Front wheel bearing replacement

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Oct 13, 2010 | 06:49 PM

KiwiFord

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Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 280

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From: Wanganui, New Zealand

Front wheel bearing replacement

Hey all,
I need to replace the uni joints on my truck, the ones on the front diff by the steering knuckle, and I figure while I am there I may as well do the front wheel bearings.
I have a 1977 F150 Ranger 4x4 with a spicer 44 front axle in it.
What size socket will I need to undo the wheel bearing retainer nut?
Are there any pitfalls I need to watch out for doing this job?
Has anyone bought wheel bearings from NPD or LMC? Who has the better brand?
Cheers,
Shane

Oct 13, 2010 | 08:22 PM

CraigOutdoors

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Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 544

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I got the bearings on mine from NAPA when I did my wheel bearings. The only problem I ran into was on the back. The bearings/races that I got weren't right. The right bearings came with the wrong races. I had to take the old ones in and match up numbers. Double check the part numbers on the bearings and races you get to make sure before you grease them up. For me the easiest way to remove the races on the front hubs was to turn the hubs over and drive them out from the inside a little at a time with a long and somewhat thin drift.

Sorry, I don't remember the size on the nuts, but do make sure you torque them to spec. The chilton's book I had gave the spec for it.

Oct 13, 2010 | 10:33 PM

c.l.nye

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Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 563

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the front takes a special socket with 4 "teeth" instead of a hex design. I dont know if you have a autozone type store in NZ but these should be a fairly easy part to find.