I own a 1999 F250 super duty and have the front end apart to service the u joints , I noticed that i have bad axle stub needle bearings on one side. I was wondering what is involved in taking those out and replacing them, it looks like they are held in place with some type of spanner nut. My next question :Would it be worth the cost just to replace the whole bearing hub assembly? The truck has 134000 miles on it.

 

timken hub assembly from AZ are around $400 each. The axle bearing costs like $10 to $20 each. I would only change the axle bearings on both sides, grease well, & make sure the axleshaft isnt damaged.

 

This link might help you out.

Welcome to guzzle's 4x4 Needle Bearing Maintenance Web Page

 

Thanks for the information . I've got one other question. Where would you find a socket for the bearing nut?The nut is 3 5/16 across , and 3 inches across where the slots are located. The Ford dealer didn't have one listed, and none of the auto parts stores had any that were big enough. I suppose if worse came to worse , I could remove it with a punch and hammer , but thats not really my first choice.

 

That nut your talking about is the "non-serviceable" part of your front wheel bearings. The needle bearing comes out separate from the spindle and those nuts. Check out the link that dorman68 posted for ya-

Well... Just re-read that myself
Doesnt go into replacing bearing. It does come out separately though. You dont want to disturb that big spanner nut !

 

I see now, the needle bearings and are driven out and in ,I spent a good part of the morning looking for a tool that does not exist. you live and you learn

 

No worries, and dont feel stupid. Thats what happens when we learn things! We end up saying well yeah duh
Also, just my opinion, thats a lot of miles on those wheel bearings. I've seen as low as 280$ for Timken brand... There is also some info. somewhere about actually adding grease to the inside of the bearings thru the ABS port - get a few more miles out of them...

 

Here's some info I put together when I replaced mine....

2004 F250 Needle Bearing Replacement

 

Absolutely helpful....thanks

 

Can anyone tell me if if the whole front wheel assembly hub and all off a 2005 f250 will fit my 99 f250? Crazy question i know

 

It will NOT fit. If you go to the link 1975stroppebaja posted he made an excellent "How to" on it.