Hey guys im an older member i had a 99; F-350 and was from that forum. The wife and I picked up an explorer and the front wheel bearing is shot. Does anyone have a Chiltons break-down on how to replace the driver side front wheel bearing. Some more info on the car, its 04' ford explorer, with the 4.0. 4 w/d, not the sport track. Thanks in advance to anyone that can help.

 

the 4 wheel drives have a hub / bearing unit that you replace. You do not change just teh bearing. Basically you jack up the tire, remove tire/ rim, remove the axle nut in the center lf the hub and push the alxe inward 1 inch. Remove brake caliper and disc. Reach around the backside of the hub unit and remove the 3 bolts holding the hub to the knuckle. Then pull the hub unit off... Works same as all front wheel drive cars and 4 x 4 newer trucks ( last 10 years or so). Bearings are permanent sealed, can not be greased.. I will post a youtube movie if i can find one... Bearing/ hub is about $200 at Auto Zone.. you can get one off e-bay for about $80. MOST are made in china these days.

 

i did not watch the whole movie but this will probalby give you a good idea....

YouTube - ‪Auto Repair: Replace Front Hub Ford Explorer Sport Trac Mercury Mountaineer 95-05 - 1AAuto.com‬‏

 

Good video, just like the one I repaired last month... Philip

 

One word of caution when replacing the hub/wheel bearings... you get what you pay for! I purchased 2 hubs from Advance Auto for my '96 Explorer and could tell the drivers side was bad before I made it past the neighbors driveway (50 ft.).

 

thank you all for the posts i really appreciate the help.

 

We offer three different options on these.We carry generic, Motorcraft and also the Timkin bearings for this year Explorer.

Here's a link to them on the site.

2004 Explorer Bearing Hub Assembly