Front Wheel Bearing Replacement

[spedheded]

Hi, I am a new member to the forum. Been lurking but this is my first post. I have a 2002 Ex Eddie Bauer 4WD that sounds like it's working on a bad front wheel bearing. Has anyone replaced one of these? I have been looking for a procedure and can't find much posted. I know, I should get a service manual...one of these days I will.
Does this vehicle have the pressed in type of bearing at the rear, and a complete hub assembly at the front?
Any knowledge is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Edward J. Clark

 

[spedheded]

Doh! All I needed to do was look in the tech section for the excellent article on how to change the front hub/bearing. Thank you Ray Lobato for that nice write-up.

 

[spedheded]

Well I guess it was actually Jeremy who wrote up that procedure, not Ray. Sorry about that.
I tried to replace the passenger side hub this afternoon, but had no luck with the three 15mm bolts that hold the hub onto the spindle. The axle prevents getting socket in there (only enough to break it. bummer.) and a wrench doesn't work because by the time you get it on there, you can't swing it for all the obstructions. Of course, the salt we use on the roads up here in Vermont doesn't help. I could barely budge even one of the bolts. So, I spent $200 on the part and a 30mm axle bolt socket (the 2002 uses the 30mm, not a 1 1/4" for anyone's future reference) and will still have the groaning noise at low speed. I guess I'll take it back to the dealer we bought it from and get them to change the part. Sometimes you just have to throw in the towel.

 

[rrgone]

I had a part time mech change the front bearings in my last Explorer. As I recall, I had to buy him a special large socket to do the job for me. Mine was fine after he changed them out.

Let us know how you make out with yours.

 

[Astrok]

what is your noise like

I have 02 Merc AWD and think I have a problem with front left bearing or CV jont. Trying to figure out which one. Mine wines and get loudest around 50 to 60 miles per hour. If i put a slight left turn it get worse and I feel a litle rumble in steering wheel. When I put right trun not as bad a noise change The driver seat is where the noise is loudest Bearing like your??

 

[spedheded]

I have 02 Merc AWD and think I have a problem with front left bearing or CV jont. Trying to figure out which one. Mine wines and get loudest around 50 to 60 miles per hour. If i put a slight left turn it get worse and I feel a litle rumble in steering wheel. When I put right trun not as bad a noise change The driver seat is where the noise is loudest Bearing like your??

The noise we in our exploder is more of a low groaning noise, mostly noticable at low speeds. On the highway you can't hear it as much, but it is definitley still there. It gets louder when I turn to the left, which indicates to me it's a passenger side front bearing. Although I do think I will end up changing both of them when I get back to trying to dismantle the thing.