Rear wheel squeak on my 2002 2WD Explorer

[Bob Explorer 200]

I've got a 2002 2WD Explorer and the left rear wheel developed a squeak recently. It usually starts squeaking a couple of minutes after I start moving. When I had bearing problems in the past on other vehicles, I usually jacked up one side and rotated the wheel to check for play or grinding noise. Will that method still work for this vehicle?
Also, assuming it is a worn bearing, is it a major job to replace it? I recall reading threads on this forum about how difficult it is to replace a wheel bearing but seem to remember that being on the front wheels. I'm 71 years old with a screwed up rotator cuff in my shoulder, so if it's not too much of a job, I might be able to do it myself in my garage.

Anyway, any help here would be very much appreciated.

 

[TechGuru]

Front is easy. Rear is just as easy if you buy the complete Moog rear hub unit. Otherwise it is very difficult and you'd need a hydraulic press.

 

[Bob Explorer 200]

Front is easy. Rear is just as easy if you buy the complete Moog rear hub unit. Otherwise it is very difficult and you'd need a hydraulic press.

Thanks, TG (again). If it does turn out to be the bearing, it looks like buying the whole modular unit is my only way to go if I'm going to try to do it myself.

 

[fordysenior]

Maybe check out this video to help make the decision.

 

[Bob Explorer 200]

I just wanted to follow up on this. Last week I jacked up and checked the wheel and it turned out to be that the bearing was totally shot. I'm 71 years old with a screwed up shoulder and in need of a knee replacement, so doing a job like this in my garage wasn't really an option. Ended up bringing it to a mechanic who replaced it the hard way (the way fordysenior's video above shows) and he ended up installing new rear emergency brake pads in the process. All to the tune of a few bucks short of $600.00. Ouch!!!