4X4 Spindle Bearing Problem

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May 2, 2004 | 11:12 AM

Dog_Driver

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Joined: Feb 2004

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From: Fairbanks, Alaska

4X4 Spindle Bearing Problem

I'm in the process of replacing the ball joints in my '93 F-150 (5.0 liter, super-cab). When we pulled off the rotor, the inner and outer bearings are almost new and still in great shape so we're not replacing them. The bearing in the spindle however is an entirely different story. It looks like the seal gave out many miles ago and the bearing is completely shot so it will be replaced. The problem is, it appears that the outer race of the bearing is rusted into the spindle and will not come out. We tried using a bearing puller/slide hammer but had no effect. We then took a small cold chisel to the bearing in an attempt to try and get it loose, but all we managed to do was to tear out the inner race and the needle bearings (no big deal seeing that we were going to toss it anyway).

Any ideas, tips, directions that you can give me for getting the bloody thing out and to restore the spindle so I can put the new bearing in will be a BIG help. What was supposed to be a 2-3 hour job has now turned into a 7 hour job and I just got the spindle back on!

Thanks!

May 2, 2004 | 11:33 AM

wick246

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I changed mine out a couple of weeks ago. I had to take a long (about 8 - 10") brass punch and bend one end of it about 30 deg. a couple of inches from its end. I then had to grind that end of the punch on an angle so it would grab the lip of the bearing race (if your race still has an edge or lip to use). I then put the punch down through the outboard opening of the spindle, placed the inboard end of the spindle on flat cement and beat down on it. You will just have to experiment with making a punch that will grab the race. I had to take even new spindle bearings out (see below) and even they were tough to get out.

My new spindle bearings came with what I thought was grease and were pre-lubed however in the Ford service manual it states that this is a corrosion preventative shipping gel and not a lubricant. They need to be cleaned and packed with bearing grease before you install them.

May 4, 2004 | 02:27 AM

Superdave

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Joined: Sep 1999

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From: Indiana

I have always used a long punch and knocked them out from the back side of the spindle.

I have also had to use a die grinder before, on ones that would not just give up. Just touch a grinding stone to the inside radius of the bearing cage. Grind it a little bit at a time until it gets thin enough to crack it when hit with a small chisel and hammer.

Be gentle if you have to go this route.