First of all, I would like to thank all of the folks who have responded to my previous posts! I love this site, like having Chiltons x 10!!!

Anyway, new motor but the truck has 195,000. The front wheel bearings have never been serviced. Thinking of doing this while putting on new brake rotors. Are the bearings 'pressed' or will they come out easily inside and out? Also, what grease would you suggest? I'm sure I will have to replace the seal.
Anyone ever done this?
Thanks a bunch.

Chris

 

It's not hard at all the outer bearing is floater but on the inner the oil seal has to be removed to get that bearing out. This requires a special tool to get those 4 prong nuts off. J.C. Whitney has them cheap. Its much easier than with a chisal. I use mystic high temp disk brake wheel bearing grease. Better than anything i've ever used before

 

I'm assuming the truck is the one in your sig. The new rotors should come with races already in them. Just take out the cotter pin, remove the nut and washer, and pull off the old rotor. New bearings generally come with the races, so if the rotor doesn't have them, you are covered. If that is the case, take the rotors and bearings to a shop and have someone press the races in. This is kinda tricky without the right tools and know-how, but can be done. Repacking bearings isn't hard, but a little lengthy to get into here. Put the inner bearing into the rotor, and, using a block of wood and a hammer, lightly seat it. Put the rotor on the spindle, and make sure it's seated all the way. Then, install the outer bearing, washer and nut. Tighten down the nut finger tight, then, using a pair of channel locks, tighten it down a little while spinning the rotor. Back the nut off about a turn, bring it back to finger tight, and, while spinning the rotor again, give it about another half a turn. Line up the hole, put in a new cotter pin, and put on your grease cap. Now you have a new rotor on your truck.
Before installing the caliper, though, just put on the wheel with two lugs, and make sure you can't wobble it around.

Jared

 

I just went through this with my "new" 85 F150. Don't forget the spindle bearing behind the hub. Adds a little more work but your almost there anyway if you replace the rotors. Glad I did it, had to replace the axle shaft - the bearing was full of grit and grime so it tore up the shaft. Just my $.02 worth.

jw

 

He's got a 2WD - no spindle bearing or axle shaft.

 

also no goofy nut needing a special socket........

Jared

 

Thanks a TON ! Lot more confident about tackling this job now!