Front axel bearings fell out!!!!!

[simmons1]

I was driving the other day and the front left started popping and shaking. I pulled over and removed the wheel and the cv boot was completely torn. I reached into the boot and pulled out a ball bearing. I was told that I need to replace the whole left axel assembly. From the transfer case to the hub. Is this correct? I think it is like a $500 fix. I am pretty good at fixing things, is this a do-able job? is it worth it? Any info would be appreciated

 

[Jason_25]

It's cetainly do-able. You'll probably need a new hub asssembly which is $150 and a CV axle which you can get for around $100. Try this site for the parts, it's really cheap. http://www.autopartsgiant.com/

 

[taxx]

Pulled a bearing from the boot? There isn't one in there. But yes replace the CV shaft and the Hub assmbly. A very dooable job but make sure you alot yourself plenty of time. You have to remove the knuckle to get the cv shaft in and if you have never done it before it takes some time. If you look around here there are a couple of us that have given steps to droping the front diff. The first few steps will be the same for you to get that new shaft in. And the prices above are about right anywhere from $130 - $160 for the hub, and about $90 for the cv shaft, those are NAPA prices.

 

[simmons1]

The ball bearing that fell out was one of the three in the hub assembly. The X is sitting at a mechanic, so if I decide to do it can I drive it about 8 miles to my house? I was told that the damage is already done so driving it slowly and carefully would be ok.

 

[taxx]

Drving it would not be wise. Damage may already be done, but that front wheel can still come off if the nut is not on well or if that bearing assembly is really that shot. Personally I woul have it towed if you decide to do it yourself, but that is just me.

 

[Ray Lobato]

I would not take the chance on driving it. I had a hub assembly go out on me and it almost ruined the tire by the time I had stopped. It just buckled in and the tire was rubbing against the steering knuckle.

 

[LowdPypes]

been there done that... ford explorer hubs are not cheap either. Here's what I did last week:

Drivers Hub/Bearing
Pass Hub/Bearing
Upper/Lower Ball joints on both sides
Pass Axle seal
Pass Axle/CV

I had an estimate of $1600 but it cost me about $350 to do it myself. If you have the know how and a few connections, you can get by with it yourself.

Good luck, hit me up with questions if you have any. - Lowd