Hub Bearing

[lionink]

I have determined this to be my problem. How long can I drive around on it uintil I can get it fixed. At 400 to get it fixed I need to save for a couple of weeks. I have had several people tell me I should be able to baby it along for a couple of weeks if I have to since its a beraing there shouldnt be too many problems. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[budwich]

I just replace my right side front one. I noticed that it would "rumble" a bit once I got over 60mph. Not knowing this at the time (I had just purchased it and had done the front upper ball joints for safety... they didn't mention any problems with the bearings so I thought they were ok... no play), I embarked on an 9000 km journey. The bearing survived although near the end when I turned left, there was enough play that the rotor rubbed on the caliper mount. That's actually how I found the bearing problem. Took the wheel off to find the grinding sound (ie. the rotor on mount) and found that there was play in the hub. So I would say you can potentially go for a bit before there are significant problems although it depends on how long its been there and how much play you are currently noticing. I was disappointed that I couldn't replace the bearing and had to cough up for the whole hub.

 

[Ray Lobato]

I have determined this to be my problem. How long can I drive around on it uintil I can get it fixed. At 400 to get it fixed I need to save for a couple of weeks. I have had several people tell me I should be able to baby it along for a couple of weeks if I have to since its a beraing there shouldnt be too many problems. Any advice is appreciated.

This is something that you can do, and save alot of money doing it.
The hub assembly should only cost around $275.00. This is not hard to change out yourself. I think that there is even a writeup in the useful threads forum, on how to change it.
basicly you have to jack up the truck. pull the wheel, disconnect the tie rod,from the steering knuckle. Take the calipers off and take out the 3 bolts that secure the hub assmebly, and the center nut on the spindle end of the CV, then you can replace the hub assembly with the new hub ammembly.
Ford suggests that you replace the center nut, as it is a pressure nut ans should only be used one time, but I have reused it myself. You will not need any special tools to do this job, ans should only take you 45 minutes to 1 hour, you first time. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[budwich]

I tried to get the center nut from Ford (for the reasons stated... ie. not to re-use). The guys at ford dealership couldn't figure out what it was and / or part number so I ended up re-using the old one. I didn't have to disconnect the tie rod to remove although perhaps it makes the job a bit easier. Overall, not a very hard job for a DIY although the center nut needs a large socket 32~34 mm which up here (canada), Canadian Tire loans for free which helped. Good luck, hope yours holds til you have the dough for a replacement.

 

[94ZebraRanger]

YEah, had the same problems with both sides of my EX. also took out the front rotors. Almost a grand later. it is driving fine, running is another story.

Tim

 

[gijoecam]

Autozone: $164.99 for the hub, and they had the nut there the last time I did one, they just didn't have a listing for it.

$400 had better be the installed price, and should include a reach-around too! Heck, it takes longer to jack the front end up, put it on stands, and remove the wheel than it does to do the rest of the job.

-Joe