Hub bearings

[fordnut_1993]

My mom has a 1999 explorer and i have a 1993. She had a the front right side bearing go bad and the front passenger side one was getting weak. it has 114,000 miles on it. Is this a common problem?? My 1993 had the front driver side one go out last summer but thats probably due to 180,000 miles and i drove it through some flood waters with friends (i love that truck). So i was just wondering if the bearings going out were a common problem or just something that happened.

 

[eXcali]

I believe they are rated for 100,000 miles. As these are not just a bearing replacement it is not done in preventive maintaince like usual as a bearing replacement runs about $50 for both sides at a shop, and the bearing hub assemblies run about $700.

 

[fordnut_1993]

we spend $500 for both hub/bearing assemblies. and for the specials tools to do it. (the tools we return for a full refund of them) I took it out to test last night and it shudders when you turn to the left. (the car vibrates badly making the interior rattle) and when the 4X4 is turned on and you turn it makes a grinding and whining noise. We don't konw what it is so a friend of my dads is taking it in to look at it (he's the head mechanic at a ford dealership) WTF IS WRONG WITH THIS TRUCK

 

[Lloyd10977]

If you moved the steering while the engine is not running it is possible that you got air in the power steering. That can be resolved by rotating the steering wheel lock to lock several times and you will feel smoothness returning to the steering.

 

[eXcali]

the 1st gen's use regular hub bearing rings right? If so it's not uncommon to get them seated incorrectly on your first attempts. Edit: scratch that I see it's a 99, if it only shakes while turning I would look at the tie rod ends, cheap fix priced them last nite for $14.99 each at advanced auto, $10 at rockauto.

 

[gijoecam]

It sounds to me like the system is engaging the 4wd when it shouldn't be... did you reconnect the wheel speed sensors? Are they seated fully in the connectors? Were the connectors clean?

The popping, groaning, and binding sensation when cornering in 4wd is normal... BAD, but normal. You should not be using 4wd on a high traction surface.

What special tools did you use to change the hub? I've never used anything other than a set of sockets and a couple of wrenches?!!?

-Joe