Rear Knuckle replacement issues

[02limited40]

This is my first post, so if this topic has been discussed in length I apologize.

This is my problem: Purchased an 02 explorer with some problems. Fixed all the problems and finishing by replacing the rear lateral links (toe adjuster rods) on both sides. Removed the old links and attempted to install the new ones. They would not fit. Called the parts store and was assured they where the correct part, even though they appear to be to big....Finally after using a pry bar and hammer to separate the knuckle far enough to fit the new links I installed them. While tightening them down I busted BOTH rear knuckles due bending the knuckle to far when I pried them apart. Got online and did some research. This is where I stand.

My vehicle obviously has the 15mm knuckles and I purchased 17mm links. (as discussed on the forums).....

My Problem: I'm looking at car-part.com for used parts and found that I can get both rear knuckles with the 17mm size for $250.00... Ok great, I'll just "upgrade" to the new design... From what I see the 15mm style has ABS sensors in the knuckle and the updated 17mm design has the abs sensors in the rear differential....so the question I have to ask is... If I install the "updated" rear knuckles without the abs sensors how do I get the ABS light to turn off? The 15mm knuckles are few and far between, so I'm at a loss of what I need to do... Thanks for your response.

Or does the ABS sensor go through the knuckle onto the wheel bearing? If this is the case can I just remove/reuse my old wheel bearing (HUB assembly) and install it onto the 17mm knuckle? I know the bearing may need to be replaced, but can I reuse the part that has the wheel studs pressed in? (not sure where the abs sensor is located on the rear wheels)

 

[Ronin8002]

Even if you upgrade knuckles, wouldn't you just re-use the existing ABS sensor that is installed on the rear differential of your truck? I must be missing something since it doesn't sound like there is any problem with what you are planning on doing.

You wouldn't be able to use the ones on the knuckles anyway since your ABS harness only is set up for one ABS sensor (the one inside the diff) and not the "one on each knuckle" configuration.

This is my first post, so if this topic has been discussed in length I apologize.

This is my problem: Purchased an 02 explorer with some problems. Fixed all the problems and finishing by replacing the rear lateral links (toe adjuster rods) on both sides. Removed the old links and attempted to install the new ones. They would not fit. Called the parts store and was assured they where the correct part, even though they appear to be to big....Finally after using a pry bar and hammer to separate the knuckle far enough to fit the new links I installed them. While tightening them down I busted BOTH rear knuckles due bending the knuckle to far when I pried them apart. Got online and did some research. This is where I stand.

My vehicle obviously has the 15mm knuckles and I purchased 17mm links. (as discussed on the forums).....

My Problem: I'm looking at car-part.com for used parts and found that I can get both rear knuckles with the 17mm size for $250.00... Ok great, I'll just "upgrade" to the new design... From what I see the 15mm style has ABS sensors in the knuckle and the updated 17mm design has the abs sensors in the rear differential....so the question I have to ask is... If I install the "updated" rear knuckles without the abs sensors how do I get the ABS light to turn off? The 15mm knuckles are few and far between, so I'm at a loss of what I need to do... Thanks for your response.

Or does the ABS sensor go through the knuckle onto the wheel bearing? If this is the case can I just remove/reuse my old wheel bearing (HUB assembly) and install it onto the 17mm knuckle? I know the bearing may need to be replaced, but can I reuse the part that has the wheel studs pressed in? (not sure where the abs sensor is located on the rear wheels)

 

[02limited40]

I should clarify. I'm not near the truck at this time and am uncertain if the vehicle has two rear ABS sensors in the hubs or just one.

I'll find out which set-up I have and go route.

 

[Ronin8002]

I should clarify. I'm not near the truck at this time and am uncertain if the vehicle has two rear ABS sensors in the hubs or just one.

I'll find out which set-up I have and go route.

99.9% sure you have just one on the diff. That's how my 04 was. I don't think they started doing the hub mounted sensors until later in 04. You can tell by getting under the truck and checking the top side of the rear diff...should look like this:

that pic was taken from the passenger side through the gap between the fenderwell lining and the upper control arm.

 

[tower]

I agree with Ronin8002 you should only have the one in the rear end. $250.00 you might want to check e-bay, I replaced mine on the pass side got it used off e-bay for like $60, it's just a hunk of cast as long as it's not broken it should be good.

 

[02limited40]

Found a left one with a good wheel bearing for $75. Found a right one with a bad wheel bearing for $75....

Cost to replace both hubs with wheel bearings
$150 + 30 for wheel bearing + labor = $150
Both lateral links from MOOG - $140.00

Bought the 17mm links from a company that just recently stopped selling MOOG parts. Called them and they told me 3 times that the 17mm part will ABSOLUTELY fit. Yesterday I learned not to use a pry bar and hammer to separate a piece of cast more than 1/8 of an inch or it WILL break when trying to bend it back. (tighten down the bolts)

Thanks everyone for the help.