How to replace real wheel bearing '02 XLT?

[Sun Diego]

Hi everyone, I have an '02 Ford XLT 4x4 and the right rear wheel has developed a low level humming noise. Might be the tire, but I have a feeling it is a wheel bearing.

Is this an easy fix for someone with moderate mech skills, .....and is there a post where someone has already walked through the process? I saw a few post for front wheel bearings, but not rear wheel bearings.

Or is this something best left for the dealer?

Thanks everyone, and FLYNAVY!

 

[tower]

Not easy but doable. There is a sticky on the top of the page.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=251915

 

[BSFD42109]

There kind of a pain in the ass and you will need a slide hammer to get them out but if u have the tools and a repair manual you will be ok

 

[tower]

Slide hammer? I had a hard time with a 12ton press.

 

[vipersinu2]

I bought a 12 ton press and my bearings came out easy, the hardest part was holding everything square in the press, I had to use 6" steel plates to raise the hub up 6 inches so the bearing would could be pressed out.

 

[Sun Diego]

You folks are awesome. Thanks for the replies.

Wonder how much would a dealer charge for this?

I kinda like the challege of doing it.....what the heck, I'm in.

 

[unclemeat]

My mechanic uses sawzall to cut the bearing, before he presses the old bearing out. He charged me 2-hours labor, yesterday. I would get the hub and bearing.

 

[vipersinu2]

no way you can cut off these bearings,

 

[miker104]

My mechanic uses sawzall to cut the bearing, before he presses the old bearing out. He charged me 2-hours labor, yesterday. I would get the hub and bearing.

Some times the inner races come out and leave the outer race in the hub. Using a sawzall to cut the outer race will make it easier to remove from the hub.

 

[unclemeat]

You dont cut them in half, you use the sawzall to knotch them, which make them easier to press out.

 

[tower]

I would think that heating the race with a torch would be much easier then a sawzall but what ever works for you.

 

[jakedrew]

dealer charged me 300$ a side. They had it done with in a hour and half.

I am capable of doing the rears but too many things could go wrong so I took it in.

I did the front bearings.

good luck