wheel bearing locknut socket

[MrShorty]

I need to do the wheel bearings on my '92 explorer (auto hubs) and wanted to ask where to get the socket for the locknut. I've found it in a few places on the internet with a wide range of prices. Are the more expensive ones better? What about going to sears or someplace like that and jsut buying a 2-3/8 in. socket? Does the wheel bearing nut require a "special" socket?

 

[Sir Robin]

I wouldn't get one at sears - a "real" drop-forged socket that size is expensive. Check your auto and truck parts stores. When I changed my hubs to manuals, i bought one at Napa auto parts. They sell them specifically for wheel bearing/hub work (its deeper). You might also need an adapter for your socket wrench. The socket I bought needs a 3/4 inch drive.

 

[Robb]

A "normal" thinwall socket that big is easy to break, yea it has a lifetime gaurantee, but that doesn't get your hubs off. Auto parts stores are your best bet. Sears has "impact" sockets which are good quality, but you usually can't buy just the one you want, you have to buy a set of them. You can usually rent these at many auto stores also.

 

[MrShorty]

Thanks for the replies. I guess the reason I asked this question is that I already called the local auto parts stores (checker, autozone, napa, pepboys, carquest). a couple said, "huh what? it doesn't have the locknut with the nothces that the prongs fit into? no I don't have what you're looking for." others just said, "no, I don't carry the 2-3/8 and can't get it." napa said she had it (with rounded corners) for $30. I think i need the regular hex corners, but i'll pull the wheel tonight and be sure. One tool shop in Salt lake (40 mi one way) said he has the regular hex shaped one for $21, but I want to be sure I'll be getting the right one before I spend the gas and time to go up and get it. I'm pretty sure that i found it on the internet for ~$10. check out otctools.com and search for part #1902.

 

[Robb]

Let us know what you find out tonight. I have never had a problem finding a specialty tool between pepboys, trak, and napa.

 

[MrShorty]

just checked, and the nut has rounded corners. looks like i get to decide tonight if i want to buy the one napa has for $30 or the one from another tool store in salt lake who has it for $16 plus drive time and gas.

it gets kind of frustrating. this is the second time i've had a project put on hold for a tool. last time it was the bearing puller for the rear wheel bearings. after all, this has been among the most popular SUV's for years, not to mention the companion ranger that shares many of the same design elements. you'd think these retail stores would have access to these tools. sorry, thanks for letting me blow off some steam.

 

[Sir Robin]

I just dug through my service file.

The 2 3/8 hex socket sold at Napa is made by KD Tools. Napa part number 2432; KD Tools p/n KDS2432. $28.99 plus tax. The description on the Napa receipt is SP Wrench (spindle wrench?).

By the way, the real spindle nut wrench for the Warn manual hubs is actually a Napa tool, part number 2467. $21.49 plus tax. Description on the receipt is also SP Wrench.

 

[MrShorty]

did one side tonight. the napa part number i got is kd 2434; i don't know what the difference is. everything went well after i remembered to pull the keyway out. fortunately i didn't break anything. found a little surprise in doing the job. my brakes were gone and had ground some nice grooves on the inside side of the rotors. hopefully get the other side done tomorrow.