Rear wheel bearings replace and rear diff ?????

[sullen]

So I need to do my rear wheel bearing and I’m a little confused......

I have (what may be a stupid) question.
I’m seeing how-to’s on replacing the rear wheel bearings including draining the rear diff, and removing the spider gears.
Then seeing some videos on the procedure where there is no mention of this, and the hub assembly is just removed.

I’ve never done the rears, recently done the fronts. Planning on getting and replacing the whole hub assembly, not pulling and just replacing the bearings.

So do I need to drain and pull gears?
Or just remove the hub assembly???

 

[imp]

So I need to do my rear wheel bearing and I’m a little confused......

I have (what may be a stupid) question.
I’m seeing how-to’s on replacing the rear wheel bearings including draining the rear diff, and removing the spider gears.
Then seeing some videos on the procedure where there is no mention of this, and the hub assembly is just removed.

I’ve never done the rears, recently done the fronts. Planning on getting and replacing the whole hub assembly, not pulling and just replacing the bearings.

So do I need to drain and pull gears?
Or just remove the hub assembly???[/QUOTE
@sullen

The rear suspension with independent suspension does not use "hubs". The wheel bearings are called that because they support the vehicle out at the wheels. They are pressed into "knuckles" which in turn carry the weight to the frame.

Bearings inside the differential center section which support the inner ends of the axle shafts are called "inner axle shaft bearings". The splined end of the inner part of the axle shaft, supported by a bearing on each side, enters the differential side gear, having a female spline, which is in turn driven by the differential "spider" gear, which is forced to rotate with the differential carrier, having the ring gear being rotated by the center section pinion gear, turned by the driveshaft. Follow the power flow?

There are 6 bearings in the center section: pinion 2, diff carrier 2, and the axle shaft bearings, 1 on each side. Now yer out to the wheel bearings in the knuckles. They are a difficult home job to replace, usually a very tight press fit, requiring correct-sized plugs or bushings to press them in or out. I use 3/4"-drive socket wrenches. Sometimes hammer out, usually require a hydraulic press.

 

[Larryjb]

Fordmakuloco is a great resource:


Do you have a solid rear axle or independent suspension like the one in the video? That probably makes a difference.

 

[Larryjb]

By the way, it's no fun removing the knuckle. A high torque impact will be helpful for the bolts.

 

[imp]

Fordmakuloco is a great resource:


Do you have a solid rear axle or independent suspension like the one in the video? That probably makes a difference.

@Larryjb

His OP stated 2004: independent. I wouldn't take all the effort if I thought it were a solid axle, I've caught Makuloc in several mistakes, cleverly hidden, like a "bad" rear wheel speed sensor causing ridiculous non-related symptoms, but fixed them. Watch for B.S.

 

[Larryjb]

@Larryjb

His OP stated 2004: independent. I wouldn't take all the effort if I thought it were a solid axle, I've caught Makuloc in several mistakes, cleverly hidden, like a "bad" rear wheel speed sensor causing ridiculous non-related symptoms, but fixed them. Watch for B.S.

I didn't catch that in his original post. Did he delete part of it?

 

[Mbrooks420]

It’s the third gen forum, and his profile says 2004.

 

[sullen]

Great thanks guys. Yes it’s an 2004 4.0 4x4 EB

Good to hear it because I wasn’t really looking forward to draining fluid and messing with gears, on top of fighting with the knuckle.

I don’t have an impact gun, just a large breaker bar.

 

[Larryjb]

It’s the third gen forum, and his profile says 2004.

Sorry, I knew he had a 3rd generation Explorer. From his question I wasn't sure if Ford used two kinds of rear axles/suspensions in that generation. I have my answer now.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Sorry, I knew he had a 3rd generation Explorer. From his question I wasn't sure if Ford used two kinds of rear axles/suspensions in that generation. I have my answer now.

No need for sorrys . I’ve assumed by someone’s signature, or profile, and they had since bought a newer model, or posted in the wrong forum.

 

[sullen]

@Larryjb
Watch for B.S.

Yes a lot of that going around.

Does anyone know the axle nut size on the rear of a 2004???

I have the shop manual, it gives the torque spec and the part number, I googled the part # to no avail ((it’s n808405-s100 fwiw))

Results on google and forums are all over the place, anywhere from 30 to 36

 

[TechGuru]

Does anyone know the axle nut size on the rear of a 2004???

35mm

 

[sullen]

By the way, it's no fun removing the knuckle. A high torque impact will be helpful for the bolts.

Yeah you ain’t kidding!!

Doing it all with hand tools, and at this point I kinda wish I had brought it to someone and enjoyed my Sunday on the couch, but I’m almost halfway through it.

Will know better when the driver side goes....

 

[Larryjb]

When you see the shop quote, you'll change your mind when you realize how much beer you can get with the money you save.

Sorry, bad character recognition when not at a real keyboard.... Text has been corrected.

 

[ExplorerRider]

No need for sorrys . I’ve assumed by someone’s signature, or profile, and they had since bought a newer model, or posted in the wrong forum.

I actually just had a well-respected local mechanic over over 40 yrs put new hubs & bearings all the way around my 2005 Explorer XLT. Now, sometimes, whenever I turn right, I get a chirping or squeaking sound. Also noticed front passenger tire is wearing unevenly. Should I also replace the knuckles, & should I get an alignment? Thnx in advance.

 

[TechGuru]

I actually just had a well-respected local mechanic over over 40 yrs put new hubs & bearings all the way around my 2005 Explorer XLT. Now, sometimes, whenever I turn right, I get a chirping or squeaking sound. Also noticed front passenger tire is wearing unevenly. Should I also replace the knuckles, & should I get an alignment? Thnx in advance.

You mean you didn't immediately get an alignment after replacing all those parts?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

 

[ExplorerRider]

You mean you didn't immediately get an alignment after replacing all those parts?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

I've driven it from the shop to my home & back to the shop once. And that's it! Was planning on having it done on pay day.

 

[ExplorerRider]

You mean you didn't immediately get an alignment after replacing all those parts?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

Matter of fact... I just called a fella who can get me in tomorrow morning & who will do it for $125. Everyone else wanted more, but I can do $125

 

[TechGuru]

Matter of fact... I just called a fella who can get me in tomorrow morning & who will do it for $125. Everyone else wanted more, but I can do $125

My last alignment was about $85 at Ford QuickLane...was before the pandemic though...no idea what they charge now...

 

[ExplorerRider]

My last alignment was about $85 at Ford QuickLane...was before the pandemic though...no idea what they charge now...

Cheapest one in the town of Cape Girardeau, MO anyway... Pandemic price-gouging BS