2002 Explorer XLS Wheel Bearing

[whitedog98004]

Hi All,

Anyone ever had to do the rear wheel bearing in a 2002 XLS?
Is this something that a guy can do in the garage? The shops all want about $600 per side and that seems a bit steep to me. I am not a great mechanic, but I can take my time and ususally get minor things accomplished on cars.
I just have never done a wheel bearing before.

Any tips, technics, secerets I should know about?

Thanks,
Brian

 

[mikelets456]

Hi All,

Anyone ever had to do the rear wheel bearing in a 2002 XLS?
Is this something that a guy can do in the garage? The shops all want about $600 per side and that seems a bit steep to me. I am not a great mechanic, but I can take my time and ususally get minor things accomplished on cars.
I just have never done a wheel bearing before.

Any tips, technics, secerets I should know about?

Thanks,
Brian

I had mine done on my XLT for $330 per side. $600 sounds like a lot of money. I know the bearing has to be pressed on so I don't think this is a typical run of the mill job.

 

[jrford]

best trick is to remove the whole knuckle and take it somewhere to have the bearing pressed out and put back in. Might want to find a shop who is willing to do if before you remove it. Getting that knuckle i haven't done it but others have. There is a post a few weeks back about this. . .

 

[daveleeander]

$600.00 is too much. I've had four or five put on my 02 (front and back).
$300.00 is the going price

D

 

[Tyler92]

Hi All,

Anyone ever had to do the rear wheel bearing in a 2002 XLS?
Is this something that a guy can do in the garage? The shops all want about $600 per side and that seems a bit steep to me. I am not a great mechanic, but I can take my time and ususally get minor things accomplished on cars.
I just have never done a wheel bearing before.

Any tips, technics, secerets I should know about?

Thanks,
Brian

This job is not something I would recommend you do based on your statement of not being a great mechanic. It takes special tools plus a good assortment of metric wrenches, deep well sockets and lots of patience. To get the knuckle off the car is no small feat.
I would also suggest you take a good look at your rear springs. I'll bet they are broken.

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