Front wheelbearings
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: North Beach United States
Front wheelbearings
I have a 99' Ranger 4x4 OFFROAD PKG XLT. It has the 3.0L V-6 and the 4x4 is electronic. The front right wheel bearing is going out and I was wondering if anybody could tell me the torque to apply to the wheel bearing when I install a new set. Also, does anyone happen to know where I can get an exploded view of the take down and rebuild of the hub and wheel bearing? And is there anything special I need to know when I install the new bearings?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,411
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From: Central KY
Front wheelbearings
I'm pretty sure Rockledge is right. 1998 and newer Ranger 4x4s have front-end components that are not serviceable. Even the auto-locking hubs have to be completely replaced if they go bad. Just go get some brand new parts and replace what you have.
By the way, just out of curiosity, how many miles does your truck have?
By the way, just out of curiosity, how many miles does your truck have?
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 58
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From: North Beach United States
Front wheelbearings
So what you guys are saying is that I can't replace the wheel bearings individually, I have to replace the 4x4 hub and bearings all at once? Is this something Autozone or Advance Autoparts carries or is it dealer only? By the way I only have 69,000 miles on the truck. The right front wheel grinds when you back up and turn the wheel to the left, but not when you turn the wheel to the right. This problem occured after the dealership put on new front rotors because they failed. Can't go back to the dealership because I can't prove they created the problem. They put the rotors on at 45,000 and the problem began occuring around 50,000. Any replies again would be much appreciated.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,411
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From: Central KY
Front wheelbearings
No, I'm not saying you have to replace the hubs too. I was just stating that you can't service these ball joints, hubs, etc. like you could on older trucks. So if a certain part goes bad, you are better off replacing that part with a new one. At least, that's what my Haynes manual says. I haven't had to replace mine yet (and hope I don't anytime soon).
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Connecticut
Front wheelbearings
If your 4X4 front hub system is the same as on my '98, and I'm pretty sure it is, then the front hubs and bearings are sealed units. This is because they are vaccum actuated hubs. The large nut is factory preset and cannot be re-torqued. If you have a bearing problem, I'm fairly certain you have to replace the entire hub/bearing unit.
I'm wondering, are you sure it's a bearing problem? You mention it started after you had your brakes done. Why not bring your truck to a Midas or someplace like that and have them put it up on the lift and re-check the brakes? And you might want to check the brake shields, which are also known to cause a grinding sound when they get dirty.
I'm wondering, are you sure it's a bearing problem? You mention it started after you had your brakes done. Why not bring your truck to a Midas or someplace like that and have them put it up on the lift and re-check the brakes? And you might want to check the brake shields, which are also known to cause a grinding sound when they get dirty.
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: North Beach United States
Front wheelbearings
I know it is not the brakes because I just had new pads put on 3 days ago (I do alot of inner city driving) and the grinding is still there. I'll look into the dust shields. Is there a specific way to make the dust shields stop grinding if in fact they are creating the noise?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Connecticut
Front wheelbearings
If you take the front tire off you will see that the shields are somewhat accessible. However, they are behind the discs, so you have to remove the discs and calipers to completely get at them. They are bolted on from behind, I think. If you do that then you will get a really good view (and a good listen) of things. Myself, once I got to the shield I would blast it (and everything else brake related) with a professional brake cleaner and compressed air while spinning the hubs forward and in reverse, trying to loosen any sand and dirt that might be trapped in between the components.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Vancouver WA
Front wheelbearings
I know it's a different vehicle, but I just had the front bearings re-packed on my '95 F150 a couple weeks ago. When I got it back, the front brakes started making a nasty grinding sound. Needless to say I took it back to the shop. What happened is the guy somehow pulled too hard on the backing plate/dust shield while he was putting the rotor and hub back together. One little tweak on the plate and as is well again.
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: North Beach United States
Front wheelbearings
Thanks guys for your advice. One last question. If the problem is the dust shield and I do not do anything about the grinding will it hurt or do any permanent damage to the front hub area? I know I am full of questions, but sometimes it is just better to have all the facts then none of the facts.
New User
Joined: Mar 2003
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Front wheelbearings
Im just a newbie,
but im just making a suggestion. I had a grinding, kinda clunking noise on my ranger, when i made turns, started and stopped and my noises didn't start until i had my brakes serviced, and i found out that my universal joints in the front were worn, i took the wheels off and inspected the u-joints on it. By the sound of your problem, i don't think its the u-joints, but it couldn't hurt to take a look next time your looking at your truck.
but im just making a suggestion. I had a grinding, kinda clunking noise on my ranger, when i made turns, started and stopped and my noises didn't start until i had my brakes serviced, and i found out that my universal joints in the front were worn, i took the wheels off and inspected the u-joints on it. By the sound of your problem, i don't think its the u-joints, but it couldn't hurt to take a look next time your looking at your truck.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Connecticut
Front wheelbearings
I am not really qualified to give an answer as to whether or not any kind of permanent damage will occur if you leave it alone. That would be a tough call even for a mechanic who hasn't heard it or taken off the tire and examined it for himself. My philososphy is to address things as soon as they come up (budget allowing 
), so If it were mine I would follow up on it.
), so If it were mine I would follow up on it.
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