Front wheel bearings

[03Mach1]

I have searched to no end and can't get a difinitive answer on this.

I have a 2003 Explorer 2WD

The front bearings need to be replaced. Do I need to replace the entire hub assy. for each side or can I simply change the bearings??

Really would like some input from someone who has done this on a 2WD Ex.

 

[joefnh]

Yes for the 2003 Explorer 4x4 or 4x2 you will be replacing the hub bearing assy. Rock Auto has them for about $134 . That is the only option.

Good luck, it is a pretty easy repair

--Joe


Order TIMKEN Part # SP470201 $ 134.00 each

 

[03Mach1]

Thanks

I guess I will go ahead and order the hubs.

Hey on that PN you listed it shows that it does not include the sensor cable, I take it the old one can be re-used?

Lastly I have read that the 3 hub bolts should be replaced, do you know if the Timken hubs come with the new bolts?

 

[playtilithrtz]

I ended up replacing one font hub with the 3 hub bolts. I didnt order from Rock Auto, I ordered mine from a local autoparts store from my area, and they where included.

Good luck with the removal, I suggest getting the LARGE hub puller and a numatic gun makes it alot faster and easier.

 

[tdi]

question, i am supposed to push the shaft through the hub before I unbolt the hub? I don't see how to get the hub mounting bolts off

 

[jrford]

question, i am supposed to push the shaft through the hub before I unbolt the hub? I don't see how to get the hub mounting bolts off

yep thats the 'real' problem. I tried and got two out using breaker bar, but the last one, only came out half way and then was stuck. I tried for over an hour to get it out, soaked it, heat, nothing, i had to pack it in when the it started to snow. Anyway i took it to my local shop and the guy got them off in about 5min. He had a high powered COMPACT impact wrench, then a 6" extension and a thin walled socket. Then you have to hit the back of the bearing to get it out, maybe use an air chisel, or one guy got the bearing half way out then cut them off.
the shaft stays on, oh and the bearing is 'glued' in with RTV.

 

[tdi]

Sounds exactly like my experience... the 2 lower hub mounting bolts weren't too bad, but the top one would only come out half way. I try to push/pull the hub partially (since the 3rd bolt was loose) to provide more space on the 3rd mounting bolt, but my impact wrench would not budge the hub at all. I tried heat and moderate banging, but no luck. My decision came down to buying a high-end impact and hope that worked, or putting it back together and paying the labor. I opted for paying the labor.

 

[playtilithrtz]

i was able to remove all 3 bolts and then with the hub puller the hub came right out with some persuation.

 

[gsmaclean]

i was able to remove all 3 bolts and then with the hub puller the hub came right out with some persuation.

Agreed, I did both my front hubs. You need to turn the front wheels left and right in order to get all the bolts off. Then put the puller on, put an impact wrench on the puller (or a socket wrench and lots of elbow grease) and the hubs pop right off.

New hubs include the ABS sensors and harnesses.