Should I do it myself?

[OldRscl]

New Guy...
Just realized our '03 Mountaineer needs brakes and probably rotors all around, and I've been told the front hub and bearing ass'y needs to be replaced (drivers side) seems like a good opportunity to do all at once. Problem is, its several years since I've done a brake job, so am wondering if there are any problems or tricks doing this on a newer model like this. Also, should I attempt the hub and bearing job? I'm pretty good mechanically and have tons of tools. Input and advice is appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Sams01XplrSprt]

welcome oldrsc

 

[Blee1099]

New Guy...
Just realized our '03 Mountaineer needs brakes and probably rotors all around, and I've been told the front hub and bearing ass'y needs to be replaced (drivers side) seems like a good opportunity to do all at once. Problem is, its several years since I've done a brake job, so am wondering if there are any problems or tricks doing this on a newer model like this. Also, should I attempt the hub and bearing job? I'm pretty good mechanically and have tons of tools. Input and advice is appreciated.
Thanks

Brake jobs are fairly simple as well as the wheel bearings.. I'd go pickup a Chilton/Haynes manual just to be safe.

 

[Cobra Jet]

A complete brake job is simple on the 2002-2005 Explorers, nothing like the older Explorers... When it's time for you to price out brake parts, take a minute to search my user name on here and find the brake thread I posted, I'm sure it will benefit you.

As for the bearings, if they are anything like those found on the same year F150's, it's a complete hub assembly w/ the ABS tone ring & new ABS sensor included w/ the part. It's basically a single part... I've replaced both L & R hub assembly's on my Brother's F150 and like I said, if the Explorer is the same setup - it's extremely easy. Do get a Haynes manual from your local auto parts store, it helps and has the torque specs for when reinstalling. I hope the Explorer hub assembly's are not as expensive as the F150 - those suckers cost in excess of $200 per side! We bought them at the local Advance Auto. You can also price them out on www.rockauto.com (also search by googleing for a rock auto discount code, which is 5% off your order, it helps) - they're probably cheaper from RockAuto, but we needed ours ASAP.... I've bought from Rock Auto before, great prices, fast shipping and never an issue (plus, they also stock Motorcraft parts for less than the Dealer).

BTW - we did not need any power tools for R&Ring the hub assemblies on the F150 - nor did I need any power tools for doing the complete brake job on my Explorer in case you're wondering.



Good luck!

 

[Thelt]

I think the bearings require a press....

 

[gsmaclean]

I think the bearings require a press....

If you want to get the bearing hubs off the splined shaft correctly, you need a puller. Some people have at it with a block of wood and a big hammer, but I value my CV joints more than that, so I bought the puller.

 

[Curtis]

Cant comment on bearings, but brakes are simple!
First time I did them on a 3rd gen, I had all 4 done and cleaned up in less than an hr.

 

[OldRscl]

Many Thanks!

Thanks to all that posted replies to my original post, I certainly appreciate it!
I'm going into this thing with a lot more confidence than previously, and don't expect any problems. Parts are in tomorrow, and this weekend I'll do the job. I'll post again Monday and let you all know how it went!!
I do have several pullers so hopefully one of them will work. And thanks to the online local library I can pull the Chiltons section for reference...

 

[5Cent]

Thanks to all that posted replies to my original post, I certainly appreciate it!
I'm going into this thing with a lot more confidence than previously, and don't expect any problems. Parts are in tomorrow, and this weekend I'll do the job. I'll post again Monday and let you all know how it went!!
I do have several pullers so hopefully one of them will work. And thanks to the online local library I can pull the Chiltons section for reference...

How did it go? I'm curious about the front bearing/hub assemblies, any issues there? Do you need a puller?

 

[gsmaclean]

How did it go? I'm curious about the front bearing/hub assemblies, any issues there? Do you need a puller?

It depends. Do you want to pound on your (expensive) CV joints and differential seals with a hammer to get the shafts out? Or do you want to do it gently, quickly, and easily with a puller?

 

[5Cent]

It depends. Do you want to pound on your (expensive) CV joints and differential seals with a hammer to get the shafts out? Or do you want to do it gently, quickly, and easily with a puller?

If one was set on this method then the question would not have been asked.

I've done plenty of wrenching, but just have never pulled a hub, or atleast not one looking to have to replace it.

So with your great insight I assume it's highly advised

Calling Advance Auto now

 

[jrford]

I just tried to do mine, i also live in a great salt state, doesn't help. Brakes are easy but for the bearings it depends. Biggest problem is getting the bolts out of the back of the hub, there are tricks but the biggest help is GOOD compressed air and a real strong impact wrench, thin walled sockets to clear the CV joint. Next is the Hub, if original they seemed to glue it in with RTV, again air and an air chisel seems to do the trick. The spline CV shaft that was the easy part tap a piece of wood and a BFH should do it. I bought the puller too, it was only for the shaft not the bearing. To pull the bearing if you have a hub puller and slide hammer that may work too. It might help if you soak the bolts for a week . . .

To get to the hub it takes about 15 min, after that, i spent two hours on those bolts alone, i got two out but the third was stuck halfway, it wont budge, then it started to snow . . .the shop guy got those bolts out in 15 min with air, but it took him about 45min to get the hub out. First bearing to his credit took the same guy only 30min start to finish, so it really depends.

 

[suzy1052]

Get the 15.00 puller-you wont regret it.

 

[gsmaclean]

Get the 15.00 puller-you wont regret it.

Agreed. $15 is worth avoiding the frustration and damage you'll do using a hammer. Do it the right way, and you'll still have the puller for the NEXT time your bearings pack it in.

 

[Rocketheavy]

i just replaced my drivers side hub assembly in my 98. took out the 3 bolts that hold it in from the back and the thing basically fell out. i was told i might need a hammer to get it out but luckily i didn't need one. I think your 03' would be the same but im not sure about that. As for the pads and rotors, all you need is time, something to push the piston back on the caliper, and a breaker bar if you live where the put salt on the roads in the winter. good luck!