Stud replacement on '98 4x4

[NCSUDockhand]

Sort of had a mishap while rotating my tires this weekend. One of the studs sheared off on the front driver's side. I was going to replace it, but it was getting dark and I couldn't see an easy way to do it. I figured I'd start a thread to make sure that I am correct in my assumptions and in case anyone can give me any advice about problems I may encounter....

I was able to remove the caliper very easily, but apparently I have to remove the bracket as well to get the rotor off? From memory, I believe that consists of removing two very large rusted bolts (which I will blast with PB blaster)? Then will the rotor just come off? Will the studs be pressed into the rotor itself or a hub behind it? Will I need any special tools to remove anything? Any other maintenance I should perform while I've got everything that far apart? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[KPT]

Yes you need to remove the two bolts that hold the caliper bracket on to get the rotor off.

The studs are pressed into the spindle/hub behind the rotor.

The rotor will probably be hard to remove from the spindle. I had to take the spindle & rotor off the truck and hit the spindle with a hammer until it seperated. I wouldn't reccomend that method though, I only did it because I was replacing the spindle/hub.

 

[NCSUDockhand]

Good, so assuming that the rotor comes off, I will not have to adjust or re-pack the bearings.....

 

[KPT]

You can't adjust/repack the front bearings on 95+ explorers. They're a non-servicable part, I think because the ABS sensor is part of the spindle/hub/bearings.

 

[rfuree11]

^I learned that one the expensive way^ even though it wasnt me messin around, it was just a bad bearing