98 Explorer... Wheel bearings?
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,908
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From: West Mansfield, Ohio
98 Explorer... Wheel bearings?
Hey guys, my brother (who just might chime in here... I had him sign up to FTE) is having some problems with his explorer. I believe the wheel bearings are going out. The faster you go the louder the "roar." There's also the "grinding" feeling, more noticeably on the passenger side floorboard.
We need to replace them, but I understand it is the whole hub assembly that will need to be replaced, correct? Also, how can I tell specifically which one is bad? I pulled the passenger side tire, rotor, caliper and dust shield off and couldnt feel anything when I turned the axle shaft. Is there a way I can tell whether or not one is bad and not the other? One more question pertaining to this... where's the cheapest place to get these assemblies?
Also, the front "stabilizer" link/bars on both sides are broke. How important is it to have these replaced? I'm used to straight axles so I'm not used to this whole SUV 4x4 system yet. Again, cheap place to get these?
Thanks in advance for replies...
We need to replace them, but I understand it is the whole hub assembly that will need to be replaced, correct? Also, how can I tell specifically which one is bad? I pulled the passenger side tire, rotor, caliper and dust shield off and couldnt feel anything when I turned the axle shaft. Is there a way I can tell whether or not one is bad and not the other? One more question pertaining to this... where's the cheapest place to get these assemblies?
Also, the front "stabilizer" link/bars on both sides are broke. How important is it to have these replaced? I'm used to straight axles so I'm not used to this whole SUV 4x4 system yet. Again, cheap place to get these?
Thanks in advance for replies...
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 520
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While you have everything off all you have to do is remove the four bolts behind the hub assembly to get the bearing assembly off. You'll of course have to remove the axle nut anyway and slide the bearing off of the axle, so push the axle back a little bit for easier access to the bearing bolts. (also don't forget to unplug the ABS wire up by the front bumper... don't break the wire!)
once you have the bearing out try rocking it back and forth in your hand.. 1/2 revolution each way. It should spin smooth as glass with just a little bit of stiffness. If it feels rough or loose at all it's causing noise.
Good luck
once you have the bearing out try rocking it back and forth in your hand.. 1/2 revolution each way. It should spin smooth as glass with just a little bit of stiffness. If it feels rough or loose at all it's causing noise.
Good luck
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