Repacking wheel bearings

[Chubbyfresh]

I need to repack the wheel bearings on my 93 xlt. I have repacked the bearings on other cars, but never on one with four wheel drive, nevermind auto locking hubs. I pulled the front tires to see what it was about and was faced with a grooved shaft with several flat metal rings on it. The whole assembly was smeared with grease - this is bad I understand... I tried to gently ge the rings off, but I didn't want to f anything up so I didn't wind up getting them off. I called up my local shop and they said $220 to repack both wheel bearings - this seems crazy to me for a tube of marine grease and some labor.

Could anyone help me out with the procedure to get the hubs off - and any tricks or tips about repacking the wheel bearings??

much thanks

 

[Creager]

1) pull the hubs off

2) get a screw driver and a rag, put your finger on one side of the snap ring (it will be kind of hidden in all that greese) and pry/press with the screw driver on the otherside of the snap ring and it should snap right off

2) pull the spindle ring off

3) pull the cam assemply off

4) i think there is something else that goes here

5) finally you get to the wheel bearing nut, you might need a special tool for this since its hexed shaped and i think its 2 3/4 inch? i cant remember; some times it just comes off hand tight. those things are notorious for sucking so just go get the warn manual hubs and spindle nut kit while you still can!

once thats off the outter wheelbearing will pop right out, the inner wheel bearing is in the roater (whatever its spelled) you gotta get a new wheel bearing seal since your gonna probably destroy the old one getting the inner one out, i just put grease in there without taking the seal out, but dont lisson to me my cars make all kinds of funny noises.

I got the manual locking hub/spindle nut kit from warn so i dont exaclty how the original assembly went. it isnt too difficult.

 

[DeRocha]

Welcome to the site. You'll find lots of great info hear, but finding it is usually half the battle. Check out this 1st Gen Brake job thread. It contains an extensive write up with highly detailed photos.

 

[Chubbyfresh]

Thanks a lot guys - this site is pretty invaluable.

 

[Jason94sport]

Welcome to the site. You'll find lots of great info hear, but finding it is usually half the battle. Check out this 1st Gen Brake job thread. It contains an extensive write up with highly detailed photos.

Word up!

That thread is a great info tool!

 

[Chubbyfresh]

I replaced the front brake pads this summer, but did not replace the rotors (stupid I know - such a cheap part). now I have a slight shimmy in the stearing wheel when I step on the brakes - nothing too bad, but I wonder if it's a good idea to replace the rotors while I have them off. I've heard you can't have them turned if there is abs. Will putting on new rotors with the same pads affect anything? It seems that it might take some life off the pads but should be ok... any thoughts?

 

[Ford_Racing_Guy]

always change your pads when you change the rotors.

and you will have to buy new oil seals for the inside bearings,

actually if you are now talking about getting new rotors i would just replace the rotors bearings and pads all at once

 

[DeRocha]

You can turn rotors with ABS. I've had my rotors turned twice before getting new ones... If you get new rotors they will/should come with new bearing races pressed in. If your bearings are older than 100K then I would installed new bearings at the same time. Others have re-used old bearings in new races, but that doesn't make much sense to me. You can re-use your old pads provided they are uniform. If they are questionable I would recommend biting the bullet and get new ones. New pads will obviously last longer, and be less problematic than re-using your old ones.