Hello everyone.
I have a 95 4x4 F-150, and I believe that I have to replace the front wheel bearings. I have been hearing some cracking, squeaking, and poping from the front left wheel, and when I put it up on the jacks to inspect the noise it really sounds like its coming from wheel bearing location. Also when spun the rotation slowes very quickly compaired to the tire on the other side.
I went to pull the hub off but I hit a snag. This is my first 4x4, and from what I've been told there should be a ratchet nut on the front of the automatic locking hub for me to remove, so I can remove the automatic hub. I proceded to remove all the split rings, but once they were all removed I could not find exactly what was need to remove this ~%$*@! hub. Can anyone tell me how I can remove it, or send me too a technical web site that has a good explenation on how to remove it. Trust me I've asked every mechanic I know, and all I get from them is "dunno I never had one of them apart"..
HeLp..

 

That clicking and pop noise is likely coming from the automatic hub rather than the bearings. While removing the hub, you can find where the noise is coming from.

To remove the hubs, first remove the 3 torx head capscrews from the hub. These break easily so take it easy when removing them.
Remove the cap part of the hub once the screws are out.
Remove the lockring that is seated in the groove of the front disc brake hub/rotor. A couple of small screwdrivers and some patience helps to remove this ring.
Remove the body assembly from the hub/rotor assembly. You can put a couple of capscrews back in the body to help pull it out.

At this point, you might want to rotate the wheel to see if that click or pop is still there. If the wheel turns easily (make sure the disc brakes are not touching the rotor while doing this) and there is no noise, the noise is likely a hub problem.

To continue with hub removal, remove the snap ring from the groove in the stub shaft. Lock ring pliers are needed to do this.
Remove the three thrust washers from the shaft. These washers are different from each other and have to be reinstalled *exactly* like they were removed.
Remove the cam assembly from the hub/rotor by pulling it out. The hubs are now completely removed.

To remove the bearings, first remove the wheel and then the disc brake caliper. Wire the caliper out of the way.
Remove the bearing nut lockring. Carefully pull this out with needle nosed pliers.
Remove the bearing retaining nut. I think you need a 2 1/2 inch locknut wrench for this nut (a special tool of course).

Remove the hub/rotor assembly to access and inspect the bearings.

Lou Braun

 

The socket you need is a" 2 1/2 rounded hex locknut socket", corresponds to Ford No. T95T-1197-A. Alternatives: MAC Tools WBS 7795 A, The Toolwarehouse OTC 6795. These are for 1995-96 truck and full-size Bronco with automatic locking hubs. I need one myself, ordered one throu a Snap-On dealer but it was not the right one, borrowed one from a Truckworkshop- not the right one.These trucks are not common here in Sweden, neither are the special tools. Most US autopartsstores do not send international, The Toolwarehousese does-minimum order 1000 Dollars!

 

just a word for the wise once you get you automatic hub apart, take and throw them as far as you can. These are nothing but junk and you will continue to have constant problems. Put standard locking hubs in there place and you not only will have no more noise, but you won't have to worry about whether or not the hubs are going to lock when you need them.