Front Wheel Bearings (I've searched, I swear)

[J.A.P]

Hello. Noob here. I'm trying to find a detailed procedure for replaceing the front wheel bearings. I've tried searching to no avail. Please link to it if you know where it is. Thanks a lot.

 

[Tbars4]

...Duplicate post are a
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=237058

 

[mikeh44]

you replace the whole hub

 

[Glen4X4]

Just go to your local auto parts store or wherever you buy you're new parts and ask them for a wheel bearing hub assembly for your explorer. 3bolts on the backside and your axle nut hold the assembly on.

 

[James909]

I'm not sure that the 3rd gens are exactly the same as the 2nd gens but you can use this as a guideline.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1499844#post1499844

 

[J.A.P]

Thanks James909. One helpful reply out of four. I don't know why the other three even botherd. Must have been bored.

 

[Tbars4]

...While you are waiting for answers and instead of posting another duplicate thread, (please read forum Rules), feel free to use the search button...It is a mighty useful tool here to quickly find the answers you seek...

 

[Glen4X4]

...While you are waiting for answers and instead of posting another duplicate thread, (please read forum Rules), feel free to use the search button...It is a mighty useful tool here to quickly find the answers you seek...

That helps. People here try to help and you may not get the exact answer that you expect but should appreciate it when anyone chimes in to give you any tips or advice on what you are questioning or doing.

 

[J.A.P]

Thanks again for the really hepful post Tbars4. I used the search, using multiple keywords and didn't find what I was looking for, hence the last part of the topic title. The double posting was a glitch, I am sorry about that. Please respond only if you have something useful to add, I don't need your advice on forum etiquette, trust me.

 

[Tbars4]

...Sorry I couldn't be of more help...I could only find 24 current threads for the '02-05 Explorer...

 

[joefnh]

3rd gen = Third Generation" meaning the late model Explorers are the third major release of the Ford Explorer since its inception in the early 90's. The Explorer essentially replaced the Ford Bronco

As far as the procedure the fronts are pretty easy to do.

1.) Remove hub cap and slightly loosen the 5 lug nuts and the main axle nut located in the middle of the lug nuts (I think this is a 32mm nut). Do this before jacking up the front wheels

2.) Jack up the front end making sure that you always have 2 supports at all times for safety

3.) Remove the tire

4.) Remove the axle nut.

5.) Remove the entire brake caliper assembly from the knuckle. Carefully support this with a wire or old metal coat hanger from the suspension coil spring. This is necessary to not over stress the rubber brake line.

6.) Remove the brake rotor

7.) Remove the speed sensor. This is the small sensor attached to the wheel bearing with a socket cap screw. Be care full to not damage the wire or sensor head. Keep the sensor head clean.

8.) Remove the 3 bolts that hold the bearing assembly to the knuckle. These bolts are located on the back of the knuckle and are evenly spaced around the drive shaft. I believe the best tool to remove these is a good 15mm box wrench.

9.) Remove the wheel bearing. This can best be achieved with a slide hammer, but I have done it with a baby sledge hammer hitting the hub repeatedly from side to side until it is free. The bearing assembly sits snugly into the knuckle and with corrosion may take some significant 'persuasion' to remove.

NOTE: When actually removing the bearing assembly be sure not to extend the drive shaft CV joints as this can damage them. I use a general purpose pulley puller to push the drive shaft out of the bearing spline while I am removing it.

To re-assemble just reverse the above steps.

NOTE: When installing the speed sensor make sure that the sensor is thoroughly clean as any debris on the sensor will be introduced into the bearing housing

Some torque specs that you will need are:

Lug Nuts: 90-100 ft/lbs

Axle Nut: 186 ft/lbs

Caliper Assembly Mounting Bolts: 86 ft/lbs

Wheel Bearing / Hub Assembly Mounting Bolts: 94 ft/lbs

Good luck on this project, it is not that hard and can save a few $$$ while doing it yourself.

I am sorry that the other members here were a bit less than helpful. On the 3rd gen Explorers the front bearings seem to last for about 65- 73k miles, while the rears seem to last anywhere form 120 - 160k depending on your luck.

A good source for these parts is

www.rockauto.com


--Joe

 

[J.A.P]

Thanks a lot joefnh that is exactly what I wanted. I found a few posts that were close but this was perfect. I had the rears replaced while still under warranty, I now have 78k so I'm right in the ballpark, actually I did a little better, than the average life of a front bearing/hub that you mentioned. Thanks again for the post.

 

[fordbluefamily]

In case your curious. I bought 2 of this Item # 220345604852 on ebay for 105 each shipped. They are Falcon brand and have Timken bearings in them. Most places don't list what kind of bearings are used, and this one was no different, guess I got lucky. They still have 8 left though.

 

[Skotty]

I would double check to make sure they include the three 15mm bolts that should be replaced.If not you better call the dealership now.Mine had to be special ordered and it took almost a week to get them in plus the 30mm nut.

Just my 2 cents

 

[jrford]

When i bought mine off fleabay, chinese stuff for sure, i got 5 bolts, 3 for the bearing, 2 for the brake bracket and i bought the nut from the dealer. That axle nut is actually a lock nut, that should only be one use.
When i first did my brakes, i reused the bolts, with some fresh loctite.

Another story, on my heap after going through a couple of u-joints (front hub has to be removed) i kept re-using the bolts. Until the third time, one of the bolts snapped off at the bearing, had to buy a new bearing on that one. So, If you can get new ones great, but if not its your call, books says replace with new . . .

 

[fordbluefamily]

I was going to locktite and reuse. I have 2wd so no nut up front. Next time I do bearings, if I still have this thing, I will replace the bolts. Whats so special about this bolt that makes it a dealer only item? Grade? Size? I would trust a re-used factory bolt before some of the stuff from China.

 

[rodster]

BCA/National or Timken

I see Rock Auto has both. Which is better? Does Rock Auto have the lock nut for the axle?

I guess I'm going in. The best price I have found is $400 to replace one hub. At that price, I can upgrade by torque wrench and by the hub puller and still have enough left over for a couple of cases of cold ones.


Thanks

 

[xlt03]

I see Rock Auto has both. Which is better? Does Rock Auto have the lock nut for the axle?

I guess I'm going in. The best price I have found is $400 to replace one hub. At that price, I can upgrade by torque wrench and by the hub puller and still have enough left over for a couple of cases of cold ones.


Thanks

Check Amazon for the hub puller and the 250 ft lb torque wrench. I got puller for $30 and wrench for $35.

When you get to removing the three bolts for bearing you're going to wonder how you are going to get to the bolt heads. I used hub puller to separate halfshaft from bearing splines slightly to make room for socket. It'll push the tapered part of the halfshaft back from spindle. Also turn steering wheel to the right when doing left bearing and left when doing right bearing. Use new bolts and new axle nut. I got boltd and axle nut from dealer.