excellent embeddability.  They will absorb debris without shelling.  Chinese ones are hard and, as such, end up failing if they encounter debris.  Just my experience here...